Cosmetology Schools

Apply for a New Cosmetology School License

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The application process for new cosmetology schools can be lengthy, and all requirements must be met before approval will be granted. Please submit your application at the earliest possible date to avoid delays.

Our staff works diligently to approve all school and curriculum applications as soon as possible. All applications are processed in the order received, and therefore TDLR cannot specify a length of time for the review and approval process.

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Schools may not enroll students until the inspection has been successfully completed and the cosmetology school license has been received.

Application and Fee

To apply for a new private cosmetology school license, please submit a completed Texas Cosmetology School License Application (PDF) along with the $500.00 fee. The non-refundable fee includes a $300.00 application fee and a $200.00 inspection fee.

All requirements must be met within 12 months of the filing date or the application will be terminated.

Cosmetology school licenses are valid for one year from the date of issue.

Required Business Information

For Private Schools

Private Schools are classified as private businesses that offer instruction and training services to post-secondary students in exchange for tuition and fees.

Please include the following documentation with your application materials:

  1. A detailed floor plan showing the building is of permanent construction including two separate areas, one for instruction in theory and one area for clinic work
    1. The floor plan must also include access to permanent restrooms and adequate drinking fountain facilities
  2. Proof of ownership of the building, or proof of lease for the first 12 months of operation (signed, dated, all pages included)
  3. The ownership information page, which is included with the application form
    (see Application and Fee)
  4. A current financial statement prepared by a certified public accountant
    (see Information About Financial Reviews for Schools).
  5. The curriculum approval application and certification statement of required documentation
    (see Curriculum Approval, below)

For Public Schools

Public Schools are defined as being part of a public high-school, a public junior-college, community-college, or any other nonprofit tax-exempt institution.

Please include the following documentation with your application materials:

  1. A detailed floor plan showing the building is of permanent construction including two separate areas, one for instruction in theory and one area for clinic work
    1. The floor plan should indicate the location of the theory classroom, clinic work area, dispensary, drinking fountain facilities, office, and permanent restrooms
  2. The Cosmetology school curriculum approval application and certification statement of required documentation (see Curriculum Approval, below)

Curriculum Approval

To obtain curriculum approval, submit with your application materials a completed curriculum approval application for each type of training that you intend to offer.

You may only offer curriculum that has been approved by the department. If you want to add new curriculum you must submit the Cosmetology school curriculum approval application and certification statement of required documentation.

Curriculum content must meet the requirements of Texas Occupations Code 1602.453 and 16 Texas Administrative Code, Section 83.120.

Distance Education

If you are also seeking approval for distance education, please include a completed Cosmetology School Distance Education Application (PDF).

Initial Inspections

Once your Texas cosmetology school application has been approved and all requirements have been met, which includes the approval of the curriculum, you will be sent an Initial School Inspection Request Form. You will be required to verify that all required equipment has been installed and that the facility is ready for inspection. Once this information is received, an inspector will contact you to schedule your initial inspection.

For an overview of the inspection process, please see the What to Expect during a Cosmetology School Inspection page.

You must meet all requirements for licensure within 12 months of the filing date, or the application will be terminated.

Cosmetology/Barber School Dual License

If you are approved for both a barber school license and a cosmetology school license, each school will need to have a separate inspection before offering services to students, but the inspections may be completed on the same day, assuming all requirements have been met.

Operational Requirements

Cosmetology school owners will be responsible for understanding and complying with all relevant sections of the cosmetology law and administrative rules, including:

Instructor Requirements

Schools must have at least one licensed instructor on duty for each 25 students in attendance, including evening classes. A licensed instructor must be physically present during all curriculum activities. No credit for instructional hours can be granted to a cosmetology student unless such hours are accrued under the supervision of a licensed instructor.

Student Instructors

A school may not enroll more than three student-instructors for each licensed instructor teaching in the school. The student-instructor shall at all times work under the direct supervision of the licensed instructor and may not service clients, but will concentrate on teaching skills.

A “student instructor” is defined as a student permit holder who is enrolled in an instructor curriculum.

Student Permits on File

Schools must maintain one album to display each student permit, including affixed picture, of each enrolled student. The permits must be displayed in alphabetical order by last name, then alphabetical order by first name, and, if more than one student has the same name, by student permit number.

Records Retention

A school must maintain and have available for a department and/or student inspection the following documents for a period of 48 months after the student completes the curriculum, withdraws, or is terminated:

  1. Daily record of attendance
  2. If a time clock is used, the following documents:
    1. Time clock records
    2. Time clock failure and repair records
    3. Field trip records in accordance with 83.120(e)(5)
  3. All other relevant documents that account for a student’s credit