North Dakota license renewal and continuing education
How to renew a cosmetology license in North Dakota
What it takes to renew a cosmetology, barber, nail technician or esthetician license in North Dakota: 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 North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology's own pages, rules and fee schedules, read on October 28, 2026.
| License | Continuing education | Fee | Renews | Late fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 4 hours per renewal | $50 | Every year | $50 |
| Barber | 6 hours per renewal | $100 | Every year | See the rule |
| Nail technician | 4 hours per renewal | $50 | Every year | $50 |
| Esthetician | 4 hours per renewal | $50 | Every year | $50 |
Renew on the board's site The board's own words
At $50 a year, renewing costs more than the $32.50 a year typical across the states; its continuing education works out to 4 hours a year of license.
Cosmetologist
North Dakota cosmetology license renewal
Renewed through the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology.
- When it expires
- Every yearA license issued by the board expires on December thirty-first each year.
- Renewal fee
- $50
- Continuing education
- 4 hours per renewalStarting with the 2028 renewal cycle: four hours of board-approved continuing education each year, in person, online or virtual; the board may name mandatory topics within the four hours, and up to one hour may be industry trade show attendance.
- Late renewal
- $50A renewal not received by December 31 is late: within one year after expiration the late fee is $50, and after one year but before five years it is $150, each paid together with the current renewal fee.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleA license can be reinstated within one year after expiration by paying the late fee and the current renewal fee; from one to five years after expiration, reinstatement also requires a reinstatement application and passing the current state laws, rules and regulations examination; after five years the person must reapply under initial licensure.
Barber (Licensed barber)
North Dakota barber license renewal
Renewed through the North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners.
- When it expires
- Every yearA barber certificate not renewed during July expires on August 1; renewal is due on or before July 1 each year.
- Renewal fee
- $100
- Continuing education
- 6 hours per renewalSix hours of continuing education every two years; seminars, the state barber convention and video correspondence courses with a returned worksheet count; a barber on inactive status is not subject to the requirement.
- Late renewal
- See the ruleA certificate that has expired may be restored immediately upon payment of the required restoration fee.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleAn expired barber certificate may be restored immediately upon payment of the required restoration fee, and a barber who has retired for not more than five years may renew upon payment of the restoration fee.
Nail technician (Manicurist)
North Dakota nail technician license renewal
Renewed through the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology.
- When it expires
- Every yearA license issued by the board expires on December thirty-first each year.
- Renewal fee
- $50
- Continuing education
- 4 hours per renewalStarting with the 2028 renewal cycle: four hours of board-approved continuing education each year, in person, online or virtual; the board may name mandatory topics within the four hours, and up to one hour may be industry trade show attendance.
- Late renewal
- $50A renewal not received by December 31 is late: within one year after expiration the late fee is $50, and after one year but before five years it is $150, each paid together with the current renewal fee.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleA license can be reinstated within one year after expiration by paying the late fee and the current renewal fee; from one to five years after expiration, reinstatement also requires a reinstatement application and passing the current state laws, rules and regulations examination; after five years the person must reapply under initial licensure.
Esthetician
North Dakota esthetician license renewal
Renewed through the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology.
- When it expires
- Every yearA license issued by the board expires on December thirty-first each year.
- Renewal fee
- $50
- Continuing education
- 4 hours per renewalStarting with the 2028 renewal cycle: four hours of board-approved continuing education each year, in person, online or virtual; the board may name mandatory topics within the four hours, and up to one hour may be industry trade show attendance.
- Late renewal
- $50A renewal not received by December 31 is late: within one year after expiration the late fee is $50, and after one year but before five years it is $150, each paid together with the current renewal fee.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleA license can be reinstated within one year after expiration by paying the late fee and the current renewal fee; from one to five years after expiration, reinstatement also requires a reinstatement application and passing the current state laws, rules and regulations examination; after five years the person must reapply under initial licensure.
Good to know
What else North Dakota says about renewing
- Practicing with an expired license is prohibited.
- A cosmetology license in legacy status does not require continuing education hours for renewal.
- A barber may request inactive license status, which excuses continuing education.
Sources
What North Dakota's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology'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
“All personal licenses must be renewed annually.”
ndcosmetology.com “Every license must be renewed on or before December thirty-first in each year.”
ndlegis.gov “A license issued by the board expires on December thirty-first.”
ndlegis.gov - Cosmetologist: renewal fee
“Cosmetologist, annual renewal $50.00 per year”
ndlegis.gov - Cosmetologist: continuing education
“Commencing with the 2028 license renewal cycle, and for all renewal cycles occurring thereafter, each licensee, except otherwise provisioned by rule, shall”
ndlegis.gov “Each licensee shall complete at least four hours of board-approved continuing education annually.”
ndlegis.gov “Trade shows. A maximum of one hour of continuing education annually is allowed for industry related trade show general attendance.”
