Cosmetology License Renewal in Illinois (2026)

Cosmetology license renewal in Illinois is handled by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation — Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Board, 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.

Illinois Cosmetology renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Cosmetologist licenses expire on September 30 of each odd-numbered year, making the renewal cycle 24 months. The license holder may renew during the month preceding the expiration date, and the prerenewal period is the 24 months ending September 30 of the renewal year.
CE hours required	14 hours
Renewal fee	$50.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation — Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Board

Go to the official Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation — Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Board renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation — Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Board. automated research workflow (official illinois cosmetology board), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for Cosmetologys in Illinois

Cosmetologists must complete a minimum of 14 hours of continuing education from a Division-registered cosmetology CE sponsor within the 2 years before the license expires, certified on the renewal application. Among these hours, licensees must comply with required topic mandates: a 1-hour sexual harassment prevention course and a 1-hour domestic violence and sexual assault awareness course (per Section 1175.1220). No CE is required for the first renewal after original licensure. CE compliance is self-certified at renewal and may be verified via random audit, so licensees should retain attendance/completion certificates.

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

How to renew your Cosmetology license in Illinois

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation — Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Board portal.
Complete the required 14 CE hours.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: Governing law is Part 1175 of Title 68 of the Illinois Administrative Code (Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985). Renewal fee is set by rule at $25 per year (Section 1175.100(a)(4)); for the 2-year cosmetologist cycle this equals $50. There is no flat "late fee" in the rules — instead, an expired license is restored for $50 plus payment of all lapsed renewal fees, not to exceed $200 (restoration fee, Section 1175.100(a)(5)); hence late_fee_usd is left null. IDFPR migrated renewals to its CORE online system (launched Oct 30, 2024); cosmetologists renew online through the IDFPR portal. Illinois does not use CE Broker — CE is self-certified on the renewal application with a Division random-audit process and Division-registered CE sponsors. The teacher/clinic-teacher tracks differ (expire even years, 24 CE hours) and were excluded as the request targets a standard cosmetologist license.

Cosmetology license renewal in Illinois: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my Cosmetology license in Illinois?

Illinois Cosmetology licenses renew every 24 months. Cosmetologist licenses expire on September 30 of each odd-numbered year, making the renewal cycle 24 months. The license holder may renew during the month preceding the expiration date, and the prerenewal period is the 24 months ending September 30 of the renewal year.

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

Approximately 14 continuing-education hours per cycle. Cosmetologists must complete a minimum of 14 hours of continuing education from a Division-registered cosmetology CE sponsor within the 2 years before the license expires, certified on the renewal application. Among these hours, licensees must comply with required topic mandates: a 1-hour sexual harassment prevention course and a 1-hour domestic violence and sexual assault awareness course (per Section 1175.1220). No CE is required for the first renewal after original licensure. CE compliance is self-certified at renewal and may be verified via random audit, so licensees should retain attendance/completion certificates. Confirm the current requirement with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation — Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Board.

Can I renew my Illinois Cosmetology license online?

Yes — Illinois offers online renewal through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation — Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Board. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Illinois Cosmetology license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation — Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Board promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Cosmetologist renewal