Virginia license renewal and continuing education
How to renew a cosmetology license in Virginia
What it takes to renew a cosmetology, barber, nail technician or esthetician license in Virginia: 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 Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology's own pages, rules and fee schedules, read on October 28, 2026.
| License | Continuing education | Fee | Renews | Late fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | Not stated | $120 | Every 2 years | $240 |
| Barber | Not stated | $120 | Every 2 years | $240 |
| Nail technician | Not stated | $120 | Every 2 years | $240 |
| Esthetician | Not stated | $120 | Every 2 years | $240 |
Renew on the board's site Check your license status The board's own words
At $60 a year, renewing costs more than the $32.50 a year typical across the states.
Cosmetologist
Virginia cosmetology license renewal
Renewed through the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology.
- When it expires
- Every 2 yearsTwo years from the last day of the month in which it was issued.
- Renewal fee
- $120 ($60 a year)
- Continuing education
- Not statedThe official pages we read do not say whether renewal needs continuing education; ask the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology before you renew.
- Late renewal
- $240Renewing within 30 days after expiration carries no penalty; after that the reinstatement fee applies, a total of $240 that includes the $120 renewal fee and a $120 reinstatement fee.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleWithin 30 days after expiration the license can be renewed without penalty; after 30 days the reinstatement fee must be paid, and after two years reinstatement is no longer possible, so the person must apply as a new applicant meeting current entry requirements, and anyone previously licensed in Virginia for at least three years must also pass the required examination.
Barber
Virginia barber license renewal
Renewed through the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology.
- When it expires
- Every 2 yearsTwo years from the last day of the month in which it was issued.
- Renewal fee
- $120 ($60 a year)
- Continuing education
- Not statedThe official pages we read do not say whether renewal needs continuing education; ask the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology before you renew.
- Late renewal
- $240Renewing within 30 days after expiration carries no penalty; after that the reinstatement fee applies, a total of $240 that includes the $120 renewal fee and a $120 reinstatement fee.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleWithin 30 days after expiration the license can be renewed without penalty; after 30 days the reinstatement fee must be paid, and after two years reinstatement is no longer possible, so the person must apply as a new applicant meeting current entry requirements, and anyone previously licensed in Virginia for at least three years must also pass the required examination.
Nail technician
Virginia nail technician license renewal
Renewed through the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology.
- When it expires
- Every 2 yearsTwo years from the last day of the month in which it was issued.
- Renewal fee
- $120 ($60 a year)
- Continuing education
- Not statedThe official pages we read do not say whether renewal needs continuing education; ask the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology before you renew.
- Late renewal
- $240Renewing within 30 days after expiration carries no penalty; after that the reinstatement fee applies, a total of $240 that includes the $120 renewal fee and a $120 reinstatement fee.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleWithin 30 days after expiration the license can be renewed without penalty; after 30 days the reinstatement fee must be paid, and after two years reinstatement is no longer possible, so the person must apply as a new applicant meeting current entry requirements, and anyone previously licensed in Virginia for at least three years must also pass the required examination.
Esthetician
Virginia esthetician license renewal
Renewed through the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology.
- When it expires
- Every 2 yearsTwo years from the last day of the month in which it was issued.
- Renewal fee
- $120 ($60 a year)
- Continuing education
- Not statedThe official pages we read do not say whether renewal needs continuing education; ask the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology before you renew.
- Late renewal
- $240Renewing within 30 days after expiration carries no penalty; after that the reinstatement fee applies, a total of $240 that includes the $120 renewal fee and a $120 reinstatement fee.
- If it has expired
- See the ruleWithin 30 days after expiration the license can be renewed without penalty; after 30 days the reinstatement fee must be paid, and after two years reinstatement is no longer possible, so the person must apply as a new applicant meeting current entry requirements, and anyone previously licensed in Virginia for at least three years must also pass the required examination.
Good to know
What else Virginia says about renewing
- A license cannot be used to practice in Virginia after it has expired.
- The 30-day grace period is in the regulations, and staff cannot waive the late fee.
- Not receiving the renewal notice does not excuse a late renewal.
