Cosmetology License Renewal in Kentucky (2026)

Cosmetology license renewal in Kentucky is handled by the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology, 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.

Kentucky Cosmetology renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	All licenses are renewed during the July 1 through July 31 renewal window and must be submitted through the online portal by 11:59 PM EST on July 31, or the license goes Inactive and a restoration fee applies. Beginning July 2026 a law change moves renewals to biennial (every even-numbered year); previously renewal was annual.
CE hours required	None required
Renewal fee	$100.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Kentucky Board of Cosmetology

Go to the official Kentucky Board of Cosmetology renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology. automated research workflow (official kentucky cosmetology board), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for Cosmetologys in Kentucky

No continuing education is required to renew a Kentucky cosmetologist license. The renewal application requires only a valid email, a recent passport-style photo, a current government-issued photo ID, and payment of the renewal fee; none of the board's renewal, licensure, fees, or FAQ pages reference any CE/continuing-education hours.

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

How to renew your Cosmetology license in Kentucky

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology 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: Combined individual-license category covers Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Nail Technician, and Shampoo Stylist; the biennial renewal fee is $100 and the one-time restoration (late) fee is $50. Lapsed licenses also accrue the renewal fee for each year lapsed in addition to the restoration fee. A license inactive over 5 years requires re-examination. As of July 1, 2023 only credit/debit card payments through the online portal are accepted (no physical payments). Renewal is browser-restricted (Chrome/Edge; Safari not supported). The biennial schedule begins July 2026; the renewal page confirms a 7/31/2028 expiration for the next biennial cycle.

Cosmetology license renewal in Kentucky: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my Cosmetology license in Kentucky?

Kentucky Cosmetology licenses renew every 24 months. All licenses are renewed during the July 1 through July 31 renewal window and must be submitted through the online portal by 11:59 PM EST on July 31, or the license goes Inactive and a restoration fee applies. Beginning July 2026 a law change moves renewals to biennial (every even-numbered year); previously renewal was annual.

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

Kentucky does not require continuing-education hours to renew a standard Cosmetology license. No continuing education is required to renew a Kentucky cosmetologist license. The renewal application requires only a valid email, a recent passport-style photo, a current government-issued photo ID, and payment of the renewal fee; none of the board's renewal, licensure, fees, or FAQ pages reference any CE/continuing-education hours. Confirm the current rule with the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology.

Can I renew my Kentucky Cosmetology license online?

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

What happens if I let my Kentucky Cosmetology license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $50 may apply. Contact the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Cosmetologist renewal