Utah State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Utah State Board of Cosmetology
Utah cosmetology, barbering, and associated professions are regulated by the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), one of seven agencies within the Utah Department of Commerce. DOPL administers the Cosmetology and Associated Professions Licensing Act (Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 11a) and its implementing administrative rule, R156-11a. The division's offices are in the Heber Wells Building at 160 East 300 South, Fourth Floor, Salt Lake City.
Board Composition and Role
An advisory Cosmetology and Associated Professions Licensing Board, appointed by the governor, is composed of licensed practitioners representing barbering, cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and electrology. The board meets periodically to advise the DOPL director on rule changes, licensing standards, and disciplinary policy. Routine licensing functions are handled by DOPL's Bureau 2 staff, reachable at (801) 530-6628 or b2@utah.gov. Bureau Manager David Wright and Board Administrator Jessica Pitts oversee day-to-day operations.
What DOPL Regulates
Utah regulates a broader array of cosmetology-adjacent license types than most states. Under the Cosmetology and Associated Professions Licensing Act, DOPL issues the following individual licenses:
- Cosmetologist/Barber — the comprehensive full-service license (1,600 training hours) covering hair cutting and coloring, skin care, nail services, and lash and brow work;
- Barber — a hair and shaving focused license requiring 1,000 hours;
- Hair Designer — a hair-only license requiring 1,200 hours (as of January 1, 2026, transitioning to the Master Hair Design License or Master Barbering License classification);
- Basic Esthetician — skin care, facials, and limited chemical exfoliation, 600 hours;
- Master Esthetician — full esthetics scope including advanced chemical exfoliation, limited laser, and lymphatic massage, 1,200 hours;
- Nail Technician — nail care services, 300 hours;
- Electrologist — permanent hair removal via electrolysis, 600 hours;
- Eyelash and Eyebrow Technician — a standalone 100-hour license for lash extensions, brow shaping, and tinting services;
- Instructor — authorizes teaching in a licensed cosmetology school; and
- Apprentice — a registration that allows on-the-job training under a licensed supervisor as an alternative to school-based training.
DOPL also issues specialty permits — including the Barbering Permit, Chemical Hair Services Permit, Haircutting Permit, Facial Hair Removal Permit, and Basic Esthetics Permit — that allow a narrower range of services without the full curriculum requirement of the comprehensive license. The Hair Safety Permit, tested through PROV, authorizes performance of chemical hair services and requires a 2-hour approved course.
Online Licensing Portal
Beginning January 31, 2026, all new license applications and renewals are processed through DOPL's new online portal at utahdoc.mylicenseone.com. Manual application forms remain available at commerce.utah.gov/dopl/cosmetology/apply-for-a-license/ for applicants who prefer to submit in person or by mail at the Heber Wells Building.
2026 Legislative Update
Senate Bill 330 (2026 legislative session) clarified the scope of practice for Master Estheticians by explicitly categorizing dermaplaning as an advanced exfoliation procedure within their authorized scope of practice. This change takes effect June 1, 2026, and is codified under Utah Code Section 58-11a-304(10).
License Verification and Disciplinary Records
Utah cosmetology licenses can be verified at any time through the statewide license lookup at secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html. Disciplinary actions and citations issued by DOPL are publicly accessible through the DOPL disciplinary actions database at db.dopl.utah.gov.
Licenses Regulated
Utah's Cosmetology and Associated Professions Licensing Act (Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 11a) establishes a tiered licensing structure that allows practitioners to choose the level of scope and training that fits their career goals. Training hour requirements and fees are from Administrative Rule R156-11a and the DOPL Fee Schedule (FY 2025–2026).
Individual Practitioner Licenses
| License Type | Training Hours | Application Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist/Barber | 1,600 hours | $60.00 | $52.00 |
| Barber | 1,000 hours | $60.00 | $52.00 |
| Hair Designer (Master Hair Design License) | 1,200 hours | $60.00 | $52.00 |
| Basic Esthetician | 600 hours | $60.00 | $52.00 |
| Master Esthetician | 1,200 hours (600 basic + 600 advanced) | $85.00 | $68.00 |
| Nail Technician | 300 hours | $60.00 | $52.00 |
| Electrologist | 600 hours | $50.00 | $32.00 |
| Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician | 100 hours | $60.00 | $52.00 |
| Instructor | Varies by specialty | $60.00 | Auto-renews with basic license |
| Apprentice | N/A (on-the-job training) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
Specialty Permits
Utah also issues restricted-scope permits for practitioners who want to offer a defined set of services without completing the full curriculum. Each permit requires its own NIC or ICA examination through PROV.
| Permit Type | Application Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Barbering Permit | $60.00 | $52.00 |
| Chemical Hair Services Permit | $60.00 | $52.00 |
| Haircutting Permit | $60.00 | $52.00 |
| Facial Hair Removal Permit | $60.00 | $52.00 |
| Basic Esthetics Permit | $60.00 | $52.00 |
| Hair Safety Permit (PROV ICA exam) | No DOPL fee — testing handled by PROV | |
School Licenses
Any institution offering cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, hair design, electrology, or eyelash and eyebrow technology instruction must hold a DOPL school license. The application fee is $110.00 and the biennial renewal fee is $110.00.
