Cosmetology License Renewal in Pennsylvania (2026)

Cosmetology license renewal in Pennsylvania is handled by the Pennsylvania State 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.

Pennsylvania Cosmetology renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Licenses renew on a biennial cycle and expire January 31. The cycle is staggered: each cosmetologist license carries an expiration date of January 31 in either an odd-numbered or an even-numbered year, so the licensee must check their own license for the applicable year.
CE hours required	None required
Renewal fee	$97.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology

Go to the official Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology renewal page →

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

Continuing-education requirements for Cosmetologys in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not require any continuing education for cosmetologist license renewal. The Board's official cosmetologist licensure snapshot explicitly states there is no continuing education requirement for licensure.

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

How to renew your Cosmetology license in Pennsylvania

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Pennsylvania State 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: Renewals are processed online through the PA Licensing System (PALS) at pals.pa.gov; payment is by credit/debit card. A license expired less than 5 years can be reactivated through PALS. A license expired more than 5 years must be reinstated by retaking the examination (per the Cosmetology Law). The Board does not publish a separate fixed late/reactivation fee on the renewal page; reactivation fees are handled within the PALS process. The $97 biennial renewal fee is the same for cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician, and natural hair braider (49 Pa. Code Section 7.2, effective July 1, 2024; previously $82). Renewal notices are emailed to the licensee's most recent reported email.

Cosmetology license renewal in Pennsylvania: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my Cosmetology license in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania Cosmetology licenses renew every 24 months. Licenses renew on a biennial cycle and expire January 31. The cycle is staggered: each cosmetologist license carries an expiration date of January 31 in either an odd-numbered or an even-numbered year, so the licensee must check their own license for the applicable year.

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

Pennsylvania does not require continuing-education hours to renew a standard Cosmetology license. Pennsylvania does not require any continuing education for cosmetologist license renewal. The Board's official cosmetologist licensure snapshot explicitly states there is no continuing education requirement for licensure. Confirm the current rule with the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology.

Can I renew my Pennsylvania Cosmetology license online?

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

What happens if I let my Pennsylvania Cosmetology license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Cosmetologist renewal