Cosmetology License Renewal in Georgia (2026)

Cosmetology license renewal in Georgia is handled by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, 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.

Georgia Cosmetology renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	A standard cosmetologist (Master Cosmetologist) license expires March 31 of even-numbered years and must be renewed every two years on or before that date. A late-renewal period runs April 1 through April 30; failure to renew within 30 days lapses the license and requires reinstatement.
CE hours required	5 hours
Renewal fee	$50.00
Online renewal	Yes
CE tracking system	CE Broker
Governing body	Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers

Go to the official Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. automated research workflow (official georgia cosmetology board), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for Cosmetologys in Georgia

Each renewal after the first requires 5 CE hours per 2-year cycle: 3 hours must be a health and safety course following the curriculum developed by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), and the remaining 2 hours must be a Board-registered course in industry/trade show, health and safety, industry trends, computer skills, business management, or the licensee's area of practice. The first renewal after initial licensure is exempt from CE (Rule 240-3-.01(2)(a)(1)). Licensees holding a license 25+ years, or with a documented hardship, may request a waiver. Master Cosmetologist applies to standard cosmetologists; instructors have a separate 15-hour requirement.

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

How to renew your Cosmetology license in Georgia

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers portal.
Complete the required 5 CE hours and confirm they appear in CE Broker.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: The standard Georgia cosmetologist credential is titled "Master Cosmetologist." Renewal is online-only via the GOALS portal (goals.sos.ga.gov); mailed renewals are not accepted. As of January 1, 2026, all cosmetologists must register and report CE coursework in CE Broker (a free basic account suffices). Renewal fee $50, late fee $100; reinstatement (after the 30-day late window) is $200. An online processing fee of $5 also applies per the fee schedule. Late-renewal status lasts 30 days; practicing on an expired license can result in fines or disciplinary/criminal action.

Cosmetology license renewal in Georgia: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my Cosmetology license in Georgia?

Georgia Cosmetology licenses renew every 24 months. A standard cosmetologist (Master Cosmetologist) license expires March 31 of even-numbered years and must be renewed every two years on or before that date. A late-renewal period runs April 1 through April 30; failure to renew within 30 days lapses the license and requires reinstatement.

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

Approximately 5 continuing-education hours per cycle. Each renewal after the first requires 5 CE hours per 2-year cycle: 3 hours must be a health and safety course following the curriculum developed by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), and the remaining 2 hours must be a Board-registered course in industry/trade show, health and safety, industry trends, computer skills, business management, or the licensee's area of practice. The first renewal after initial licensure is exempt from CE (Rule 240-3-.01(2)(a)(1)). Licensees holding a license 25+ years, or with a documented hardship, may request a waiver. Master Cosmetologist applies to standard cosmetologists; instructors have a separate 15-hour requirement. Confirm the current requirement with the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers.

Can I renew my Georgia Cosmetology license online?

Yes — Georgia offers online renewal through the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Georgia Cosmetology license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $100 may apply. Contact the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Cosmetologist renewal