Minnesota license renewal and continuing education
How to renew a cosmetology license in Minnesota
What it takes to renew a cosmetology, barber, nail technician or esthetician license in Minnesota: 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 Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners's own pages, rules and fee schedules, read on October 28, 2026.
| License | Continuing education | Fee | Renews | Late fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 8 hours per renewal | $115 | Every 3 years | $45 |
| Barber | Not stated | $80 | Every year | $95 |
| Nail technician | 8 hours per renewal | $115 | Every 3 years | $45 |
| Esthetician | 8 hours per renewal | $115 | Every 3 years | $45 |
Renew on the board's site Check your license status The board's own words
At $38.33 a year, renewing costs more than the $32.50 a year typical across the states; its continuing education works out to 2.7 hours a year of license.
Cosmetologist
Minnesota cosmetology license renewal
Renewed through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners.
- When it expires
- Every 3 yearsOn the last day of the licensee's birth month in the year the license is due, every three years.
- Renewal fee
- $115 ($38.33 a year)
- Continuing education
- 8 hours per renewalEight hours per renewal period, completed within the three years before renewal: four core hours (one hour of state cosmetology laws and rules and three hours of health, safety, and infection control) and four professional practice hours on product chemistry, proper use of machines and instruments, business management and human relations, or techniques for the license held.
- Late renewal
- $45A practitioner late renewal fee of up to $45 applies when the renewal application is received after the expiration date, and the license is not authorized for practice after the expiration date until the renewed license is issued.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleA license expired less than three years is renewed by completing the required continuing education and paying the renewal and late fees; a license expired three years or more is renewed only after passing a laws and rules test and a practical exam, each no more than one year old, and paying the initial license fee.
Barber (Registered barber)
Minnesota barber license renewal
Renewed through the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners.
- When it expires
- Every yearOn December 31 of each year.
- Renewal fee
- $80
- Continuing education
- Not statedThe official pages we read do not say whether renewal needs continuing education; ask the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners before you renew.
- Late renewal
- $95A restoration fee of $95 applies for each year the registration has lapsed when it is renewed within four years of expiration.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleA registration that lapsed within four years can be reinstated by paying the restoration fee for each year it was lapsed; a registration that lapsed for more than four years requires reexamination before a new certificate is issued.
Nail technician
Minnesota nail technician license renewal
Renewed through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners.
- When it expires
- Every 3 yearsOn the last day of the licensee's birth month in the year the license is due, every three years.
- Renewal fee
- $115 ($38.33 a year)
- Continuing education
- 8 hours per renewalEight hours per renewal period, completed within the three years before renewal: four core hours (one hour of state cosmetology laws and rules and three hours of health, safety, and infection control) and four professional practice hours on product chemistry, proper use of machines and instruments, business management and human relations, or techniques for the license held.
- Late renewal
- $45A practitioner late renewal fee of up to $45 applies when the renewal application is received after the expiration date, and the license is not authorized for practice after the expiration date until the renewed license is issued.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleA license expired less than three years is renewed by completing the required continuing education and paying the renewal and late fees; a license expired three years or more is renewed only after passing a laws and rules test and a practical exam, each no more than one year old, and paying the initial license fee.
Esthetician
Minnesota esthetician license renewal
Renewed through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners.
- When it expires
- Every 3 yearsOn the last day of the licensee's birth month in the year the license is due, every three years.
- Renewal fee
- $115 ($38.33 a year)
- Continuing education
- 8 hours per renewalEight hours per renewal period, completed within the three years before renewal: four core hours (one hour of state cosmetology laws and rules and three hours of health, safety, and infection control) and four professional practice hours on product chemistry, proper use of machines and instruments, business management and human relations, or techniques for the license held.
- Late renewal
- $45A practitioner late renewal fee of up to $45 applies when the renewal application is received after the expiration date, and the license is not authorized for practice after the expiration date until the renewed license is issued.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleA license expired less than three years is renewed by completing the required continuing education and paying the renewal and late fees; a license expired three years or more is renewed only after passing a laws and rules test and a practical exam, each no more than one year old, and paying the initial license fee.
