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New York salon and barber license requirements

What New York asks of salons and barbershops, rule by rule: what each license or card is, who needs it, how long it lasts, and the official source to check it against. Your city or county may add its own.

Last reviewed October 21, 2026

This is a summary to help you plan, not legal advice. Check the linked source before you rely on it.

Cards your people carry

Cosmetology license

A New York cosmetology license, from the Department of State, is issued for four years.

  • Cosmetology license

    Who needs it
    Cosmetologists.
    Issued by
    New York Department of State
    How long it lasts
    Valid for 4 years.
Who it covers
Cosmetologists.
Deadline
Before working on a client.
Renewal
Every 4 years. Claim the license in the Department of State's online system before filing the renewal.
Official source

Licenses the business holds

Appearance enhancement business license

A salon offering cosmetology, nail, esthetics, waxing or natural hair styling services holds an appearance enhancement business license, issued for four years.

  • Appearance enhancement business license

    Who holds it
    Each business location.
    Kind
    Salon or barbershop license
    Issued by
    New York Department of State
    How long it lasts
    Valid for 4 years.
Who it covers
Every appearance enhancement business.
Deadline
Before opening.
Renewal
Every 4 years.
Official source

Keep these current for every salon or shop you run.

Currity keeps every date on this page for each person and location, and warns you about each one 90, 60 and 30 days out, then 14, 7 and 1, and on the day.

Start freeHave us load your listHow Currity works for salons and barbers

From $10 a month. 14 days free, no card.