How Do I Get an Individual License?

For information on how to obtain a license to operate as an individual professional, please see the list of specific vocations below.

Special Notes

All Licensees

Failure to remit fees by expiration date will result in a penalty fee being assessed. All penalties are strictly enforced and are never waived.

Active Licenses

The renewal form will include the renewal fee. The licensee must renew online to avoid delays. Links to the online system can be found at the boards website or by going to: core.tn.gov .

Inactive Licenses (Instructors ONLY)

The renewal form includes the renewal fee and should be paid online at core.tn.gov.  A letter must be submitted to the board requesting to place the "instructor" designation on inactive status prior to your expiration date.

Failure To Complete Renewal Requirements

If the LICENSEE fails to complete ALL requirements for renewal, the license will expire. PERSONS who continue to act in any capacity in the cosmetology field will be subject to disciplinary action. THE ABILITY TO REINSTATE AN EXPIRED LICENSE DOES NOT ALLOW A PERSON TO CONTINUE TO ACT AS A LICENSEE WITHOUT A VALID LICENSE. Please contact the COSMETOLOGY BOARD office for specific reinstatement policy provisions.

If you need additional information, please contact the COSMETOLOGY BOARD office. However, no verbal statement made by a member of the board office staff should be interpreted as an exception or waiver of these instructions and policies.

Refunds

NO REFUNDS WILL BE PROCESSED FOR FEES PAID AS A RESULT OF A FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS.

Active/Inactive License

How do I retire my license?

You will need to submit: (1) the current active license, (2) a statement requesting to retire the license and giving your current mailing address, and (3) a $50 fee.  Upon receipt of these three (3) items, the board will send you a retired inactive license certificate.  The holder of a retired certificate shall not practice in any of the areas for which the license was issued until the license has been reactivated. 

If you are under 65 years of age, in order to activate your retired license, you must first take and pass the practical and law portions of the examination for the license and second, pay a fee which is the same as the renewal fee for the license to be reactivated.

How do I reactivate my retired license?

If you are 65 years of age or older, you may activate your retired license by submitting to the board office: (1) proof of your age and (2) a fee which is the same as the renewal fee for the license to be reactivated.

Please note: only individuals over age 65 are exempt from re-testing when reactivating a retired license.