Welcome to Arizona Board of Cosmetology

Information

Boards address location:

1740 W Adams Suite #4400
Phoenix AZ 85007
480-784-4539

To renew your personal/salon license please go to the link below

On Monday April 12, 2021, at 8 p.m. Pacific time all services will be unavailable for up to one hour. A routine system maintenance will be performed.

Due to the pandemic the classes for the Infection Protection/Law classes for April 2021, have been canceled. For individuals who are required to attend the Infection Protection/Law class (reactivation and Board order only) you may complete it by reading the Laws and Rules (New Rules) sections, found under Licensing Information-once you have reviewed both sections please print the first page of each section-write the following sentence "I have read and understood the Arizona Laws and Rules that I have reviewed"-sign your name and date it. You can either scan it and email it to [email protected] or mail it to the address above. 

As of January 4, 2021, the Board will not be accepting any renewals, or any type of applications by mail-all services will be available online (to apply on line- please use a desktop/laptop, not compatible with all phones and it takes 3 to 4 weeks to process all applications), accept for reactivations (salon & personal) and any type of civil penalty payments. To reactivate a salon or personal license please contact the office for instructions. To pay a civil penalty you may also mail in the payment or contact the office.

Online Services:  

Individual & Establishment Renewals

(you must create an account, if you do not have an account created already-see link below)

Not all phones are compatible please use a desktop/laptop computer to renew

ONLINE SERVICES - RENEWAL 

NEW EFFECTIVE: July 3, 2015

PERSONAL LICENSES Renewal Fee: $60.00 for "2" years, delinquent $30.00 extra
SALON LICENSE Renewal: $50.00 for "1" year, delinquent $30.00 extra

*How to renew a license on time:
 "On or 60 days prior" to the renewal date:

For online applications please select Licensing Information in the menu bar-go to licensing documents and you will find the link. (All applications must be submitted online-please do not mail)

 
  • If your online payment is successful and you do not receive your license within 10-15 business days, please contact the office.
  • Hairstylist personal renewal- is available online now 
  • Having trouble renewaling online - please contact the office.
  • PAST YOUR RENEWAL DATE? DELINQUENT fees will not be waived, you have 60 days prior to your renewal date to renew. If your license is in an "INACTIVE" status over 2 years, you will have to call the office for procedures to reactivate.

 

ALERT! COVID-19 BOARDS UPDATE:

Due to the COVID-19, Executive Order 2020-17 and the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology Board Members have approved to waive all renewal fees between July 16, 2020 through October 4, 2020.

MASKS: 

"If you can't socially distance yourself from people, a MASK should be worn" and to continue to follow the CDC procedures. Check with your local government (city or county) on "Mask" requirements. (Recommendation from Governor Ducey's office)
 

Due to the COVID-19, at the May 15, 2020, Board meeting, the Board Members voted to waive the  June 30, 2020 - School renewal fees. The Schools will still be required to submit the renewal packet.  

Due to the COVID-19, at the April 17, 2020, Board meeting, the Board Members voted to waive the licensing fees for the following:

  • Examination: first license application fee only $70.00 (must submit examination application with supporting documents.)
  • Reciprocity application fee only $140.00 (must submit reciprocity application with supporting documents and money order for the Infection Protection/Law class fee of $25.00).
  • Universal Recognition application fee
  • Salon: first license application fee (must submit salon application with supporting documents)
  • Personal renewal fee - Only Licenses from April 4, 2020 through July 15, 2020
  • Salon renewal fee - Only Licenses from April 4, 2020 through July 15, 2020

This will only be in effect until the Executive Order 2020-17 has been repealed by the Governor. There is no need to contact the Board during this process your license will be mailed out to you.

