Cosmetology License Renewal in West Virginia (2026)

Cosmetology license renewal in West Virginia is handled by the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, which requires Cosmetologists to renew every 12 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.

West Virginia Cosmetology renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	12 months
Deadline rule	Individual cosmetologist licenses renew annually, with the renewal due on January 1st each year. Renewals submitted after the due date incur a late fee.
CE hours required	None required
Renewal fee	$35.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

Go to the official West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. automated research workflow (official west-virginia cosmetology board), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for Cosmetologys in West Virginia

No continuing education is required. Effective 5/8/2022, House Bill 2325 (2022 Regular Session) removed CE as a license/certificate renewal requirement for all active barbers, cosmetologists, nail technicians, aestheticians, hair stylists, waxing specialists, and instructors. The board's current Continuing Education page states CE is no longer required with no exception listed.

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

How to renew your Cosmetology license in West Virginia

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists 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 of Barbers and Cosmetologists; the same fee schedule and rules cover cosmetologists, barbers, nail techs, and aestheticians. The late renewal fee is a flat $35 plus a $5 penalty for the first 30 days late and an additional $5 for each subsequent 30-day period (so the effective late cost grows over time). Renewals can be done online via the board portal or by mailing a check/money order to PO Box 40235, Charleston, WV 25364. Some third-party sources mention a 3-hour sanitation course exception for very experienced licensees, but this was NOT confirmed on the board's current official CE page and may be outdated post-HB 2325. Fee figures are from legislative rule Title 3, Series 6 (Schedule of Fees).

Cosmetology license renewal in West Virginia: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my Cosmetology license in West Virginia?

West Virginia Cosmetology licenses renew every 12 months. Individual cosmetologist licenses renew annually, with the renewal due on January 1st each year. Renewals submitted after the due date incur a late fee.

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

West Virginia does not require continuing-education hours to renew a standard Cosmetology license. No continuing education is required. Effective 5/8/2022, House Bill 2325 (2022 Regular Session) removed CE as a license/certificate renewal requirement for all active barbers, cosmetologists, nail technicians, aestheticians, hair stylists, waxing specialists, and instructors. The board's current Continuing Education page states CE is no longer required with no exception listed. Confirm the current rule with the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.

Can I renew my West Virginia Cosmetology license online?

Yes — West Virginia offers online renewal through the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my West Virginia Cosmetology license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $35 may apply. Contact the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Cosmetologist renewal