Cosmetology License Renewal in Alabama (2026)

Cosmetology license renewal in Alabama is handled by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, which requires Cosmetologists to renew every 24 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Alabama Cosmetology renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Personal cosmetologist licenses expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month in odd-numbered years (a biennial cycle). A renewal application postmarked after the expiration date triggers a late fee.
CE hours required	None required
Renewal fee	$100.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering

Go to the official Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. automated research workflow (official alabama cosmetology board), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for Cosmetologys in Alabama

No continuing education is required to renew a standard cosmetologist personal license in Alabama. The board's rules reference continuing education only for instructor licensees ("completes any applicable requirements for continuing education"); no CE is imposed on cosmetologist/esthetician/manicurist personal renewals.

Need approved hours? Compare Alabama Cosmetology CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your Cosmetology license in Alabama

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering portal.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: Class 2 barbers follow a different (even-numbered-year) expiration cycle; this record is for the standard cosmetologist personal license, which expires in odd-numbered years. Fee schedule current as of 8/1/2023: Personal Renewal $100, Late Fee $54. An expired license may be reinstated within four years by paying back renewal fees for the lapsed period plus a current renewal fee and late fee; beyond four years, additional reinstatement requirements apply. Online renewal available via the board's Personal License Renewal system; mail-in renewal also offered.

Cosmetology license renewal in Alabama: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my Cosmetology license in Alabama?

Alabama Cosmetology licenses renew every 24 months. Personal cosmetologist licenses expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month in odd-numbered years (a biennial cycle). A renewal application postmarked after the expiration date triggers a late fee.

How many CE hours are required to renew an Cosmetology license in Alabama?

Alabama does not require continuing-education hours to renew a standard Cosmetology license. No continuing education is required to renew a standard cosmetologist personal license in Alabama. The board's rules reference continuing education only for instructor licensees ("completes any applicable requirements for continuing education"); no CE is imposed on cosmetologist/esthetician/manicurist personal renewals. Confirm the current rule with the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

Can I renew my Alabama Cosmetology license online?

Yes — Alabama offers online renewal through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Alabama Cosmetology license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $54 may apply. Contact the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Cosmetologist renewal