Renew Your Utah Cosmetology License
Utah cosmetology, barbering, and esthetics licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years (2027, 2029, 2031, etc.), creating a uniform two-year renewal cycle for all practitioners. DOPL mails a renewal notice to the licensee's address of record at least 60 days before the expiration date.
How to Renew
Renew online through DOPL's portal at utahdoc.mylicenseone.com (available as of January 31, 2026). Manual renewal forms for each license type are available at commerce.utah.gov/dopl/cosmetology/renew-a-license/ for in-person or mail-in renewal at the Heber Wells Building.
Renewal Fees
| License Type | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|
| Cosmetologist/Barber | $52.00 |
| Barber | $52.00 |
| Hair Designer / Master Hair Design License | $52.00 |
| Basic Esthetician | $52.00 |
| Master Esthetician | $68.00 |
| Nail Technician | $52.00 |
| Electrologist | $32.00 |
| Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician | $52.00 |
| Apprentice | $20.00 |
| School | $110.00 |
Continuing Education
Utah does not require continuing education hours for cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, or electrology license renewal. There is no CE requirement under Administrative Rule R156-11a.
Late Renewal and Reinstatement
A $20.00 late renewal fee is assessed for renewals submitted after the expiration date. If a license lapses beyond the grace period, a $50.00 reinstatement fee applies. Inactive or emeritus status changes also carry a $50.00 fee.
Instructor License Renewal
Instructor licenses automatically renew with the renewal of the licensee's basic practice license (e.g., cosmetologist/barber, esthetician, nail technician). No separate renewal form or fee is required for instructor licenses.
File a Complaint
Complaints against Utah-licensed cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians, electrologists, eyelash and eyebrow technicians, and licensed schools and establishments are filed with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) through the online complaint form.
How to File a Complaint
- Visit the DOPL complaint page at commerce.utah.gov/dopl/file-a-complaint/.
- Complete the online complaint form with the licensee's name (or school/establishment name), license number if known, a description of the alleged violation, and any supporting documentation.
- Submit the form. DOPL will acknowledge receipt and assign the complaint for review.
If you prefer to submit a complaint in person or by mail, contact DOPL at (801) 530-6628 or visit the Heber Wells Building at 160 East 300 South, Fourth Floor, Salt Lake City, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM MT).
What Happens After You File
DOPL's Bureau of Investigations, staffed by approximately 30 trained investigators (many with law enforcement backgrounds), reviews all incoming complaints. A chief investigator or supervisory investigator determines the complaint's priority. DOPL investigates alleged violations of Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 11a, and Administrative Rule R156-11a, including unprofessional conduct, infection control failures, practicing without a license, and scope-of-practice violations.
Complaints are confidential by law and are generally not available to the public. In limited circumstances, complaint information may be shared with other government agencies that demonstrate a legal basis for the request.
What DOPL Can and Cannot Do
DOPL can impose citations, fines, license suspensions, and license revocations. It cannot award monetary damages to complainants, compel a refund, or mediate civil disputes between clients and practitioners. Those matters must be pursued through civil court or the Utah Division of Consumer Protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who regulates cosmetology in Utah?
- Cosmetology in Utah is regulated by the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), located in the Heber Wells Building at 160 East 300 South, Fourth Floor, Salt Lake City. DOPL is a division of the Utah Department of Commerce and administers the Cosmetology and Associated Professions Licensing Act (Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 11a). Contact DOPL at (801) 530-6628 or b2@utah.gov.
- How often do Utah cosmetology licenses expire?
- Utah cosmetology, barbering, and esthetics licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years (2027, 2029, etc.), creating a two-year renewal cycle. DOPL sends renewal notices at least 60 days before the expiration date to the licensee's address of record.
- Does Utah require continuing education to renew a cosmetology license?
- No. Utah does not require any continuing education hours for cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, or electrology license renewal. There is no CE requirement under Administrative Rule R156-11a.
- How do I renew my Utah cosmetology license?
- Renew online through DOPL's portal at utahdoc.mylicenseone.com. Manual renewal forms are also available at commerce.utah.gov/dopl/cosmetology/renew-a-license/ for in-person or mail-in submissions. The renewal fee is $52.00 for most license types.
- How do I verify a Utah cosmetology or barber license?
- Use the Utah statewide license verification tool at secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html. Search by name, license number, or license type. Disciplinary actions are also searchable at db.dopl.utah.gov/disciplinary-actions/.
- What is the difference between a Cosmetologist/Barber and a Hair Designer in Utah?
- The Cosmetologist/Barber is Utah's comprehensive full-service license, requiring 1,600 hours of training and authorizing hair, skin, nail, and lash/brow services. The Hair Designer (now called the Master Hair Design License) is a hair-only license requiring 1,200 hours. As of January 1, 2026, the former Hair Designer license transitioned to either the Master Hair Design License or the Master Barbering License.