Cosmetology License Renewal in Connecticut (2026)

Cosmetology license renewal in Connecticut is handled by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (administering the Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians), 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.

Connecticut Cosmetology renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Connecticut's standard cosmetologist credential is the Hairdresser and Cosmetician license, which is renewed once every two years and expires under Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-88, meaning renewal is due during the licensee's birth month. If renewal is not completed, the license becomes void; the department may still renew if the application is received within 90 days after expiration.
CE hours required	None required
Renewal fee	$100.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (administering the Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians)

Go to the official Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (administering the Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (administering the Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians). automated research workflow (official connecticut cosmetology board), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for Cosmetologys in Connecticut

No continuing education is required to renew a Connecticut Hairdresser and Cosmetician (cosmetologist) license. DPH's official list of license types with continuing education requirements (37 professions) does not include hairdresser, cosmetician, or cosmetologist.

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

How to renew your Cosmetology license in Connecticut

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (administering the Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians) 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: Connecticut does not issue a license titled "cosmetologist"; the equivalent standard credential is the "Hairdresser and Cosmetician" license (Title 20, Chapter 387). Statute 20-253 sets both the initial examination fee and the biennial renewal fee at $100 (raised to $100 by June Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-3). Renewal became biennial effective Jan 1, 2004 (previously annual). No late/penalty fee is published: the historic "$1 per month" late penalty was repealed by P.A. 80-484, and the statute instead provides that the department may renew within a 90-day window after expiration before the license is void. Online renewal is handled through the state eLicense portal (www.elicense.ct.gov). Practitioner Licensing contact: (860) 509-7603, [email protected].

Cosmetology license renewal in Connecticut: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my Cosmetology license in Connecticut?

Connecticut Cosmetology licenses renew every 24 months. Connecticut's standard cosmetologist credential is the Hairdresser and Cosmetician license, which is renewed once every two years and expires under Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-88, meaning renewal is due during the licensee's birth month. If renewal is not completed, the license becomes void; the department may still renew if the application is received within 90 days after expiration.

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

Connecticut does not require continuing-education hours to renew a standard Cosmetology license. No continuing education is required to renew a Connecticut Hairdresser and Cosmetician (cosmetologist) license. DPH's official list of license types with continuing education requirements (37 professions) does not include hairdresser, cosmetician, or cosmetologist. Confirm the current rule with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (administering the Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians).

Can I renew my Connecticut Cosmetology license online?

Yes — Connecticut offers online renewal through the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (administering the Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians). Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Connecticut Cosmetology license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (administering the Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Cosmetologist renewal