Texas License Renewal Resources

Renewing a professional license in Texas doesn’t have to be complicated. Our Texas License Renewal Resources are designed to help cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, nail technicians, barbers, and other beauty professionals understand the steps required to keep their licenses current.

Here you’ll find straightforward information about Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) renewal requirements, continuing education hours, license expiration dates, course-completion reporting, and what to do if your license has already expired. You can also explore detailed renewal guides created for specific license types, making it easier to find the information that applies to you.

Cosmetology-CE.com is a registered Texas continuing education provider offering convenient, TDLR-approved online courses. Whether you need two or four hours of continuing education, our goal is to help you complete your requirements confidently and move through the renewal process with fewer surprises.

Renewal Requirements by License Type

Texas license type	Standard CE requirement	License held 15+ years
Cosmetology Operator	4 hours every 2 years	2 hours
Class A Barber	4 hours every 2 years	2 hours
Esthetician	4 hours every 2 years	2 hours
Manicurist	4 hours every 2 years	2 hours
Manicurist/Esthetician	4 hours every 2 years	2 hours
Hair Weaving Specialist	4 hours every 2 years	2 hours
Hair Weaving Specialist/Esthetician	4 hours every 2 years	2 hours
Eyelash Extension Specialist	4 hours every 2 years	2 hours

Standard Four-Hour Requirement

Licensees who have held a Texas license for fewer than 15 years must complete four hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every two years:

• One hour of sanitation
• One hour of human trafficking awareness
• Two additional hours in approved topics

Reduced Two-Hour Requirement

Licensees who have held a Texas license for at least 15 years only need:

• One hour of sanitation
• One hour of human trafficking awareness

Not sure which license you hold? Use the TDLR license search to verify your license type, status, and expiration date before selecting a continuing education course.

4-Hour Cosmetology CE Course
2-Hour Cosmetology CE Course

Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation

Ready to renew or need to verify your information? Use the official TDLR links below to check your active license status, confirm your expiration date, or begin your online renewal.

Please note: TDLR’s license search covers active licenses only. Someone whose license has expired may need to use TDLR’s practitioner renewal guide to receive instructions based on how long the license has been expired.

Texas License Renewal Timeline

Planning ahead can help you avoid an expired license or a last-minute delay. Use this Texas license renewal resource recommended timeline to stay on track.

60 Days Before Expiration: Check Your License

Verify your license status, license type, and expiration date using the TDLR Active License Search. Confirm that your contact information is current so you receive important renewal communications.

30–45 Days Before Expiration: Complete Your Continuing Education

Complete your required TDLR-approved continuing education courses. Most licensees need four hours, while those who have held a Texas license for at least 15 years need two hours.

You may complete your continuing education earlier, but you cannot receive credit for taking the same course more than once.

After Completing Your Course: Save Your Certificate

Download and retain your course-completion certificate. TDLR requires licensees to keep a copy for two years after the completion date.

Cosmetology-CE.com reports completed continuing education courses to TDLR within 24 hours.

Confirm Your Hours Were Reported

Use the TDLR Continuing Education Courses Look Up to verify that your completed hours appear in your record. Contact your course provider if your hours do not appear correctly.

Submit Your License Renewal

Once you have completed your continuing education requirements, submit your renewal and fee through the official TDLR online renewal system. Do not wait until the expiration date to begin the process.

After Renewal: Verify Your Updated License

Check the TDLR Active License Search again to confirm that your license status and new expiration date have been updated.

What Happens if Your Texas License Has Expired?

If your Texas cosmetology, barbering, esthetician, manicurist, or specialty license has expired, the steps required depend on how long it has been inactive. You may not provide regulated services while your license is expired. Wait until TDLR shows your license as active before returning to work.

Expired Less Than 18 Months

You can generally renew by completing your continuing education requirements, submitting the renewal application, and paying a late-renewal fee equal to 1½ times the regular renewal fee.

Expired at Least 18 Months but Less Than Three Years

Renewal requires approval from the TDLR executive director. You must submit the Request to Executive Director for Expired License Renewal along with the applicable fee and any additional renewal requirements.

Approval is not automatic, so follow the current TDLR instructions carefully or contact TDLR for assistance.

Expired Three Years or More

A license that has been expired for three years or longer cannot be renewed. You must apply for a new license and meet the current application and licensing requirements for your profession.

Continuing Education May Still Be Required

Allowing a license to expire does not automatically eliminate its continuing education requirement. Most licensees need four hours of TDLR-approved continuing education. Licensees who have held a Texas license for at least 15 years need two hours.

Because every situation can be different, use the official TDLR practitioner renewal guide to confirm the requirements that apply to your license type and expiration period.

2026 Texas License Renewal and Late Fees

License status	Current TDLR fee	Additional requirement
Current—renewed on time	$50	Complete required CE
Expired less than 18 months	$75	Complete required CE
Expired 18 months to less than 3 years	$100	Executive director approval and required CE
Expired 3 years or longer	Cannot be renewed	Apply for a new license and meet current licensing requirements

Fees current as of September 2026. TDLR may change its fees or requirements. Verify the amount shown in the official TDLR renewal system before submitting payment.

Texas License Renewal Checklist

Renewing your Texas professional license involves more than simply completing a continuing education course. Use this checklist to confirm your license information, complete the correct number of TDLR-approved CE hours, verify that your completion has been reported, and submit your renewal before the expiration date. Keeping copies of your certificate and renewal confirmation will also help you maintain accurate records if questions arise later.

Official TDLR Texas license renewal resources

Last reviewed: September 9, 2026

Official sources:
TDLR Continuing Education Requirements
TDLR Practitioner License Renewal Guide
TDLR Barbering and Cosmetology Fee Schedule
TDLR Forms for Barbers and Cosmetologists