Montana State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Montana State Board of Cosmetology
The Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating cosmetologists, barbers, electrologists, estheticians, manicurists, teachers, salons, shops, and schools throughout Montana. The board operates within the Business Standards Division of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), a structure that distinguishes Montana from states with standalone cosmetology boards. This integrated model consolidates licensing administration, inspections, and enforcement under one department.
The board's enabling statutes are found in Montana Code Annotated (MCA) Title 37, Chapter 31, while its administrative rules are codified in the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 24, Chapter 121. Both are publicly accessible on the board's website. The board is headquartered at 301 S Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, Montana 59601, with a mailing address of PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513.
Mission and Jurisdiction
The board's mission is to protect the health, safety, and well-being of Montana citizens by ensuring all practicing cosmetologists, barbers, electrologists, estheticians, and manicurists are properly trained, licensed, and working in inspected facilities. The board expressly does not regulate tattooing, body piercing, permanent makeup, or microblading — those services fall under the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Board members are appointed by the Governor and include licensed practitioners and public members. The board sets rules, approves cosmetology schools and courses, reviews nonroutine license applications, and adjudicates disciplinary matters referred by DLI staff investigators. All licensing transactions are handled through the DLI's online Professional Licensing portal at ebiz.mt.gov/pol/.
Contacting the Board
The board can be reached by phone at (406) 444-6880. Licensing questions may be directed by email to dlibsdcos@mt.gov; for help with the online portal, contact dlibsdhelp@mt.gov. The official board website is boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/barber-and-cosmetologists. The board's email communications and renewal notices are sent electronically, so keeping your contact information current in the online portal is essential.
2025 Legislative Updates
Two significant changes took effect in 2025 following the Montana Legislature's session. HB 336 legalized apprenticeship pathways to licensure, allowing qualifying individuals to train under a licensed practitioner at a licensed salon or shop rather than attending a traditional cosmetology school. The Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program at apprenticeship.mt.gov oversees all registered apprenticeships. HB 246 streamlined out-of-state licensing pathways by evaluating applicants primarily based on their home-state credentials and qualifications.
Also in 2025, HB 276 updated how the DLI serves legal notices to licensees. All licensees are now required to maintain a current mailing address on file and may opt into electronic service of disciplinary notices by providing a current email address through the online portal.
License Verification
To verify that a cosmetologist, barber, or other practitioner holds a current Montana license, use the DLI's online Licensee Lookup at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov. The lookup displays current license status and any public disciplinary actions. Consumers and employers can search by name or license number free of charge. Full licensee lists are also downloadable by license type through the DLI portal.
Licenses Regulated
The Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists issues six individual practitioner license types and four facility/specialty license types. All practitioner applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass both NIC written and practical examinations through Prov, Inc. The $80 application fee applies to all individual practitioner license types.
Cosmetologist — 1,500 Training Hours
The cosmetology license is the broadest practitioner license issued by the board. It covers hair care (cutting, coloring, chemical services, styling), skin care, and nail care (manicuring and pedicuring). The scope of practice is defined in MCA 37-31-101. Renewal fee: $80 every two years.
Esthetician — 650 Training Hours
An esthetician license covers non-invasive skin care: facials, cleansing, chemical exfoliation confined to the stratum corneum, hair removal (waxing, threading), and related services. All procedures must be noninvasive as defined by ARM 24.121.301(13). Renewal fee: $80 biennially.
Manicurist — 400 Training Hours
A manicurist license covers nail care services on hands and feet, including shaping, polishing, and nail enhancement application. Renewal fee: $80 every two years.
Electrologist — 600 Training Hours
An electrology license authorizes permanent hair removal by electrolysis, using electrical current to destroy hair follicles. Renewal fee: $80 biennially.
Barber — 1,100 Training Hours
A barber license covers haircuts, shaves, beard trims, scalp treatments, and chemical services for hair on the head, face, and neck. A licensed Montana cosmetologist may obtain a barber license by completing a board-approved supplemental barbering course rather than the full 1,100 hours. Renewal fee: $80 every two years.
Barber Nonchemical — 900 Training Hours
A barber nonchemical license covers haircuts, shaves, beard trims, and scalp treatments but excludes chemical services. Renewal fee: $80 biennially.
Teacher/Instructor
A teacher license authorizes instruction at a board-approved cosmetology school or course. Applicants must hold a current Montana practitioner license in good standing and must have been actively practicing their specialty for at least one year before applying. Teachers must complete 30 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle to maintain active status. Application fee: $95 (active) or $85 (inactive). Renewal fee: $95 (active) / $85 (inactive) biennially.
Salon/Shop
All cosmetology, barbering, electrology, esthetics, and manicuring services must be performed in a licensed salon or shop. Salons must pass an initial DLI on-site inspection before the license is issued. Initial license fee: $85 plus a $150 inspection fee. Annual renewal fee: $85.
Booth Renter
A booth renter license is required for independent contractors who work in a licensed salon or shop but are not employees of the owner. Applicants must hold a current Montana practitioner license in good standing. Booth renter licenses are not location-specific, allowing the licensee to work in any qualifying salon. Application and annual renewal fee: $75.
