What You Need to Know Before Moving Your License

Georgia does not automatically recognize a Florida esthetician license. You will need to go through Georgia's licensing process, which involves meeting their specific education and exam requirements. The good news is that Florida and Georgia have similar standards, so you may not need additional schooling — but you do need to submit an process to the Georgia Board of Cosmetology and verify that your training meets their rules.

The process typically takes four to eight weeks from the time you submit your complete process. You cannot legally work as an esthetician in Georgia on your Florida license, even temporarily, so you should start this process before you move or plan to work in Florida until your Georgia license arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's Board of Cosmetology reviews your Florida training to confirm it meets Georgia's 750-hour minimum requirement before you can move forward.
  • You will need to submit official transcripts from your Florida school, a copy of your Florida license, and a completed Georgia process form to the state board.
  • Georgia requires you to pass the Georgia state board exam even if you passed Florida's exam, though some states offer reciprocity exams that are shorter.
  • The process fee is typically under $200, and exam fees vary by testing center but usually run $100 to $150.
  • You cannot work in Georgia as an esthetician until your license is officially issued — working without one can result in fines and legal action against you.

Step 1: Verify Your Florida Training Meets Georgia Standards

Before you submit anything, contact the Georgia Board of Cosmetology directly to confirm that your Florida esthetician training will count toward Georgia's requirements. Georgia requires a minimum of 750 hours of esthetician training. If your Florida school gave you fewer hours, you may need to complete additional coursework at a Georgia school before you can test.

Call the Georgia Board of Cosmetology at 404-656-3900 or visit their website at sos.ga.gov/plb/cosmetology. Have your Florida license number and the name of your Florida school ready. The board can tell you in one call whether your hours will transfer or whether you need more training. This step takes 10 minutes and saves you from submitting an incomplete process.

Step 2: Request Official Transcripts from Your Florida School

Contact the esthetician school where you completed your training in Florida and request official transcripts showing the hours you completed and the date you graduated. Ask the school to send the transcripts directly to the Georgia Board of Cosmetology — do not pick them up yourself, because Georgia requires them to come sealed from the school.

Most schools can send transcripts within three to five business days. If your school has closed or you cannot locate it, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) at 850-487-1395. They maintain records of all licensed estheticians and can sometimes provide proof of your training hours if your school is no longer operating.

Step 3: Complete the Georgia process Form

read the esthetician license process from the Georgia Board of Cosmetology website. The form asks for your personal information, your Florida license number, your school name and graduation date, and your Social Security number. You will also need to declare whether you have any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions against your Florida license.

Fill out the form completely and sign it. Incomplete applications are returned without processing, which delays your timeline by two to three weeks. Make a copy for your records before you mail it. Send the process, a copy of your Florida license, your official transcripts, and the process fee (typically $150 to $200, depending on the current fee schedule) to the address listed on the board's website.

Step 4: Register for and Pass the Georgia Exam

Once the Georgia Board of Cosmetology receives and approves your process, they will send you an approval letter and exam authorization. You will then register with the testing vendor — currently Pearson VUE — to schedule your exam. The exam covers Georgia-specific laws and regulations, sanitation standards, and esthetician techniques.

You can schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center in Georgia or in another state if you prefer. The exam costs between $100 and $150, depending on the testing center. Most people schedule their exam within one to two weeks of receiving their authorization letter. Exam results are usually available within 24 hours of testing.

Step 5: Receive Your Georgia License

After you pass the exam, the Georgia Board of Cosmetology will issue your esthetician license. You will receive your license card by mail within two to three weeks. Your license is valid for two years from the date of issue. You can begin working as an esthetician in Georgia only after you receive your official license card — not before.

Keep your license card with you while you work. Georgia law requires you to display your license in your workplace or carry it if you work mobile. Renewal happens every two years and requires continuing education hours (typically 16 hours) and a renewal fee.

What Happens If Your process Is Denied or Incomplete

If the board finds that your Florida training does not meet Georgia's 750-hour requirement, they will notify you in writing. You then have the option to complete additional hours at a Georgia esthetician school. Some schools offer accelerated programs for licensed estheticians from other states, which can take as little as four to eight weeks depending on how many hours you need.

If your process is incomplete — for example, if your transcripts arrive without a signature or your fee check bounces — the board will return it and you will need to resubmit. This adds four to six weeks to your timeline. Always confirm receipt of your process by calling the board one week after you mail it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Georgia while my process is being processed?

No. You cannot legally work as an esthetician in Georgia without a Georgia license, even if you have a valid Florida license. Working without a license can result in fines up to $1,000 and potential legal action. You must wait until your Georgia license card arrives before you begin work.

Do I have to take the Georgia exam if I already passed the Florida exam?

Yes. Georgia requires all estheticians to pass the Georgia state board exam, regardless of whether you passed another state's exam. However, some testing vendors offer reciprocity exams that focus on state-specific laws rather than general esthetics knowledge, which may be shorter than the full exam. Ask the Georgia Board of Cosmetology whether this option is available when you receive your exam authorization.

What if my Florida license was suspended or had disciplinary action?

You must disclose this on your Georgia process. Georgia will review the details and decide whether to issue your license. Disclosure is required by law, and failing to disclose can result in denial of your process or revocation of your license after it is issued. Contact the Georgia Board of Cosmetology before you explore if you have concerns about your history.

How much does the whole process cost?

process fees range from $150 to $200, and exam fees typically run $100 to $150, depending on the testing center. If you need additional training hours, costs vary by school but usually run $15 to $25 per hour. Total cost for a straightforward transfer is usually $250 to $350 if your Florida hours transfer without additional training needed.

Can I transfer my license back to Florida later if I move again?

Yes. The process is the same in reverse — you submit your Georgia license, transcripts, and an process to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Florida will review your Georgia training and may require you to pass the Florida exam again. Keep copies of all your Georgia training records and your license for this reason.