Alabama license renewal and continuing education
How to renew a cosmetology license in Alabama
What it takes to renew a cosmetology, barber, nail technician or esthetician license in Alabama: when each expires, the renewal fee, the continuing education it needs, and what to do if you renew late or the license has lapsed. Every answer comes from the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering's own pages, rules and fee schedules, read on October 28, 2026.
| License | Continuing education | Fee | Renews | Late fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | Not stated | $100 | Every 2 years | $54 |
| Barber | Not stated | $100 | Every 2 years | $54 |
| Nail technician | Not stated | $100 | Every 2 years | $54 |
| Esthetician | Not stated | $100 | Every 2 years | $54 |
Renew on the board's site Check your license status The board's own words
At $50 a year, renewing costs more than the $32.50 a year typical across the states.
Cosmetologist
Alabama cosmetology license renewal
Renewed through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
- When it expires
- Every 2 yearsOn the last day of your birth month in odd-numbered years.
- Renewal fee
- $100 ($50 a year)
- Continuing education
- Not statedThe official pages we read do not say whether renewal needs continuing education; ask the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before you renew.
- Late renewal
- $54The license expires on the last day of the birth month, and a renewal postmarked after that date is assessed a $54 late fee.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleAn expired license can be reinstated within four years after expiration by paying renewal fees for the lapsed period, a current renewal fee and a late fee. After more than four years, you must pass the practical exam, then pay the back fees to when the license expired.
Barber (Class 2 Barber)
Alabama barber license renewal
Renewed through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
- When it expires
- Every 2 yearsOn the last day of your birth month in even-numbered years.
- Renewal fee
- $100 ($50 a year)
- Continuing education
- Not statedThe official pages we read do not say whether renewal needs continuing education; ask the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before you renew.
- Late renewal
- $54The license expires on the last day of the birth month, and a renewal postmarked after that date is assessed a $54 late fee.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleAn expired license can be reinstated within four years after expiration by paying renewal fees for the lapsed period, a current renewal fee and a late fee. After more than four years, you must pass the practical exam, then pay the back fees to when the license expired.
Nail technician (Manicurist)
Alabama nail technician license renewal
Renewed through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
- When it expires
- Every 2 yearsOn the last day of your birth month in odd-numbered years.
- Renewal fee
- $100 ($50 a year)
- Continuing education
- Not statedThe official pages we read do not say whether renewal needs continuing education; ask the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before you renew.
- Late renewal
- $54The license expires on the last day of the birth month, and a renewal postmarked after that date is assessed a $54 late fee.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleAn expired license can be reinstated within four years after expiration by paying renewal fees for the lapsed period, a current renewal fee and a late fee. After more than four years, you must pass the practical exam, then pay the back fees to when the license expired.
Esthetician
Alabama esthetician license renewal
Renewed through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
- When it expires
- Every 2 yearsOn the last day of your birth month in odd-numbered years.
- Renewal fee
- $100 ($50 a year)
- Continuing education
- Not statedThe official pages we read do not say whether renewal needs continuing education; ask the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before you renew.
- Late renewal
- $54The license expires on the last day of the birth month, and a renewal postmarked after that date is assessed a $54 late fee.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleAn expired license can be reinstated within four years after expiration by paying renewal fees for the lapsed period, a current renewal fee and a late fee. After more than four years, you must pass the practical exam, then pay the back fees to when the license expired.
Good to know
What else Alabama says about renewing
- All personal licenses must be renewed by the last day of the licensee's birth month to avoid a late charge of $54.00.
- If you had a username and password for the previous version of the online renewal site, they no longer work; create a new account on the new site.
- Renewals can also be sent by mail or made in person at the board's Montgomery office; the board does not take renewal payments over the phone.
Sources
What Alabama's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering's own pages, rules and fee schedules, read on October 28, 2026. Fees and deadlines change: confirm with the board before you renew.
- Cosmetologist: renewal period
“Once you have an original license, you then renew every two (2) years during your birth month.”
aboc.alabama.gov “For Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Manicurists, Eyebrow Threaders, Estheticians/Manicurists, Manicure/Waxers and Natural Hair Stylists, personal licenses are renewed in odd-numbered years during your birth month.”
aboc.alabama.gov “(a) No license issued by the board shall be valid for more than two years.”
aboc.alabama.gov - Cosmetologist: renewal fee
“Personal Renewal: $100”
aboc.alabama.gov - Cosmetologist: late renewal
“Renewals postmarked after the last day of your birth month will be assessed a late fee of $54.”
aboc.alabama.gov “A $54.00 late fee will be due if postmarked after this date.”
aboc.alabama.gov - Cosmetologist: expired license
“An expired license may be reinstated within four years after the date of expiration by paying renewal fees for the lapsed period, a current renewal fee,”
aboc.alabama.gov “If your license is expired for more than four (4) years, you must pass the practical exam then pay the back fees to when your license expired.”
aboc.alabama.gov - Barber: renewal period
“Once you have an original license, you then renew every two (2) years during your birth month.”
aboc.alabama.gov “For Barbers, personal licenses are renewed in even-numbered years during your birth month.”
aboc.alabama.gov “(a) No license issued by the board shall be valid for more than two years.”
aboc.alabama.gov - Barber: renewal fee
“Personal Renewal: $100”
aboc.alabama.gov - Barber: late renewal
“Renewals postmarked after the last day of your birth month will be assessed a late fee of $54.”
aboc.alabama.gov “A $54.00 late fee will be due if postmarked after this date.”
