Idaho State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Idaho State Board of Cosmetology
The Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board (BCB) is a self-governing regulatory board administered by Idaho's Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). The board derives its authority from Title 54, Chapter 58 of the Idaho Code (Barber and Cosmetology Services Act) and enforces the Rules of the Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board, codified at IDAPA 24.28.01.
The board is composed of seven members appointed by the Governor, including licensed cosmetologists, a barber, an electrologist/esthetician, a school representative, and a public member. It meets regularly to review applications, consider rule changes, hear disciplinary matters, and set policy for the licensed professions it governs throughout Idaho.
DOPL administers all application processing, licensing, renewal, and enforcement functions on behalf of the board. The DOPL offices are located at 11341 W. Chinden Blvd., Building 4, Boise, ID 83714. Mail may be sent to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0063. The board can be reached by phone at (208) 334-3233 or by email at bcb@dopl.idaho.gov.
All licensing, renewal, license search, and complaint functions are handled through DOPL's online services portal at edopl.idaho.gov. The board regulates barbers, barber stylists, cosmetologists, haircutters, estheticians, nail technicians, electrologists, instructors, establishments, and cosmetology and barber colleges throughout Idaho.
Licenses Regulated
The Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board issues the following individual practitioner licenses under the Barber and Cosmetology Services Act:
- Cosmetologist — Authorizes the full scope of hair, skin, and nail services. Requires 1,600 training hours and passage of the NIC written and practical examinations.
- Esthetician — Authorizes noninvasive skin care services including facials, makeup application, chemical hair removal, and use of FDA Class I and supervised Class II skin-care devices. Requires 600 training hours and NIC examinations.
- Nail Technician — Authorizes manicuring, pedicuring, and nail enhancement services. Requires 400 training hours and NIC examinations.
- Electrologist — Authorizes permanent hair removal by electrolysis. Requires 600 training hours.
- Haircutter — A limited license authorizing cutting, trimming, and styling services only. Requires 900 training hours and NIC examinations.
- Barber — Authorizes barbering services including shaving, cutting, and scalp treatments. Requires 900 training hours.
- Barber Stylist — A combined barber and cosmetology license authorizing the full scope of barbering and cosmetology services. Requires 1,500 training hours.
- Instructor — Authorizes teaching in a board-licensed college. Available for each of the above disciplines. Requires passage of the instructor examination and meeting the experience requirements defined in board rules.
In addition to individual practitioner licenses, the board issues establishment licenses for primary salons and contiguous (booth rental) operators, and college licenses for barber and cosmetology schools. All license types renew annually through the DOPL online services portal.
Renew Your Idaho Cosmetology License
Idaho cosmetology licenses renew annually through the DOPL online services portal at edopl.idaho.gov/OnlineServices. The renewal fee is $25.00 per year for cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, and electrologists. Instructor licenses renew annually at $30.00. Establishment licenses renew at $20.00 per year.
Idaho does not require continuing education for cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, electrology, or barbering license renewals. This makes Idaho one of the few states in the country with no CE requirement for practitioner renewal.
The reinstatement penalty for all individual practitioner license types is $35.00, applied when a license is renewed after it has expired. Licenses can be reinstated through the DOPL online services portal. Under Idaho law, active members and honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for a waiver of renewal fees and other renewal requirements under Idaho Code § 67-2602A.
Idaho is transitioning some license types to biennial renewal cycles as part of a phased update by DOPL. Check your board's page at dopl.idaho.gov/bcb for the latest renewal cycle information applicable to your license type.
File a Complaint
Complaints against Idaho-licensed cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians, electrologists, instructors, or establishments are filed through the DOPL online services portal at edopl.idaho.gov/OnlineServices. Additional information on the investigation and disciplinary process is available at dopl.idaho.gov/investigation-and-disciplinary-process.
DOPL investigates allegations of unlicensed practice, sanitation violations, unprofessional conduct, and other violations of the Barber and Cosmetology Services Act (Title 54, Chapter 58, Idaho Code) and the board's administrative rules (IDAPA 24.28.01). Completed disciplinary orders are published through the DOPL online system and are publicly accessible.
After a complaint is received, DOPL staff review the allegations to determine whether they fall within the board's jurisdiction. Substantiated matters may result in a consent agreement, probation, suspension, license revocation, or civil penalty. Ongoing enforcement actions and board decisions are available through the DOPL online portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who regulates cosmetology licensing in Idaho?
- The Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board (BCB), administered by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), regulates cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians, electrologists, haircutters, instructors, and establishments. Contact DOPL at (208) 334-3233 or bcb@dopl.idaho.gov.
- How much does it cost to renew an Idaho cosmetology license?
- The annual renewal fee is $25.00 for cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, electrologists, and haircutters. Instructor licenses renew at $30.00 per year. Establishment licenses renew at $20.00 per year. There is no continuing education requirement for renewal. Renew online at edopl.idaho.gov/OnlineServices.
- Does Idaho require continuing education for cosmetology renewal?
- No. Idaho does not require continuing education for the renewal of cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, electrology, or barbering licenses. This is one of Idaho's most practitioner-friendly licensing policies.
- What exam do I need to get an Idaho cosmetology license?
- Idaho requires both the NIC written theory and NIC practical examinations, administered by ProV, Inc. Contact ProV at 866-720-7768 or Cosmosupport@provexam.com, or visit provexam.com. After submitting a complete application to DOPL, you will receive a Verification of Eligibility (VOE) letter before scheduling with ProV.
- How do I verify an Idaho cosmetology license?
- Search the DOPL online services portal at edopl.idaho.gov/OnlineServices to verify the current status of any cosmetology, barber, esthetics, or nail technician license issued in Idaho.
- Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Idaho?
- Yes. Idaho offers licensure by endorsement for applicants who hold a current license in good standing from a state with standards equal to Idaho's (hours and examination), or who hold a current license in good standing plus at least one year of work experience in the last three years. The endorsement fee is $35.00 in addition to the $25.00 application fee. No temporary licenses are issued while an application is under review.