Good to know
What else Minnesota says about renewing
- Licenses expired more than six months can be renewed only by mail or in person, not through the online renewal.
- A practitioner whose renewed license is not issued by the end of the expiration date may not practice until the license is issued.
- Barbering with an expired barber registration is treated as barbering without a license.
Sources
What Minnesota's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners'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
“Licenses shall be renewed every three years by a process established by rule.”
revisor.mn.gov “Individual licenses expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month of the year due.”
revisor.mn.gov - Cosmetologist: renewal fee
“$115 renewal of practitioner license, divided as follows:”
revisor.mn.gov - Cosmetologist: continuing education
“A cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician, advanced practice esthetician, or salon manager renewing a license must complete a total of eight hours of CE credits from board-approved providers within the three years prior to the date of the license renewal.”
revisor.mn.gov “four hours of core CEs, consisting of one hour pertaining to state cosmetology laws and rules, and three hours related to health, safety, and infection control matters; and”
revisor.mn.gov “four hours of professional practice CEs, consisting of one or more of the following topics within the licensee's scope of practice:”
revisor.mn.gov - Cosmetologist: late renewal
“(13) practitioner late renewal fee, $45; and”
revisor.mn.gov “The applicant must pay late fees required by Minnesota Statutes, section 155A.25”
revisor.mn.gov “A licensee whose renewed license has not been issued by the board by the end of the business day on the licensee's expiration date is not authorized to practice after the expiration date until a license is issued,”
revisor.mn.gov - Cosmetologist: expired license
“If more than three years have passed since the expiration date of the license, the license is not eligible for renewal under this section, and the requirements of part 2105.0215 apply.”
revisor.mn.gov “If an operator's, salon manager's, instructor's, or school manager's license has been expired for less than three years, a new license cycle will be issued upon renewal of the license.”
revisor.mn.gov “original passing test results no more than one year old of the laws and rules test for an operator.”
revisor.mn.gov “original passing test results no more than one year old of a board-approved written practical exam”
revisor.mn.gov “payment of the initial license fees required by Minnesota Statutes, section 155A.25”
revisor.mn.gov “A "practitioner" is any person licensed as an operator or manager in the practice of cosmetology, esthiology, hair technology services, nail technology services, or eyelash technology services.”
revisor.mn.gov - Barber: renewal period
“CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRATION MUST BE RENEWED ANNUALLY.”
revisor.mn.gov “All registered barbers and registered instructors of barbering who continue in active practice or service shall, on or before December 31 each year, renew their certificates of registration for the following year and pay the required fee.”
revisor.mn.gov “Every certificate of registration which has not been renewed during the month of December in any year shall expire on the 31st day of December in that year.”
revisor.mn.gov - Barber: renewal fee
“(8) renewal of registration, registered barber, $80;”
revisor.mn.gov - Barber: late renewal
“(17) restoration of registered barber registration, $95;”
revisor.mn.gov “upon the payment of the required restoration fee for each year the certificate is lapsed.”
revisor.mn.gov - Barber: expired license
“A registered barber who has not renewed a certificate of registration may be reinstated within four years of such failure to renew without examination upon the payment of the required restoration fee for each year the certificate is lapsed.”
revisor.mn.gov “All registered barbers who allow their certificates of registration to lapse for more than four years shall be required to reexamine before being issued a certificate of registration.”
revisor.mn.gov - Nail technician: renewal period
“Licenses shall be renewed every three years by a process established by rule.”
revisor.mn.gov “Individual licenses expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month of the year due.”
revisor.mn.gov - Nail technician: renewal fee
“$115 renewal of practitioner license, divided as follows:”
revisor.mn.gov - Nail technician: continuing education
“A cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician, advanced practice esthetician, or salon manager renewing a license must complete a total of eight hours of CE credits from board-approved providers within the three years prior to the date of the license renewal.”