aboc.alabama.gov - Barber: expired license
“An expired license may be reinstated within four years after the date of expiration by paying renewal fees for the lapsed period, a current renewal fee,”
aboc.alabama.gov “If your license is expired for more than four (4) years, you must pass the practical exam then pay the back fees to when your license expired.”
aboc.alabama.gov - Nail technician: renewal period
“Once you have an original license, you then renew every two (2) years during your birth month.”
aboc.alabama.gov “For Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Manicurists, Eyebrow Threaders, Estheticians/Manicurists, Manicure/Waxers and Natural Hair Stylists, personal licenses are renewed in odd-numbered years during your birth month.”
aboc.alabama.gov “(a) No license issued by the board shall be valid for more than two years.”
aboc.alabama.gov - Nail technician: renewal fee
“Personal Renewal: $100”
aboc.alabama.gov - Nail technician: late renewal
“Renewals postmarked after the last day of your birth month will be assessed a late fee of $54.”
aboc.alabama.gov “A $54.00 late fee will be due if postmarked after this date.”
aboc.alabama.gov - Nail technician: expired license
“An expired license may be reinstated within four years after the date of expiration by paying renewal fees for the lapsed period, a current renewal fee,”
aboc.alabama.gov “If your license is expired for more than four (4) years, you must pass the practical exam then pay the back fees to when your license expired.”
aboc.alabama.gov - Esthetician: renewal period
“Once you have an original license, you then renew every two (2) years during your birth month.”
aboc.alabama.gov “For Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Manicurists, Eyebrow Threaders, Estheticians/Manicurists, Manicure/Waxers and Natural Hair Stylists, personal licenses are renewed in odd-numbered years during your birth month.”
aboc.alabama.gov “(a) No license issued by the board shall be valid for more than two years.”
aboc.alabama.gov - Esthetician: renewal fee
“Personal Renewal: $100”
aboc.alabama.gov - Esthetician: late renewal
“Renewals postmarked after the last day of your birth month will be assessed a late fee of $54.”
aboc.alabama.gov “A $54.00 late fee will be due if postmarked after this date.”
aboc.alabama.gov - Esthetician: expired license
“An expired license may be reinstated within four years after the date of expiration by paying renewal fees for the lapsed period, a current renewal fee,”
aboc.alabama.gov “If your license is expired for more than four (4) years, you must pass the practical exam then pay the back fees to when your license expired.”
aboc.alabama.gov - Also good to know
“All personal licenses must be renewed by the last day of the licensee's birth month to avoid a late charge of $54.00.”
aboc.alabama.gov - Also good to know
“If you had a username and password for the previous version of our personal renewal website, that username and password are no longer valid.”
aboc.alabama.gov - Also good to know
“As a reminder, we accept license renewals by mail and in-person at our office in Montgomery.”
aboc.alabama.gov
Questions
Alabama license renewal, answered
How do I renew my cosmetology license in Alabama?
The Alabama Cosmetologist license renews every 2 years for $100, through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. When it expires: On the last day of your birth month in odd-numbered years. The official pages we read do not state a continuing education requirement for it; ask the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before your renewal date. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
How many continuing education hours do I need to renew an Alabama cosmetology license?
The official pages we read do not state a continuing education requirement for it; ask the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before your renewal date.
What happens if my Alabama cosmetology license expires?
The license expires on the last day of the birth month, and a renewal postmarked after that date is assessed a $54 late fee. An expired license can be reinstated within four years after expiration by paying renewal fees for the lapsed period, a current renewal fee and a late fee. After more than four years, you must pass the practical exam, then pay the back fees to when the license expired.
How do I renew my barber license in Alabama?
The Alabama Class 2 Barber license renews every 2 years for $100, through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. When it expires: On the last day of your birth month in even-numbered years. The official pages we read do not state a continuing education requirement for it; ask the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before your renewal date. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
What happens if my Alabama barber license expires?
The license expires on the last day of the birth month, and a renewal postmarked after that date is assessed a $54 late fee. An expired license can be reinstated within four years after expiration by paying renewal fees for the lapsed period, a current renewal fee and a late fee. After more than four years, you must pass the practical exam, then pay the back fees to when the license expired.
How do I renew my nail technician license in Alabama?
The Alabama Manicurist license renews every 2 years for $100, through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. When it expires: On the last day of your birth month in odd-numbered years. The official pages we read do not state a continuing education requirement for it; ask the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before your renewal date. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
What happens if my Alabama nail technician license expires?
The license expires on the last day of the birth month, and a renewal postmarked after that date is assessed a $54 late fee. An expired license can be reinstated within four years after expiration by paying renewal fees for the lapsed period, a current renewal fee and a late fee. After more than four years, you must pass the practical exam, then pay the back fees to when the license expired.
How do I renew my esthetician license in Alabama?
The Alabama Esthetician license renews every 2 years for $100, through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. When it expires: On the last day of your birth month in odd-numbered years. The official pages we read do not state a continuing education requirement for it; ask the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before your renewal date. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
What happens if my Alabama esthetician license expires?
The license expires on the last day of the birth month, and a renewal postmarked after that date is assessed a $54 late fee. An expired license can be reinstated within four years after expiration by paying renewal fees for the lapsed period, a current renewal fee and a late fee. After more than four years, you must pass the practical exam, then pay the back fees to when the license expired.
Plan the rest
Licensed, renewed, and fully booked
- Getting a first license in Alabama: training hours, exams and fees
- What a licensed esthetician may do in Alabama
- Running your own salon in Alabama: the salon license
- What Alabama inspectors check in a salon
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