New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology
The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling operates within the Division of Consumer Affairs under the Office of the Attorney General (Department of Law and Public Safety). This organizational structure is uncommon among state cosmetology boards — most report to a standalone licensing department rather than the state's chief law enforcement office. The current Executive Director is Martina Mikic-Bokan.
The Board was established under the New Jersey Cosmetology and Hairstyling Act (N.J.S.A. 45:5B) and holds authority to license, regulate, and discipline barbers, beauticians, cosmetologists-hairstylists, manicurists, skin care specialists, hair braiders, teachers, shops, and schools. Board members are appointed by the Governor and include licensed professionals and public representatives.
New Jersey requires applicants to pass a two-part examination — a computer-based theory test administered by ISO Quality Testing (IQT) and a Board-administered practical skills exam — before a license is issued. In January 2026, the state enacted P.L.2025, c.207, which requires cosmetology school curricula and the licensing exam to include textured hair of all types and patterns, making New Jersey a leader in inclusive cosmetology standards.
All licensing activity — new applications, renewals, name changes, and address updates — is processed through the Division of Consumer Affairs' mylicense system at newjersey.mylicense.com. In-person visits to the Newark office at 124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor require a scheduled appointment. The Board can be reached at (973) 504-6400 or cosmoboard@dca.njoag.gov.
Licenses Regulated
The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling licenses the following categories of professionals and establishments:
- Cosmetologist-Hairstylist — Full-scope license covering hair, skin, and nail services. Requires 1,200 hours of approved training.
- Beautician — A legacy license category covering beauty culture services. Requires 1,100 hours of training. New Jersey is one of the few states that maintains a separate "beautician" credential distinct from the cosmetologist-hairstylist license.
- Barber — Hair cutting, shaving, and related grooming services for men and women. Requires 900 hours of barber training.
- Skin Care Specialist — Facials, makeup application, waxing, and skin-related services. Requires 600 hours of esthetics training.
- Teacher — Teaching in a licensed New Jersey cosmetology school. Requires 500 hours of teacher training plus an active practitioner license. Minimum age 18.
- Manicurist — Manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Requires 300 hours of nail technology training.
- Hair Braider — Braiding, twisting, and locking natural hair without chemicals. Requires only 40–50 hours of training — the lowest-hour license the Board issues.
- Shop License — Required for any establishment offering cosmetology, hairstyling, barbering, skin care, or nail services. Application fee $150; biennial renewal $200.
- School License — Licensed institutions that provide Board-approved training programs. Application fee $250; biennial renewal $300.
The Board also registers students attending licensed cosmetology schools. Student registration cards cost $5.00 and are required before training hours begin accruing.
Renew Your New Jersey Cosmetology License
New Jersey cosmetology licenses renew on a two-year (biennial) cycle. The renewal fee is $90.00 for individual licenses per N.J.A.C. 13:28-5.1. New Jersey does not require continuing education (CE) hours for cosmetology license renewal — one of the few states with no CE mandate.
Renewing Online Through mylicense
Renewals are processed through the Division of Consumer Affairs' mylicense portal at newjersey.mylicense.com. Log in with your license number and credentials, confirm your personal information, and pay the $90.00 renewal fee by credit card. Your renewed license record is updated immediately upon payment.
Late Renewal and Reinstatement
If your license lapses, you may not legally practice cosmetology in New Jersey. A $30.00 late fee applies in addition to the $90.00 renewal fee for licenses renewed after expiration. Licenses that have been expired for an extended period require a $50.00 reinstatement fee plus the renewal fee. Contact the Board at (973) 504-6400 for specific reinstatement procedures.
Shop and School Renewals
Shop licenses renew biennially at $200.00. School licenses renew biennially at $300.00. Both are processed through the mylicense portal.
Name and Address Changes
Notify the Board of any address or name changes promptly through the mylicense portal. Name changes require a $50.00 fee and supporting documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Keeping your contact information current ensures you receive renewal notices.
File a Complaint
The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs investigates complaints against licensed cosmetologists, barbers, beauticians, manicurists, skin care specialists, and cosmetology establishments. The Board investigates allegations involving practicing without a license, scope of practice violations, sanitation failures, unlicensed in-home practice, and unprofessional conduct.
How to File a Complaint
File a complaint through the Division of Consumer Affairs' board-specific complaint forms at njconsumeraffairs.gov. You may also contact the Division's consumer hotline at (973) 504-6200 or the NJ toll-free line at (800) 242-5846. Provide the licensee's name, license number if known, the establishment name and address, the date of the incident, and a detailed description of the alleged violation.
Penalties
Under New Jersey law, substantiated violations can result in:
- Civil penalty of up to $10,000 for a first violation
- Civil penalty of up to $20,000 for each additional violation
- License suspension or revocation
- Formal reprimand or probationary terms
Penalties are determined on a case-by-case basis. Unlicensed practice and in-home service violations (N.J.S.A. 45:5B-8) are among the most commonly enforced infractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does New Jersey require continuing education to renew a cosmetology license?
- No. New Jersey does not require CE hours for cosmetology license renewal. Pay the $90.00 biennial renewal fee through the mylicense portal at newjersey.mylicense.com. This makes NJ one of the few states with no CE mandate for cosmetologists.
- How do I renew my New Jersey cosmetology license online?
- Renew at newjersey.mylicense.com. Log in with your license number and credentials, confirm your information, and pay the $90.00 renewal fee by credit card. Your license is updated immediately upon payment.
- Can I practice cosmetology in a client's home in New Jersey?
- No. New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 45:5B-8(c)) prohibits in-home practice with one narrow exception: services may be performed on a person with a disability in their residence, but only when a licensed shop sponsors the licensee and keeps a record of those services. Violations carry penalties up to $10,000 for a first offense.
- What is the difference between a cosmetologist-hairstylist and a beautician license?
- The cosmetologist-hairstylist license requires 1,200 training hours and covers the full scope of hair, skin, and nail services. The beautician license requires 1,100 hours and is a legacy category. Both pass the same examination process.
- How do I verify a New Jersey cosmetology license?
- Use the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs license verification tool at newjersey.mylicense.com/verification/. Search by licensee name or license number to confirm active status.
- How do I contact the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling?
- Call (973) 504-6400 or email cosmoboard@dca.njoag.gov. In-person visits to 124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor, Newark require a scheduled appointment. Mailing address: P.O. Box 45003, Newark, NJ 07101.