Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology
The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology (KBC) is the Commonwealth's regulatory agency for the beauty industry, operating under Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 317A and administrative regulations (201 KAR 12). The Board's mission is to set the standard for developing, advancing, and educating the beauty profession while ensuring the safety and protection of all Kentucky residents who receive cosmetology services.
In December 2025, KBC relocated its home office to 1025 Capital Center Dr, Suite 200, Frankfort, KY 40601. The Board can be reached at (502) 564-4262 or by email at kbc@ky.gov. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday EST. Email contact is strongly preferred — particularly during July and August when call volume is highest due to the annual license renewal period.
Updated regulations went into effect on December 3, 2025, and new PSI Test Taker Guides (Candidate Bulletins) were implemented effective March 19, 2026. Kentucky uses a uniform annual renewal cycle: all individual licenses expire on July 31 of each year and the online renewal portal opens each June. Licenses carry a mandatory passport-style photo requirement; AI-generated and altered photos are not accepted. All fees are paid by credit or debit card — KBC has not accepted physical payments since July 1, 2023.
The Board is governed by seven members appointed by the Governor, representing consumers, estheticians, nail technicians, salon owners, school owners, and technical education professionals. Administrative staff under Executive Director Joni Upchurch manage daily licensing operations, exam eligibility, salon inspections, and school compliance. All licensing applications, renewals, and specialty permit applications are processed through the Board's online portal at kyboc.mylicenseone.com.
Licenses Regulated
The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology regulates the following individual license and specialty permit categories under KRS Chapter 317A. All individual licenses and permits renew annually on July 31 at $50 each:
- Cosmetologist — 1,500 training hours; authorizes hair, skin, and nail services. Requires age 18+ and 12th-grade education or equivalent.
- Esthetician — 750 training hours; authorizes skin care services including facial treatments and hair removal. Requires age 18+ and 12th-grade education.
- Nail Technician — 450 training hours; authorizes nail care services. Requires age 18+ and 12th-grade education.
- Shampoo Stylist — 300 training hours; authorizes shampooing and styling services. Requires age 18+ and 12th-grade education.
- Instructor (Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology) — 750 apprentice hours; authorizes teaching in a KBC-approved school. Applicant must hold an active cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail technician license for at least one year.
- Threading Permit — Specialty permit for thread-based hair removal. Requires high school diploma/GED, government photo ID, and Milady infection control certification (minimum 3 hours).
- Makeup Artist Permit — Specialty permit for professional makeup application. Same requirements as Threading Permit.
- Eyelash Artistry Permit — Specialty permit for eyelash extension services. Requires same base documents plus a Board-approved eyelash training course taken within 6 months of application from a KBC-approved Kentucky provider. All instruction must be in-person.
All specialty permit holders must provide services exclusively within a KBC-licensed Kentucky facility.
Facility licenses include Beauty Salons, Esthetics Salons, Nail Salons, Limited Facilities (Threading, Makeup, Lash), and Schools (Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology). Salon initial and renewal fees are $100.
Renew Your Kentucky Cosmetology License
All Kentucky cosmetology, esthetics, nail technician, shampoo stylist, instructor, and specialty permit licenses expire annually on July 31. The annual renewal fee is $50 for individual licenses and specialty permits. Salon and facility licenses renew at $100. Kentucky does not require continuing education (CE) hours for cosmetology license renewal.
Renewing Online
Renew through the Board's online portal at kyboc.mylicenseone.com using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Safari is not supported). Pre-renewal notices are emailed each June. First-time users choose "Don't have an account? Sign up now." All fees must be paid by credit or debit card — KBC no longer accepts physical payments as of July 1, 2023.
Photo Requirement
Each renewal requires a current passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months: shoulders-up facing forward, solid light background, no sunglasses or hats. AI-generated and altered photos are not accepted. A $25 reprint fee applies for licenses printed with an inadequate photo. Deficiency notices are emailed and must be corrected within 10 days before the application is closed.
Lapsed Licenses
A $50 restoration fee applies in addition to all past-due annual renewal fees. Licenses expired two or more years may be restored through the online Restoration Application. Licenses expired over five years require re-examination through PSI. All past-due fees must be paid in full before reinstatement.
File a Complaint
To file a complaint against a Kentucky cosmetologist, salon, or specialty permit holder, use the Board's online complaint form. KBC does not accept complaints by phone or email — all complaints must be submitted online with full, valid contact information. Supporting photographs and additional documents are strongly encouraged.
All information submitted may be shared with the party against whom the complaint is filed and may be used to enforce applicable state laws. Under Kentucky's Open Records Act, complaints are available for public review upon request, though personal contact information is protected.
The Board investigates complaints within its jurisdiction under KRS Chapter 317A, including unlicensed practice, sanitation violations, and professional misconduct. The Board does not have authority to settle civil disputes, require refund payments, or resolve monetary disagreements between consumers and businesses — those matters must be pursued through civil channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the phone number for the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology?
- (502) 564-4262. Email: kbc@ky.gov. Office hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday–Friday EST. The Board is located at 1025 Capital Center Dr, Suite 200, Frankfort, KY 40601. Email is preferred, especially during July and August when call volume is highest.
- How do I renew my Kentucky cosmetology license?
- Renew online at kyboc.mylicenseone.com using Chrome or Edge. All licenses expire July 31 annually. The renewal fee is $50. A current passport-style photo is required. Payment by credit or debit card only.
- Does Kentucky require continuing education to renew a cosmetology license?
- No. Kentucky does not require continuing education (CE) hours for cosmetology, esthetics, nail technician, shampoo stylist, or instructor license renewal.
- How do I verify a Kentucky cosmetology license?
- Use the License Verification tool at kyboc.mylicense.com/verification/ to check the status of any Kentucky cosmetology license.
- How do I file a complaint against a Kentucky salon or cosmetologist?
- File online at secure.kentucky.gov. KBC does not accept complaints by phone or email. The Board cannot settle civil disputes or require refund payments.
- Where are cosmetology exams held in Kentucky?
- Theory (written) exams are administered by PSI at multiple statewide locations — register at test-takers.psiexams.com/kycos. Practical exams are held at the Hilton Lexington Downtown, 369 West Vine, Lexington, KY. Exam fee: $85 for both initial and retake attempts.
- What specialty permits does Kentucky offer?
- Threading, Makeup Artist, and Eyelash Artistry specialty permits at $50 each, renewing annually on July 31. All require a high school diploma or GED, government photo ID, and a Milady-certified infection control course (minimum 3 hours). Eyelash Artistry additionally requires a Board-approved eyelash training course taken within 6 months of application.