Cosmetology License Renewal in Rhode Island (2026)

Cosmetology license renewal in Rhode Island is handled by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Professional Licensing (Board of Barbering and Hairdressing) — Barbering, Hairdressing and Cosmetology program, 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.

Rhode Island Cosmetology renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	The hairdresser/cosmetician (cosmetologist) license expires September 30 every other year on an odd/even year basis tied to the original issue date. Renewed licenses run October 1 through September 30 two years later; the renewal application and fee must be submitted on or before September 30 of the renewal year. Renewal notices are mailed about 60 days before expiration.
CE hours required	None required
Renewal fee	$25.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Professional Licensing (Board of Barbering and Hairdressing) — Barbering, Hairdressing and Cosmetology program

Go to the official Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Professional Licensing (Board of Barbering and Hairdressing) — Barbering, Hairdressing and Cosmetology program renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Professional Licensing (Board of Barbering and Hairdressing) — Barbering, Hairdressing and Cosmetology program. automated research workflow (official rhode-island cosmetology board), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for Cosmetologys in Rhode Island

No continuing education is required to renew a Rhode Island cosmetologist (hairdresser/cosmetician) license. The renewal/issuance regulation (216-RICR-40-05-4 § 4.6) requires only the renewal application and fee, with no CE provision, and the Department of Health does not publish any CE requirement for this license.

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

How to renew your Cosmetology license in Rhode Island

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Professional Licensing (Board of Barbering and Hairdressing) — Barbering, Hairdressing and Cosmetology program 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: Rhode Island licenses cosmetologists under the title "hairdresser/cosmetician"; there is no separate "cosmetologist" license. Renewal is biennial, all expiring September 30. Reinstatement/late fee is $25 added to the base renewal fee for each renewal cycle lapsed, up to a maximum of $100 (per fee schedule 216-RICR-10-05-2). Online renewal is offered via the state's MyLicense portal (healthri.mylicense.com). Licensing Unit phone: 401-222-5960. The program is administered by the RI Dept. of Health; the statutory board is the Board of Barbering and Hairdressing (R.I. Gen. Laws Ch. 5-10).

Cosmetology license renewal in Rhode Island: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my Cosmetology license in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island Cosmetology licenses renew every 24 months. The hairdresser/cosmetician (cosmetologist) license expires September 30 every other year on an odd/even year basis tied to the original issue date. Renewed licenses run October 1 through September 30 two years later; the renewal application and fee must be submitted on or before September 30 of the renewal year. Renewal notices are mailed about 60 days before expiration.

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

Rhode Island does not require continuing-education hours to renew a standard Cosmetology license. No continuing education is required to renew a Rhode Island cosmetologist (hairdresser/cosmetician) license. The renewal/issuance regulation (216-RICR-40-05-4 § 4.6) requires only the renewal application and fee, with no CE provision, and the Department of Health does not publish any CE requirement for this license. Confirm the current rule with the Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Professional Licensing (Board of Barbering and Hairdressing) — Barbering, Hairdressing and Cosmetology program.

Can I renew my Rhode Island Cosmetology license online?

Yes — Rhode Island offers online renewal through the Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Professional Licensing (Board of Barbering and Hairdressing) — Barbering, Hairdressing and Cosmetology program. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Rhode Island Cosmetology license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $25 may apply. Contact the Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Professional Licensing (Board of Barbering and Hairdressing) — Barbering, Hairdressing and Cosmetology program promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Cosmetologist renewal