Links - Arizona Department of Health Services

 

Clarification for essential services: 

Clairfication from the Governor's Office:

Press Release - April 3, 2020 "Governor's Office Provides Additional Guidance on Essential Services" (click here to read)

Clip from the Press Release - April 2, 2020

  • On March 23, 2020, Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order defining essential services. On March 30, 2020, as these services cannot comply with the guidelines required in paragraph 11 of Executive Order 2020-18, directing Arizonans to Stay Home, Stay Healthy, and Stay Connected.
    • Barbers
    • Cosmetology, Hairstyling, Nail Salons and Aesthetic Salons
    • Tanning salons
    • Tattoo parlors
    • Spas
    • Massage palors

 

  • There are economic opportunities available for small businesses:

  1. Federal Relief: The U.S. Department of the Treasury posted important updates on accessing federal relief, which will be critically important to Arizona families and small businesses. Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for low interest loans for payroll, rent, utilities, and other expenses. A portion of these loans are forgivable (program details and the application here)
  2. Arizona Specific Worker and Small Business Resources: the Arizona Commerce Authority has compiled resources for small businesses and workers  facing employment loss on this page . (www.azcommerces.com)
  3. Arizona Commerce Authority Webinar Series: The first webinar "Ensuring Business Continuity" was held April 1, 2020. Recsources are available and more webinars are forthcoming on this page. (www.azcommerces.com)

 

LIST OF EXECUTIVE ORDER

UPDATE: Effective March 25, 2021, Business Guidelines as per Executive Order 2021-06 (see below under "List of Executive Orders")
Business Guidelines Transition from Requirements to Recommendations Link to read

UPDATE: Effective March 5, 2021, Lifting Occupancy Limits Implemented due to COVID-19 as per Executive Order 2021-05 (see below under "List of Executive Orders")
Lifting Occupany Limits Implemented Due to COVID-19 Link to read

UPDATE: Effective May 8, 2020, Salons are allowed to re-open as per Executive Order 2020- 34 (see below under "List of Executive Orders")
Guidance for Reopening - Barbers & Cosmetologists Link to read

This order includes all license types that fall under Title 32 of the Arizona Revised Status:
Cosmetology, Hairstyling, Aeshetician, Nail Technology Salons & ALL Personal Licensees

Other COVID-19 & Infection Control Classes listed under the Executive Order

  • NEW UPDATE: Executive Order 2020-34 "Building on COVID-19 Successes"
    • "Building on COVID-19 Successes" Link to read full Executive Order
    • Effective Friday, May 8, 2020, Barbers & Cosmetologist defined and licensed by Title 32 of the Arizona Revised Statutes may resume operations provided they establish and implement protocols and best practices for businessess to address COVID-19,
    • Including using face coverages for employees and customers, 
    • operating by appointment only,
    • Following protocols at directed by the Centers of Disease Control and Provention, the United State Department of Labor Division of Occupational Safety and the Arizona Department of Health Services,
    • All other provisions of Executive Order 2020-33 shall remain in effect. 
    • Governor's Office - "Guidance for Re-opening for Barbers & Cosmetologists" Link to read
  • Other recommendations for re-open:
  • Executive Order 2020-33 "Returning Stronger Amending the Stay Home, Stay Heathly, Stay Connected" 
  • Executive Order 2020-18 "Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected" 
  • Executive Order 2020-17 "Continuty of Work" 
  • Executive Order 2020-12 "PROHIBITING THE CLOSURE OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES" 
    • Prohibiting the Closure of Essential Services - Link to read full Executive Order
      • Cosmetology, Hairstyling, Nail Technology and Aesethic Schools refer to "Educational Institutions"
      • Cosmetology, Hairstyling, Nail Technology and Aesethic Salons refer to "Professional and Personal Services"
        • All salons are classified under "Personal Hygiene Services"
        • Follow all CDC requirements to prevent spread of the COVID-19
  • BOARD EVENTS-April 2021, Infection Protection/Law classes have been CANCELED.
    • April 5th & 19th 
  • BOARD EVENTS-March 2021, Infection Protection/Law classes have been CANCELED.
    • March 8 & 22th
  • BOARD EVENTS-February 2021, Infection Protection/Law classes have been CANCELED.
    • February 8 & 22th
  • BOARD EVENTS-January 2021, Infection Protection/Law classes have been CANCELED.
    • January 11 & 25th 
  • BOARD EVENTS-November and December 2020,-Infection Protection/Law classes have been CANCELED.
    • November 2nd, 16th & 30th 
    • December 14th & 28th 
  • BOARD EVENTS-July, through October 2020,-Infection Protection/Law classes have been CANCELED.
    • July 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th
    • August 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st
    • September 14th, 21st & 28th 
    • October 5th, 19th & 26th 
  • JUNE BOARD EVENTS:
    • June 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd  & 29th Infection Protection Classes-CANCELED
  • MAY BOARD EVENTS:
    • May 4th & 11 Infection Protection Classes-CANCELED
  • APRIL BOARD EVENTS:
    • April 6th, 13th, 20th &  27th  Infection Protection Classes - CANCELED 
    • April 17, 2020, Board Meeting with be telephonic.