revisor.mn.gov “four hours of core CEs, consisting of one hour pertaining to state cosmetology laws and rules, and three hours related to health, safety, and infection control matters; and”
revisor.mn.gov “four hours of professional practice CEs, consisting of one or more of the following topics within the licensee's scope of practice:”
revisor.mn.gov - Nail technician: late renewal
“(13) practitioner late renewal fee, $45; and”
revisor.mn.gov “The applicant must pay late fees required by Minnesota Statutes, section 155A.25”
revisor.mn.gov “A licensee whose renewed license has not been issued by the board by the end of the business day on the licensee's expiration date is not authorized to practice after the expiration date until a license is issued,”
revisor.mn.gov - Nail technician: expired license
“If more than three years have passed since the expiration date of the license, the license is not eligible for renewal under this section, and the requirements of part 2105.0215 apply.”
revisor.mn.gov “If an operator's, salon manager's, instructor's, or school manager's license has been expired for less than three years, a new license cycle will be issued upon renewal of the license.”
revisor.mn.gov “original passing test results no more than one year old of the laws and rules test for an operator.”
revisor.mn.gov “original passing test results no more than one year old of a board-approved written practical exam”
revisor.mn.gov “payment of the initial license fees required by Minnesota Statutes, section 155A.25”
revisor.mn.gov “A "practitioner" is any person licensed as an operator or manager in the practice of cosmetology, esthiology, hair technology services, nail technology services, or eyelash technology services.”
revisor.mn.gov - Esthetician: renewal period
“Licenses shall be renewed every three years by a process established by rule.”
revisor.mn.gov “Individual licenses expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month of the year due.”
revisor.mn.gov - Esthetician: renewal fee
“$115 renewal of practitioner license, divided as follows:”
revisor.mn.gov - Esthetician: continuing education
“A cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician, advanced practice esthetician, or salon manager renewing a license must complete a total of eight hours of CE credits from board-approved providers within the three years prior to the date of the license renewal.”
revisor.mn.gov “four hours of core CEs, consisting of one hour pertaining to state cosmetology laws and rules, and three hours related to health, safety, and infection control matters; and”
revisor.mn.gov “four hours of professional practice CEs, consisting of one or more of the following topics within the licensee's scope of practice:”
revisor.mn.gov - Esthetician: late renewal
“(13) practitioner late renewal fee, $45; and”
revisor.mn.gov “The applicant must pay late fees required by Minnesota Statutes, section 155A.25”
revisor.mn.gov “A licensee whose renewed license has not been issued by the board by the end of the business day on the licensee's expiration date is not authorized to practice after the expiration date until a license is issued,”
revisor.mn.gov - Esthetician: expired license
“If more than three years have passed since the expiration date of the license, the license is not eligible for renewal under this section, and the requirements of part 2105.0215 apply.”
revisor.mn.gov “If an operator's, salon manager's, instructor's, or school manager's license has been expired for less than three years, a new license cycle will be issued upon renewal of the license.”
revisor.mn.gov “original passing test results no more than one year old of the laws and rules test for an operator.”
revisor.mn.gov “original passing test results no more than one year old of a board-approved written practical exam”
revisor.mn.gov “payment of the initial license fees required by Minnesota Statutes, section 155A.25”
revisor.mn.gov “A "practitioner" is any person licensed as an operator or manager in the practice of cosmetology, esthiology, hair technology services, nail technology services, or eyelash technology services.”
revisor.mn.gov - Also good to know
“Applications for licenses that expired more than six months ago can only be submitted by mail or in-person.”
mn.gov - Also good to know
“A licensee whose renewed license has not been issued by the board by the end of the business day on the licensee's expiration date is not authorized to practice after the expiration date until a license is issued,”
revisor.mn.gov - Also good to know
“Practicing barbering with an expired registration is considered barbering without a license.”
mn.gov
Questions
Minnesota license renewal, answered
How do I renew my cosmetology license in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Cosmetologist license renews every 3 years for $115, through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners. When it expires: On the last day of the licensee's birth month in the year the license is due, every three years. Continuing education (8 hours per renewal): Eight hours per renewal period, completed within the three years before renewal: four core hours (one hour of state cosmetology laws and rules and three hours of health, safety, and infection control) and four professional practice hours on product chemistry, proper use of machines and instruments, business management and human relations, or techniques for the license held. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
How many continuing education hours do I need to renew a Minnesota cosmetology license?