ndlegis.gov - Cosmetologist: late renewal
“Individual late renewal within one year $50.00”
ndlegis.gov “Individual late renewal after $150.00 one year but before five years”
ndlegis.gov “If the application for renewal is not received on or before the expiration date, the license expires.”
ndlegis.gov “Payment of the required late fee; and b. Payment of the current renewal fee.”
ndlegis.gov - Cosmetologist: expired license
“The holder of an expired license, within one year from and after the date of the license's expiration, may obtain a reinstatement of the license upon:”
ndlegis.gov “The holder of an expired license, one year after the date of expiration but before five years, may obtain a reinstatement of the license upon:”
ndlegis.gov “reinstatement application to the board, pay appropriate penalty fee, and retake and pass the most current North Dakota state laws rules and regulations examination.”
ndlegis.gov “The board may not reinstate a license if more than five years has lapsed since the license expired.”
ndlegis.gov - Barber: renewal period
“Every registered barber who continues in active practice or service, annually, on or before July first, shall renew that person's certificate of registration and pay the required fee.”
ndlegis.gov “certificate of registration which has not been renewed during the month of July in any year expires the first day of August in that year.”
ndlegis.gov - Barber: renewal fee
“For renewal of a master barber's certificate, one hundred dollars.”
ndlegis.gov - Barber: continuing education
“All barbers licensed to practice barbering in North Dakota must complete a minimum of six hours of continuing education every two years.”
ndlegis.gov “Correspondence courses by video, if accompanied by a worksheet to be filled out and returned to the board.”
ndlegis.gov - Barber: late renewal
“A registered barber whose certificate of registration has expired may have that person's certificate restored immediately upon payment of the required restoration fee.”
ndlegis.gov - Barber: expired license
“A registered barber whose certificate of registration has expired may have that person's certificate restored immediately upon payment of the required restoration fee.”
ndlegis.gov “Any registered barber who retires from the practice of barbering for not more than five years may renew that person's certificate upon payment of the required restoration fee.”
ndlegis.gov - Nail technician: renewal period
“All personal licenses must be renewed annually.”
ndcosmetology.com “A license issued by the board expires on December thirty-first.”
ndlegis.gov - Nail technician: renewal fee
“Manicurist, annual renewal $50.00 per year”
ndlegis.gov - Nail technician: continuing education
“Commencing with the 2028 license renewal cycle, and for all renewal cycles occurring thereafter, each licensee, except otherwise provisioned by rule, shall”
ndlegis.gov “Each licensee shall complete at least four hours of board-approved continuing education annually.”
ndlegis.gov “Trade shows. A maximum of one hour of continuing education annually is allowed for industry related trade show general attendance.”
ndlegis.gov - Nail technician: late renewal
“Individual late renewal within one year $50.00”
ndlegis.gov “Individual late renewal after $150.00 one year but before five years”
ndlegis.gov “If the application for renewal is not received on or before the expiration date, the license expires.”
ndlegis.gov “Payment of the required late fee; and b. Payment of the current renewal fee.”
ndlegis.gov - Nail technician: expired license
“The holder of an expired license, within one year from and after the date of the license's expiration, may obtain a reinstatement of the license upon:”
ndlegis.gov “The holder of an expired license, one year after the date of expiration but before five years, may obtain a reinstatement of the license upon:”
ndlegis.gov “reinstatement application to the board, pay appropriate penalty fee, and retake and pass the most current North Dakota state laws rules and regulations examination.”
ndlegis.gov “The board may not reinstate a license if more than five years has lapsed since the license expired.”
ndlegis.gov - Esthetician: renewal period
“All personal licenses must be renewed annually.”
ndcosmetology.com “A license issued by the board expires on December thirty-first.”
ndlegis.gov - Esthetician: renewal fee
“Esthetician, annual renewal $50.00 per year”
ndlegis.gov - Esthetician: continuing education
“Commencing with the 2028 license renewal cycle, and for all renewal cycles occurring thereafter, each licensee, except otherwise provisioned by rule, shall”
ndlegis.gov “Each licensee shall complete at least four hours of board-approved continuing education annually.”
ndlegis.gov “Trade shows. A maximum of one hour of continuing education annually is allowed for industry related trade show general attendance.”
ndlegis.gov - Esthetician: late renewal
“Individual late renewal within one year $50.00”
ndlegis.gov “Individual late renewal after $150.00 one year but before five years”
ndlegis.gov “If the application for renewal is not received on or before the expiration date, the license expires.”
ndlegis.gov “Payment of the required late fee; and b. Payment of the current renewal fee.”
ndlegis.gov - Esthetician: expired license
“The holder of an expired license, within one year from and after the date of the license's expiration, may obtain a reinstatement of the license upon:”
ndlegis.gov “The holder of an expired license, one year after the date of expiration but before five years, may obtain a reinstatement of the license upon:”
ndlegis.gov “reinstatement application to the board, pay appropriate penalty fee, and retake and pass the most current North Dakota state laws rules and regulations examination.”
