Missouri State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Missouri State Board of Cosmetology
The Missouri State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners was created in 2005 by merging the former State Board of Barber Examiners (established 1899) and the State Board of Cosmetology (created 1956). Missouri first began licensing cosmetologists in 1929. The combined board operates under the Missouri Division of Professional Registration within the Department of Commerce and Insurance.
The board enforces Chapters 328 and 329, RSMo, and regulates barbers, cosmetologists, manicurists, estheticians, instructors, salons, barbershops, and cosmetology and barber schools throughout the state. Its primary mission is protecting Missouri consumers by ensuring that only qualified, licensed professionals are authorized to practice.
The board's offices are located at 3605 Missouri Boulevard in Jefferson City, with a mailing address of P.O. Box 1062, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The board can be reached by telephone at (573) 751-1052 or toll-free at (866) 762-9432, by fax at (573) 751-8167, or by email at cosbar@pr.mo.gov.
All licensing applications, renewals, and account management are handled through the MOPRO online system at mopro.mo.gov, which launched in January 2025. The board meets approximately six times per year to review applications, consider rule changes, and hear disciplinary matters.
Licenses Regulated
The Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners regulates the following license categories:
- Class CA – Hairdressing & Manicuring (Cosmetologist) — Full cosmetology services including hair, skin, and nails. Requires 1,500 hours in a board-approved school or 3,000 hours in a board-approved apprenticeship program.
- Class CH – Hairdresser — Hair services only (cutting, coloring, chemical services). Requires 1,500 hours in a board-approved school or 3,000 hours in a board-approved apprenticeship.
- Class E – Esthetician — Skin care services including facials and makeup. Requires 750 hours in a board-approved school or 1,500 hours in a board-approved apprenticeship.
- Class MO – Manicurist — Nail services only. Requires 400 hours in a board-approved school or 800 hours in a board-approved apprenticeship.
- Instructor — Teaching in a board-licensed school. Requires holding a current cosmetology license for at least 3 years, or holding a current license for less than 3 years plus 600 hours in a board-approved instructor training course.
- Barber — Barbering services including haircutting and shaving. Regulated under the same combined board.
- Establishment License — Required for any salon, barbershop, or crossover establishment. Full-service and rental station establishments must register separately.
- School License — Required for cosmetology and barber schools offering board-approved training programs.
Missouri also offers crossover licenses for barbers seeking cosmetology credentials and cosmetologists seeking barber credentials, with reduced training requirements based on existing licensure. All active licenses must be displayed at the work location. Practicing without a valid license is a violation of state law and may result in disciplinary action.
Renew Your Missouri Cosmetology License
All Missouri cosmetology and barber licenses renew biennially (every two years). All licenses expire on September 30 of each odd year. Missouri does not require continuing education (CE) hours for cosmetology license renewal.
Current Renewal Fees
- Barber & Cosmetology Operators: $60
- Crossover Operators: $120
- Barber & Cosmetology Establishments: $75
- Crossover Establishments: $150
- All Instructors: $60
Additional processing fees apply for online payments.
How to Renew Online
Missouri handles all renewals through the MOPRO online system. To renew, log into your MOPRO account, locate your license, click the three dots at the end of the row, and select "renewal application." You will need your license number, your registered email address, and your Social Security number.
Paper Renewal
Paper renewal forms are available by emailing cosbar@pr.mo.gov. Mail completed forms with payment (cashier's check, money order, or personal check payable to Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners) to P.O. Box 1062, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
Expired Licenses
The board reminds all licensees that practicing with an expired license is not authorized and is a violation of state law that may result in disciplinary action. Reinstatement of an expired license requires paying the renewal fee plus a $30 late fee. After two years of non-renewal, reinstatement requires a new application and re-examination.
File a Complaint
The Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners can only investigate complaints that allege a violation of the Board's Practice Act under Chapters 328 or 329, RSMo. You may file a written complaint against any licensee, permit holder, registrant, or unlicensed individual or entity.
How to File a Complaint
Download the official complaint form (PDF) from the board's website. You may also request a form by calling (866) 762-9432. Complaints must be in writing and signed by the person filing. The board may require the complaint to be made by affidavit sworn before a notary public.
Your complaint should include:
- The name of the licensee involved
- The date of the alleged incident and the consumer involved
- Any documentation supporting your allegations
- A list of witnesses to the incident(s)
Mail completed complaint forms to: Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, P.O. Box 1062, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
What Happens After Filing
On average, investigations are completed within 120 days. The board reviews complaints during its regularly scheduled meetings, held approximately six times per year. You will be informed in writing whether your complaint is being investigated and later whether it is being dismissed or pursued. The full investigation and review process can take up to six months.
Limitations
The board cannot pursue monetary compensation, require a refund, help resolve billing disputes, or provide legal advice. Oral, telephone, and unsigned communications cannot be processed as formal complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Missouri require continuing education to renew a cosmetology license?
- No. Missouri does not require continuing education (CE) hours for cosmetology license renewal. You only need to pay the $60 renewal fee before your license expires on September 30 of each odd year.
- How do I renew my Missouri cosmetology license online?
- Renew through the MOPRO online system at mopro.mo.gov. Log into your account, find your license, click the three dots, and select "renewal application." You will need your license number, registered email, and Social Security number.
- What happens if my Missouri cosmetology license expires?
- Practicing with an expired license is a violation of state law. You can reinstate by paying the renewal fee plus a $30 late fee. After two years of non-renewal, reinstatement requires a new application and may require re-examination.
- How do I verify a Missouri cosmetology license?
- Use the MOPRO license search at mopro.mo.gov/license/s/license-search. You can search by name or license number to verify active status.
- How do I contact the Missouri Board of Cosmetology?
- Call (573) 751-1052 or toll-free (866) 762-9432, email cosbar@pr.mo.gov, or visit their office at 3605 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT.