Vermont State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Vermont State Board of Cosmetology
Vermont regulates cosmetology and related professions through a distinctive governance model that sets it apart from most states. Rather than maintaining a standalone Board of Cosmetology, Vermont routes all professional licensing through the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), a division of the Vermont Secretary of State's Office. Cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and nail technicians are governed under the advisor model, in which professional advisors — licensed practitioners appointed to advise the OPR Director — guide policy and standards without holding formal board voting authority.
OPR is headquartered at 89 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Montpelier, Vermont 05620. The office can be reached by phone at (802) 828-1505 and by email at SOS.OPRLicensing3@vermont.gov. General contact and licensing questions can also be submitted through the OPR contact form at sos.vermont.gov/opr.
The Advisor Model
Vermont's advisor model replaces traditional board governance with a streamlined administrative structure. Instead of elected or appointed board members who vote on individual licensing decisions, OPR staff process applications under authority delegated from the OPR Director, with professional advisors available for guidance on complex matters. This model reduces administrative overhead while maintaining professional oversight. Meetings and advisor activities are posted on the OPR event calendar.
Scope of Jurisdiction
OPR licenses cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians, and instructors, as well as cosmetology shops, barber shops, nail technician shops, esthetics shops, mobile shops, and schools. The office does not regulate natural hair braiding or styling as long as those services do not involve cutting, application of chemicals, dyes, or heat, or structural changes to the hair. Washing and conditioning are permitted as part of natural hair braiding practice.
License Verification
To verify a Vermont cosmetologist's or other practitioner's current license status, use OPR's Find a Professional database at sos.vermont.gov/opr/find-a-professional. The tool shows current license status and any disciplinary actions. All licensing transactions — applications, renewals, verifications, and updates — are processed through OPR's Online Services System.
Licenses Regulated
The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation licenses the following categories under Title 26, Chapter 6 of Vermont Statutes:
Individual Practitioner Licenses
- Cosmetologist — Covers hair, skin, and cosmetic services. Requires 1,000 school hours or 1,500 apprenticeship hours. High school diploma or GED required. Renewal fee: $155 every two years.
- Barber — Covers barbering services including shaving. Requires 750 school hours or 1,125 apprenticeship hours. High school diploma or GED required. Renewal fee: $155 every two years.
- Esthetician — Covers skin care services including facials, waxing, and lash tinting/lifting. Requires 500 school hours or 750 apprenticeship hours. High school diploma or GED required. Renewal fee: $155 every two years.
- Nail Technician — Covers nail care services. Requires 200 school hours or 300 apprenticeship hours. No high school diploma required. Renewal fee: $155 every two years.
- Instructor Specialty — An add-on specialty for currently licensed Vermont practitioners. Must have 1,500 hours of practical experience, be in good standing, and pass an instructor examination or instructor training recognized by OPR. Instructors must complete 24 continuing education credits per two-year renewal cycle.
Facility Licenses
- Cosmetology Shop — Renewal fee: $285 / Application fee: $355
- Barber Shop — Renewal fee: $285 / Application fee: $355
- Nail Technician Shop — Renewal fee: $285 / Application fee: $355
- Esthetics Shop — Renewal fee: $285 / Application fee: $355
- Mobile Shop — Mobile operations (automobile, RV, or trailer) individually licensed. Renewal fee: $285 / Application fee: $355. Requires vehicle registration, liability insurance, and a pre-opening OPR inspection.
- School of Cosmetology — Renewal fee: $355 / Application fee: $355
Eyelash extension services require a cosmetologist or esthetician license and demonstrated adequate education, training, and experience under Administrative Rule 13-8. Estheticians are permitted to provide lash tinting and lifting services under the current scope of practice rules. Lasers are outside the scope of cosmetology and esthetics — a medical license or electrology license with laser endorsement is required to use laser equipment.
Renew Your Vermont Cosmetology License
Vermont cosmetology licenses renew biennially. The renewal fee for cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and nail technicians is $155.00. Licenses expire on November 30 of odd-numbered years (e.g., 2025, 2027). Vermont does not require continuing education for cosmetologists, estheticians, or nail technicians. Instructors must complete 24 CE credits per two-year renewal cycle using Vermont-approved courses.
90-Day Initial Licensing Policy
An initial license issued more than 90 days before the November 30 renewal date will expire at that renewal and must be renewed promptly. An initial license issued 90 days or fewer before the renewal date is automatically extended through the next full two-year period — providing up to four years before the first renewal is due.
How to Renew
Renewal applications open six weeks before the expiration date. Log in to OPR's Online Services System, submit your renewal application, and pay the $155.00 fee. Courtesy reminder emails are sent to the email address on file when the renewal window opens. Late renewals are subject to penalties. Direct renewal questions to sos.renewalclerk@vermont.gov.
File a Complaint
Complaints against Vermont-licensed cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians, or shops are handled by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation. To file a complaint, visit the OPR complaints page at sos.vermont.gov/opr/complaints-conduct-discipline/. Complaints can be filed as a guest — no registration is required.
OPR does not have authority to seek money damages or restitution and cannot mediate private disputes. The office investigates only conduct that falls within its professional jurisdiction. Conduct decisions and disciplinary records are publicly searchable through OPR's Conduct Decision Search tool. For questions, contact OPR at (802) 828-1505.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Vermont have a State Board of Cosmetology?
- Vermont does not have a standalone Board of Cosmetology. Instead, cosmetology licensing is handled by the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), a division of the Vermont Secretary of State's Office. OPR uses an "advisor model" in which professional advisors guide policy without formal board-style voting authority. All licensing transactions are handled through OPR's Online Services System.
- Do I need a license for natural hair braiding in Vermont?
- No. Vermont does not require a cosmetology license for natural hair braiding or styling, as long as the services do not involve cutting, application of chemicals, dyes, or heat, or structural changes to the hair. Washing and conditioning are permitted as part of natural braiding practice.
- What are the training hour requirements for a Vermont cosmetology license?
- Vermont offers two paths: a school path requiring 1,000 hours, or an apprenticeship path requiring 1,500 hours. Apprenticeships must be completed in Vermont under a Vermont licensee in a Vermont-licensed shop. A high school diploma or GED is also required for cosmetologists (not required for nail technicians).
- What exam is required for a Vermont cosmetology license?
- Vermont requires NIC theory and practical examinations administered by Prov (as of November 1, 2023). Apply with OPR first; once approved, OPR submits your information to Prov, who emails you scheduling instructions. Visit provexam.com for exam details.
- Does Vermont require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?
- No. Cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and nail technicians are not required to complete continuing education for renewal. The exception is the Instructor specialty — instructors must complete 24 continuing education credits per two-year renewal cycle using Vermont-approved courses.
- Can I transfer my cosmetology license from another state to Vermont?
- Yes. Vermont offers endorsement for applicants whose out-of-state qualifications are substantially equivalent to Vermont's requirements. If they are not equivalent, you must show proof of 1,500 documented hours of practice over at least one year. Vermont also offers a Fast Track Endorsement for professionals who have been actively licensed in another state for three or more continuous years — no examination required.