School or Course
Board-approved schools and courses provide training in cosmetology, barbering, electrology, esthetics, and manicuring. Initial school license: $220 plus a $200 inspection fee. Schools renew annually (January 2 through March 1).
Renew Your Montana Cosmetology License
Montana cosmetology, barber, electrology, esthetics, and manicurist licenses renew every two years. The biennial renewal fee is $80 for all individual practitioner licenses. No continuing education is required for renewal (teacher licenses are the exception, requiring 30 CE hours per cycle). All renewals are completed online through the DLI Professional Licensing portal.
Individual License Renewal Dates
The renewal window for individual licenses (cosmetologists, barbers, electrologists, estheticians, manicurists, and teachers) opens on January 2 and closes on March 1. Licenses not renewed by March 1 are subject to a late fee equal to 100% of the renewal fee ($80), in addition to the standard $80 renewal fee. Late online renewals are accepted for 45 days after the March 1 deadline, until approximately April 15. After the late period, the license lapses and reinstatement procedures apply.
Salon, Shop, and Booth Renewal Dates
Salons, shops, and booth renters operate on an annual renewal cycle with different dates. The renewal window opens May 1 and closes June 30. Late renewals are accepted for approximately 45 days until August 14. Annual renewal fee: $85 for salons/shops; $75 for booth renters.
How to Renew Online
Log in to your existing account at ebiz.mt.gov/pol/, select your license, and follow the renewal prompts. The board sends renewal notices by email, so maintaining a current email address in the portal is essential. You can update your contact information at any time by logging in.
Late Fees
Renewing after the regular deadline adds a late fee equal to 100% of the renewal fee. For individual licenses, this means paying $80 (renewal) + $80 (late fee) = $160 total during the late period. After the late window closes, the license lapses. Practicing on a lapsed license may result in disciplinary action.
Continuing Education
Montana does not require continuing education hours for renewal of cosmetologist, barber, barber nonchemical, electrologist, esthetician, or manicurist licenses. Teacher licenses are the sole exception: active teacher licensees must complete 30 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle. CE questions should be directed to AUDIT@MT.GOV or by calling (406) 444-5696.
File a Complaint
Complaints against licensed cosmetologists, barbers, electrologists, estheticians, manicurists, teachers, salons, shops, and schools in Montana are filed with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. The complaint process is coordinated through the BSD Investigations Unit, which investigates allegations of unlicensed practice, sanitation violations, scope of practice violations, and unprofessional conduct.
To file a complaint, visit the DLI complaint page at bsd.dli.mt.gov/filing-complaint. An online complaint form is available for electronic submission. Complaints may also be submitted by mail to the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513, or by calling (406) 444-6880.
After a complaint is submitted, DLI staff review it to determine whether it falls within the board's jurisdiction. If so, an investigator is assigned. The named licensee is typically notified and given an opportunity to respond. Investigations are conducted confidentially and may take several months depending on complexity. Possible outcomes include no action, an informal resolution, a letter of admonishment, or referral to the board for a formal administrative hearing. The board may impose sanctions including fines, license suspension, probationary conditions, or revocation.
Current license status and any public disciplinary actions can be viewed using the online Licensee Lookup at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov. Detailed information about the complaint process is available in the DLI Complaint Process FAQ document on the board's website.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the name of the cosmetology board in Montana?
- Montana cosmetology licensing is overseen by the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, which operates within the Business Standards Division of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). There is no separate "State Board of Cosmetology" — this single board regulates barbers, cosmetologists, electrologists, estheticians, and manicurists statewide.
- What is the phone number for the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists?
- The board can be reached at (406) 444-6880. Licensing questions may also be sent by email to dlibsdcos@mt.gov. For help with the online licensing portal, contact dlibsdhelp@mt.gov. The office is located at 301 S Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59601.
- How often do Montana cosmetology licenses renew and what is the fee?
- Individual cosmetology, barber, electrologist, esthetician, and manicurist licenses renew every two years. The biennial renewal fee is $80. The renewal window is January 2 through March 1. Late renewals are accepted with a 100% late fee until approximately April 15. Renew online at ebiz.mt.gov/pol/.
- Does Montana require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?
- No. Montana does not require continuing education (CE) for renewal of cosmetologist, barber, barber nonchemical, electrologist, esthetician, or manicurist licenses. Teacher licenses are the exception — teachers must complete 30 CE hours per biennial renewal period to maintain active status.
- How do I look up a cosmetology license in Montana?
- Use the DLI Licensee Lookup at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov. Search by name or license number. Current license status and any public disciplinary actions are displayed. The lookup is free of charge.
- How do I file a complaint against a Montana cosmetologist?
- File complaints online at bsd.dli.mt.gov/filing-complaint. You may also mail a complaint to the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513. DLI investigators handle complaints involving unlicensed practice, sanitation violations, and unprofessional conduct.
- What exam is required for a Montana cosmetology license?
- Montana requires both the NIC written (theory) examination and the NIC practical examination, both administered by Prov, Inc. A minimum score of 75% is required on each exam. Students become eligible to sit for the exams after completing 90% of their required curriculum hours. Register at provexam.com.