Sources
What Virginia's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of the Virginia Board for Barbers and 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
“A license or certificate issued under this chapter expires two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued.”
law.lis.virginia.gov - Cosmetologist: renewal fee
“Cosmetologist $120 With renewal card prior to expiration date”
law.lis.virginia.gov - Cosmetologist: late renewal
“Reinstatement $240* *includes $120 renewal fee and $120 reinstatement fee”
law.lis.virginia.gov “The Board's regulations allow a 30-day grace period in which a license may be renewed without penalty (therefore, your payment is actually 31 days late).”
dpor.virginia.gov - Cosmetologist: expired license
“When an individual or business entity fails to renew a license or certificate within 30 days following the expiration date, the licensee or certificate holder who intends to remain licensed or certified must pay the reinstatement fee.”
law.lis.virginia.gov “When an individual or business entity fails to renew a license or certification within two years following the expiration date, reinstatement is no longer possible. To resume practice:”
law.lis.virginia.gov “An individual previously licensed in Virginia for a minimum of three years must submit a new application and pass the required examination.”
law.lis.virginia.gov “The Board's regulations allow a 30-day grace period in which a license may be renewed without penalty (therefore, your payment is actually 31 days late).”
dpor.virginia.gov - Barber: renewal period
“A license or certificate issued under this chapter expires two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued.”
law.lis.virginia.gov - Barber: renewal fee
“Barber $120 With renewal card prior to expiration date”
law.lis.virginia.gov - Barber: late renewal
“Reinstatement $240* *includes $120 renewal fee and $120 reinstatement fee”
law.lis.virginia.gov “The Board's regulations allow a 30-day grace period in which a license may be renewed without penalty (therefore, your payment is actually 31 days late).”
dpor.virginia.gov - Barber: expired license
“When an individual or business entity fails to renew a license or certificate within 30 days following the expiration date, the licensee or certificate holder who intends to remain licensed or certified must pay the reinstatement fee.”
law.lis.virginia.gov “When an individual or business entity fails to renew a license or certification within two years following the expiration date, reinstatement is no longer possible. To resume practice:”
law.lis.virginia.gov “An individual previously licensed in Virginia for a minimum of three years must submit a new application and pass the required examination.”
law.lis.virginia.gov “The Board's regulations allow a 30-day grace period in which a license may be renewed without penalty (therefore, your payment is actually 31 days late).”
dpor.virginia.gov - Nail technician: renewal period
“A license or certificate issued under this chapter expires two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued.”
law.lis.virginia.gov - Nail technician: renewal fee
“Nail Technician $120 With renewal card prior to expiration date”
law.lis.virginia.gov - Nail technician: late renewal
“Reinstatement $240* *includes $120 renewal fee and $120 reinstatement fee”
law.lis.virginia.gov “The Board's regulations allow a 30-day grace period in which a license may be renewed without penalty (therefore, your payment is actually 31 days late).”
dpor.virginia.gov - Nail technician: expired license
“When an individual or business entity fails to renew a license or certificate within 30 days following the expiration date, the licensee or certificate holder who intends to remain licensed or certified must pay the reinstatement fee.”
law.lis.virginia.gov “When an individual or business entity fails to renew a license or certification within two years following the expiration date, reinstatement is no longer possible. To resume practice:”
law.lis.virginia.gov “An individual previously licensed in Virginia for a minimum of three years must submit a new application and pass the required examination.”
law.lis.virginia.gov “The Board's regulations allow a 30-day grace period in which a license may be renewed without penalty (therefore, your payment is actually 31 days late).”
dpor.virginia.gov - Esthetician: renewal period
“A license or certificate issued under this chapter will expire two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued.”
law.lis.virginia.gov - Esthetician: renewal fee
“Renewal $120 With renewal card prior to expiration date”
law.lis.virginia.gov - Esthetician: late renewal
“Reinstatement $240* *includes $120 renewal fee and $120 reinstatement fee”
law.lis.virginia.gov “The Board's regulations allow a 30-day grace period in which a license may be renewed without penalty (therefore, your payment is actually 31 days late).”
dpor.virginia.gov - Esthetician: expired license
“When an individual or business entity fails to renew a license or certificate within 30 days following the expiration date, the licensee or certificate holder who intends to remain licensed or certified must pay the reinstatement fee.”
law.lis.virginia.gov “An individual previously licensed in Virginia for a minimum of three years must submit a new application and pass the required examination.”
