Cosmetology License Renewal in Tennessee (2026)

Cosmetology license renewal in Tennessee is handled by the Tennessee Cosmetology and Barber Examiners 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.

Tennessee Cosmetology renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	A cosmetologist license must be renewed every two years. The renewal fee must reach the board on or before the expiration date printed on the license; failing to do so triggers a penalty (late) fee. A license left expired for more than three years becomes invalid and requires reinstatement examinations.
CE hours required	None required
Renewal fee	$60.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Tennessee Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Board

Go to the official Tennessee Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Board renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Tennessee Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Board. automated research workflow (official tennessee cosmetology board), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for Cosmetologys in Tennessee

No continuing education is required to renew a standard cosmetologist license in Tennessee. The board's 16-hour CE requirement applies only to cosmetology instructors, not to cosmetologists.

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

How to renew your Cosmetology license in Tennessee

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Tennessee Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Board 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 board (cosmetology and barber examiners) under the TN Department of Commerce and Insurance. Renewal is handled through the state's CORE online licensing portal, where the renew option appears within 60 days of expiration. The $60 renewal fee and $25 late/penalty fee are set in Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0440-01-.13. Some third-party sites mention a one-time domestic-violence-awareness training, but this was not confirmed on the official board pages reviewed, so it is not asserted here.

Cosmetology license renewal in Tennessee: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my Cosmetology license in Tennessee?

Tennessee Cosmetology licenses renew every 24 months. A cosmetologist license must be renewed every two years. The renewal fee must reach the board on or before the expiration date printed on the license; failing to do so triggers a penalty (late) fee. A license left expired for more than three years becomes invalid and requires reinstatement examinations.

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

Tennessee does not require continuing-education hours to renew a standard Cosmetology license. No continuing education is required to renew a standard cosmetologist license in Tennessee. The board's 16-hour CE requirement applies only to cosmetology instructors, not to cosmetologists. Confirm the current rule with the Tennessee Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Board.

Can I renew my Tennessee Cosmetology license online?

Yes — Tennessee offers online renewal through the Tennessee Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Board. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Tennessee 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 Tennessee Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Board promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Cosmetologist renewal