Continuing education (8 hours per renewal): Eight hours per renewal period, completed within the three years before renewal: four core hours (one hour of state cosmetology laws and rules and three hours of health, safety, and infection control) and four professional practice hours on product chemistry, proper use of machines and instruments, business management and human relations, or techniques for the license held.
What happens if my Minnesota cosmetology license expires?
A practitioner late renewal fee of up to $45 applies when the renewal application is received after the expiration date, and the license is not authorized for practice after the expiration date until the renewed license is issued. A license expired less than three years is renewed by completing the required continuing education and paying the renewal and late fees; a license expired three years or more is renewed only after passing a laws and rules test and a practical exam, each no more than one year old, and paying the initial license fee.
How do I renew my barber license in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Registered barber license renews every year for $80, through the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners. When it expires: On December 31 of each year. The official pages we read do not state a continuing education requirement for it; ask the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners before your renewal date. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
What happens if my Minnesota barber license expires?
A registration that lapsed within four years can be reinstated by paying the restoration fee for each year it was lapsed; a registration that lapsed for more than four years requires reexamination before a new certificate is issued.
How do I renew my nail technician license in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Nail technician license renews every 3 years for $115, through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners. When it expires: On the last day of the licensee's birth month in the year the license is due, every three years. Continuing education (8 hours per renewal): Eight hours per renewal period, completed within the three years before renewal: four core hours (one hour of state cosmetology laws and rules and three hours of health, safety, and infection control) and four professional practice hours on product chemistry, proper use of machines and instruments, business management and human relations, or techniques for the license held. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
How many continuing education hours do I need to renew a Minnesota nail technician license?
Continuing education (8 hours per renewal): Eight hours per renewal period, completed within the three years before renewal: four core hours (one hour of state cosmetology laws and rules and three hours of health, safety, and infection control) and four professional practice hours on product chemistry, proper use of machines and instruments, business management and human relations, or techniques for the license held.
What happens if my Minnesota nail technician license expires?
A practitioner late renewal fee of up to $45 applies when the renewal application is received after the expiration date, and the license is not authorized for practice after the expiration date until the renewed license is issued. A license expired less than three years is renewed by completing the required continuing education and paying the renewal and late fees; a license expired three years or more is renewed only after passing a laws and rules test and a practical exam, each no more than one year old, and paying the initial license fee.
How do I renew my esthetician license in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Esthetician license renews every 3 years for $115, through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners. When it expires: On the last day of the licensee's birth month in the year the license is due, every three years. Continuing education (8 hours per renewal): Eight hours per renewal period, completed within the three years before renewal: four core hours (one hour of state cosmetology laws and rules and three hours of health, safety, and infection control) and four professional practice hours on product chemistry, proper use of machines and instruments, business management and human relations, or techniques for the license held. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
How many continuing education hours do I need to renew a Minnesota esthetician license?
Continuing education (8 hours per renewal): Eight hours per renewal period, completed within the three years before renewal: four core hours (one hour of state cosmetology laws and rules and three hours of health, safety, and infection control) and four professional practice hours on product chemistry, proper use of machines and instruments, business management and human relations, or techniques for the license held.
What happens if my Minnesota esthetician license expires?
A practitioner late renewal fee of up to $45 applies when the renewal application is received after the expiration date, and the license is not authorized for practice after the expiration date until the renewed license is issued. A license expired less than three years is renewed by completing the required continuing education and paying the renewal and late fees; a license expired three years or more is renewed only after passing a laws and rules test and a practical exam, each no more than one year old, and paying the initial license fee.
Plan the rest
Licensed, renewed, and fully booked
- Getting a first license in Minnesota: training hours, exams and fees
- What a licensed esthetician may do in Minnesota
- Running your own salon in Minnesota: the salon license
- What Minnesota inspectors check in a salon
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