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Texas salon and barber license requirements

What Texas 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 and barbering licenses for each person

Cosmetology operators, estheticians, manicurists and barbers each hold their own TDLR license, renewed every 2 years with continuing education.

  • Cosmetology operator license

    Who needs it
    Cosmetologists.
    Issued by
    Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
    How long it lasts
    Valid for 2 years.

  • Esthetician license

    Who needs it
    Estheticians.
    Issued by
    Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
    How long it lasts
    Valid for 2 years.

  • Manicurist license

    Who needs it
    Manicurists.
    Issued by
    Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
    How long it lasts
    Valid for 2 years.

  • Barber license

    Who needs it
    Barbers.
    Issued by
    Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
    How long it lasts
    Valid for 2 years.
Who it covers
Anyone who performs these services for pay.
Deadline
Before working on a client.
Renewal
Every 2 years from the date of issue, with 4 hours of approved continuing education (2 hours for those with 15 or more years in the field, from September 1, 2025). TDLR sends a notice about 60 days ahead, but the licensee is responsible either way.
Official sources

Licenses the business holds

Barbering or cosmetology establishment license

The shop or salon holds its own TDLR establishment license, good for 2 years. An expired one may not offer services to clients.

  • Establishment license

    Who holds it
    Each establishment.
    Kind
    Salon or barbershop license
    Issued by
    Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
    How long it lasts
    Valid for 2 years.
Who it covers
Every barbershop, salon or establishment offering these services.
Deadline
Before opening.
Renewal
Every 2 years from the date of issue. After it expires the establishment may not offer services.
Official sources

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.