Cosmetology License Renewal in Montana (2026)

Cosmetology license renewal in Montana is handled by the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Department of Labor and Industry, Business Standards Division), 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.

Montana Cosmetology renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Individual cosmetologist licenses renew on a biennial cycle. The regular renewal window runs January 2 through March 1; licenses not renewed by March 1 may still be renewed online late for up to 45 days, until approximately April 15.
CE hours required	See board
Renewal fee	$80.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Department of Labor and Industry, Business Standards Division)

Go to the official Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Department of Labor and Industry, Business Standards Division) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Department of Labor and Industry, Business Standards Division). automated research workflow (official montana cosmetology board), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for Cosmetologys in Montana

The official board pages do not publish a continuing education requirement for a standard cosmetologist renewal; CE-specific questions are directed to the board's audit/CE line. A specific CE count for cosmetologists could not be verified on an official source, so it is left unconfirmed rather than asserting zero.

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

How to renew your Cosmetology license in Montana

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Department of Labor and Industry, Business Standards Division) 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: Verified on the board's own cosmetologist license-information page: renewal fee $80 (all fees non-refundable), biennial cycle, Jan 2 - March 1 renewal window, online renewal via the DLI Professional Online Licensing portal (ebiz.mt.gov/pol). A late fee is referenced indirectly (late online renewal available ~45 days past deadline) but no dollar amount is published on the official pages, so late_fee_usd is left null. Third-party sites cite an $80 late penalty equal to the renewal fee, but this was not confirmed on a .gov source. CE requirement for standard cosmetologists is not stated on the official pages (CE appears to apply to teachers/instructors); left null pending an official citation.

Cosmetology license renewal in Montana: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my Cosmetology license in Montana?

Montana Cosmetology licenses renew every 24 months. Individual cosmetologist licenses renew on a biennial cycle. The regular renewal window runs January 2 through March 1; licenses not renewed by March 1 may still be renewed online late for up to 45 days, until approximately April 15.

Can I renew my Montana Cosmetology license online?

Yes — Montana offers online renewal through the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Department of Labor and Industry, Business Standards Division). Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Montana Cosmetology license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Department of Labor and Industry, Business Standards Division) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Cosmetologist renewal