law.lis.virginia.gov “The Board's regulations allow a 30-day grace period in which a license may be renewed without penalty (therefore, your payment is actually 31 days late).”
dpor.virginia.gov “When an individual or business entity fails to renew a license or certification within two years following the expiration date, reinstatement is no longer possible.”
law.lis.virginia.gov - Also good to know
“You CANNOT continue to practice in Virginia after your license has expired.”
dpor.virginia.gov - Also good to know
“No. The Board's regulations allow a 30-day grace period in which a license may be renewed without penalty (therefore, your payment is actually 31 days late). Staff cannot waive the fee.”
dpor.virginia.gov - Also good to know
“Failure to receive this notice, however, does not relieve the licensee or certificate holder of the obligation to renew.”
law.lis.virginia.gov
Questions
Virginia license renewal, answered
How do I renew my cosmetology license in Virginia?
The Virginia Cosmetologist license renews every 2 years for $120, through the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. When it expires: Two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. The official pages we read do not state a continuing education requirement for it; ask the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology 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 a Virginia cosmetology license?
The official pages we read do not state a continuing education requirement for it; ask the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology before your renewal date.
What happens if my Virginia cosmetology license expires?
Renewing within 30 days after expiration carries no penalty; after that the reinstatement fee applies, a total of $240 that includes the $120 renewal fee and a $120 reinstatement fee. Within 30 days after expiration the license can be renewed without penalty; after 30 days the reinstatement fee must be paid, and after two years reinstatement is no longer possible, so the person must apply as a new applicant meeting current entry requirements, and anyone previously licensed in Virginia for at least three years must also pass the required examination.
How do I renew my barber license in Virginia?
The Virginia Barber license renews every 2 years for $120, through the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. When it expires: Two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. The official pages we read do not state a continuing education requirement for it; ask the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology before your renewal date. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
What happens if my Virginia barber license expires?
Renewing within 30 days after expiration carries no penalty; after that the reinstatement fee applies, a total of $240 that includes the $120 renewal fee and a $120 reinstatement fee. Within 30 days after expiration the license can be renewed without penalty; after 30 days the reinstatement fee must be paid, and after two years reinstatement is no longer possible, so the person must apply as a new applicant meeting current entry requirements, and anyone previously licensed in Virginia for at least three years must also pass the required examination.
How do I renew my nail technician license in Virginia?
The Virginia Nail Technician license renews every 2 years for $120, through the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. When it expires: Two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. The official pages we read do not state a continuing education requirement for it; ask the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology before your renewal date. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
What happens if my Virginia nail technician license expires?
Renewing within 30 days after expiration carries no penalty; after that the reinstatement fee applies, a total of $240 that includes the $120 renewal fee and a $120 reinstatement fee. Within 30 days after expiration the license can be renewed without penalty; after 30 days the reinstatement fee must be paid, and after two years reinstatement is no longer possible, so the person must apply as a new applicant meeting current entry requirements, and anyone previously licensed in Virginia for at least three years must also pass the required examination.
How do I renew my esthetician license in Virginia?
The Virginia Esthetician license renews every 2 years for $120, through the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. When it expires: Two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. The official pages we read do not state a continuing education requirement for it; ask the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology before your renewal date. Renew on the board's own site, linked on this page.
What happens if my Virginia esthetician license expires?
Renewing within 30 days after expiration carries no penalty; after that the reinstatement fee applies, a total of $240 that includes the $120 renewal fee and a $120 reinstatement fee. Within 30 days after expiration the license can be renewed without penalty; after 30 days the reinstatement fee must be paid, and after two years reinstatement is no longer possible, so the person must apply as a new applicant meeting current entry requirements, and anyone previously licensed in Virginia for at least three years must also pass the required examination.
Plan the rest
Licensed, renewed, and fully booked
- Getting a first license in Virginia: training hours, exams and fees
- What a licensed esthetician may do in Virginia
- Running your own salon in Virginia: the salon license
- What Virginia inspectors check in a salon
License renewal in other states
All states comparedAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
Ready when you are
Renewed? Keep the chair booked
SalonAI plans the business side of an independent beauty career in Virginia: a website clients can book from in one tap, deposits, your Google profile and Instagram, reviews, reminders and rebooking. Founden builds and runs it while you do the work.
Built with Founden. Review your setup and running costs before activation.