ndlegis.gov “The board may not reinstate a license if more than five years has lapsed since the license expired.”
ndlegis.gov - Also good to know
“Practicing with an expired license is prohibited under N.D.C.C. § 43-11-13”
ndcosmetology.com - Also good to know
“While in legacy status, continuing education hours are not required for renewal.”
ndlegis.gov - Also good to know
“A barber whose license has not been revoked or suspended may request inactive license status.”
ndlegis.gov
Questions
North Dakota license renewal, answered
How do I renew my cosmetology license in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Cosmetologist license renews every year for $50, through the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology. When it expires: A license issued by the board expires on December thirty-first each year. Continuing education (4 hours per renewal): Starting with the 2028 renewal cycle: four hours of board-approved continuing education each year, in person, online or virtual; the board may name mandatory topics within the four hours, and up to one hour may be industry trade show attendance. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
How many continuing education hours do I need to renew a North Dakota cosmetology license?
Continuing education (4 hours per renewal): Starting with the 2028 renewal cycle: four hours of board-approved continuing education each year, in person, online or virtual; the board may name mandatory topics within the four hours, and up to one hour may be industry trade show attendance.
What happens if my North Dakota cosmetology license expires?
A renewal not received by December 31 is late: within one year after expiration the late fee is $50, and after one year but before five years it is $150, each paid together with the current renewal fee. A license can be reinstated within one year after expiration by paying the late fee and the current renewal fee; from one to five years after expiration, reinstatement also requires a reinstatement application and passing the current state laws, rules and regulations examination; after five years the person must reapply under initial licensure.
How do I renew my barber license in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Licensed barber license renews every year for $100, through the North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners. When it expires: A barber certificate not renewed during July expires on August 1; renewal is due on or before July 1 each year. Continuing education (6 hours per renewal): Six hours of continuing education every two years; seminars, the state barber convention and video correspondence courses with a returned worksheet count; a barber on inactive status is not subject to the requirement. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
How many continuing education hours do I need to renew a North Dakota barber license?
Continuing education (6 hours per renewal): Six hours of continuing education every two years; seminars, the state barber convention and video correspondence courses with a returned worksheet count; a barber on inactive status is not subject to the requirement.
What happens if my North Dakota barber license expires?
An expired barber certificate may be restored immediately upon payment of the required restoration fee, and a barber who has retired for not more than five years may renew upon payment of the restoration fee.
How do I renew my nail technician license in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Manicurist license renews every year for $50, through the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology. When it expires: A license issued by the board expires on December thirty-first each year. Continuing education (4 hours per renewal): Starting with the 2028 renewal cycle: four hours of board-approved continuing education each year, in person, online or virtual; the board may name mandatory topics within the four hours, and up to one hour may be industry trade show attendance. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
How many continuing education hours do I need to renew a North Dakota nail technician license?
Continuing education (4 hours per renewal): Starting with the 2028 renewal cycle: four hours of board-approved continuing education each year, in person, online or virtual; the board may name mandatory topics within the four hours, and up to one hour may be industry trade show attendance.
What happens if my North Dakota nail technician license expires?
A renewal not received by December 31 is late: within one year after expiration the late fee is $50, and after one year but before five years it is $150, each paid together with the current renewal fee. A license can be reinstated within one year after expiration by paying the late fee and the current renewal fee; from one to five years after expiration, reinstatement also requires a reinstatement application and passing the current state laws, rules and regulations examination; after five years the person must reapply under initial licensure.
How do I renew my esthetician license in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Esthetician license renews every year for $50, through the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology. When it expires: A license issued by the board expires on December thirty-first each year. Continuing education (4 hours per renewal): Starting with the 2028 renewal cycle: four hours of board-approved continuing education each year, in person, online or virtual; the board may name mandatory topics within the four hours, and up to one hour may be industry trade show attendance. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
How many continuing education hours do I need to renew a North Dakota esthetician license?
Continuing education (4 hours per renewal): Starting with the 2028 renewal cycle: four hours of board-approved continuing education each year, in person, online or virtual; the board may name mandatory topics within the four hours, and up to one hour may be industry trade show attendance.
What happens if my North Dakota esthetician license expires?
A renewal not received by December 31 is late: within one year after expiration the late fee is $50, and after one year but before five years it is $150, each paid together with the current renewal fee. A license can be reinstated within one year after expiration by paying the late fee and the current renewal fee; from one to five years after expiration, reinstatement also requires a reinstatement application and passing the current state laws, rules and regulations examination; after five years the person must reapply under initial licensure.
Plan the rest
Licensed, renewed, and fully booked
- Getting a first license in North Dakota: training hours, exams and fees
- What a licensed esthetician may do in North Dakota
- Running your own salon in North Dakota: the salon license
- What North Dakota inspectors check in a salon
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