Cosmetology License Renewal in Virginia (2026)

Cosmetology license renewal in Virginia is handled by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, DPOR), 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.

Virginia Cosmetology renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	A cosmetologist license expires two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. There is a 30-day grace period after expiration during which the license may be renewed without penalty; after that, a reinstatement fee applies, and reinstatement is no longer possible once two years have passed since expiration.
CE hours required	None required
Renewal fee	$120.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, DPOR)

Go to the official Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, DPOR) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, DPOR). automated research workflow (official virginia cosmetology board), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for Cosmetologys in Virginia

The Board's regulations (18VAC41-20) do not impose any continuing education requirement for renewal of an individual cosmetologist license. Renewal requires payment of the renewal fee only; no CE hours are mandated.

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

How to renew your Cosmetology license in Virginia

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, DPOR) 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: Fees per 18VAC41-20-140: cosmetologist (individual) renewal is $120; reinstatement total is $240, which the rule itself breaks out as the $120 renewal fee plus a $120 reinstatement (late) fee. Renewing more than 30 days late but within two years requires the reinstatement fee; after two years past expiration the credential cannot be reinstated and the person must reapply as a new applicant meeting current entry requirements (18VAC41-20-180). Cosmetology is regulated under DPOR's Board for Barbers and Cosmetology; this record is for the standard individual cosmetologist license (not barber, instructor, or salon/establishment). DPOR offers online renewal for individual license types via its Online Services portal.

Cosmetology license renewal in Virginia: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my Cosmetology license in Virginia?

Virginia Cosmetology licenses renew every 24 months. A cosmetologist license expires two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. There is a 30-day grace period after expiration during which the license may be renewed without penalty; after that, a reinstatement fee applies, and reinstatement is no longer possible once two years have passed since expiration.

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

Virginia does not require continuing-education hours to renew a standard Cosmetology license. The Board's regulations (18VAC41-20) do not impose any continuing education requirement for renewal of an individual cosmetologist license. Renewal requires payment of the renewal fee only; no CE hours are mandated. Confirm the current rule with the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, DPOR).

Can I renew my Virginia Cosmetology license online?

Yes — Virginia offers online renewal through the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, DPOR). Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Virginia Cosmetology license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $120 may apply. Contact the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, DPOR) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Cosmetologist renewal