 

  • SCHOOLS: Each of the Arizona Licensed Schools has been working with the Board on what measures they are using to help accommodate their students and clients. If you have any questions please contact the school on what action they are taking during this time.
  • PROVISIONAL LICENSES - EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-17 "Continuity of Work": 
    • Provisional Licenses have been issued effective Wednesday, May 13, 2020
    • This is only a temporary license issued for up to 6 months for candidates waiting to take the written and practical examinations. The expiration date is listed on the license. It will not be renewed.
    • If the candidate has failed any portion of the examination, this license will expire and the candidate will be notified by email;
    • If the candidate has passed both portions of the examination, a regular license will be issued.
    • Must be posted at all times within the Salon.

 

During this time the Board would refer "ALL" licensees to use the following methods to renew licenses, and/or submit an application:

  • Renew online
  • All applications can be submitted online 

 

Other Information

Public Notices:

Effective February 1, 2021, application fees have change for the following applications:

  • Examination application fee-$60.00.
  • Reciprocity application fee-$60 plus $25 class fee to complete the Infection Protection/Law review class.
  • Universal application fee-$60.00.
  • School Renewal fee-$250.00.
  • Delinquent School Renewal fee-$350.00 ($250 renewal & Delinquent fee $100).
  • Duplicate License request fee-$10.00.

 

NEW LAWS EFFECTIVE AUGUST 27, 2019

Licensure by Universal Recognition

     On August 27, 2019 the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology will begin accepting applications for licensure by universal recognition. 

The universal recognition law allows Arizona residents to use an out-of-state professional or occupational license to qualify for an Arizona license to work. To qualify, an applicant must:

  • Prove residency in Arizona. 
  • Be currently licensed or certified for at least one year in another U.S. state in the discipline applied for and at the same level of practice as recognized in Arizona.
  • Be in good standing in all states where currently or previously licensed or certified.
  • Prove Citizenship or Alien status for State public benefits
  • Pay all applicable fees to the "Arizona State Board of Cosmetology" - Fee amount: $60.00
  • Apply online.

Substantive Policy Statement - Arizona Universal Licensing Recognition

OR

Licensure by Reciprocity 

A.R.S. § 32-513 

Notwithstanding section 32-510, 32-511, 32-512, and 32-512.01, a person is entitled to receive a cosmetologist, aesthetician, nail technician or hairstylist license if the person does all of the following:

  1. Submits to the board an application for a cosmetologist, aesthetician, nail technician or hairstylist license on a form supplied by the board.
  2. Submits to the board satisfactory evidence that the person is licensed in another state or country.
  3. Takes and completes a class relating to infection protection and law review that is provided by the board or its designee. The board shall determine that amount of the fee for the class. The applicant shall pay the fees directly to the board or its designee. 
  4. Pays the prescribed reciprocity license fees.
  5. Apply on line: 
     

 

 

Non-Applicability Exemption of Individuals who Blow Dry Hair

Senate Bill 1401, A.R.S. 32-506 (14) provides as follows:

   "Persons who dry, style, arrange, dress, curls, hot iron or shampoo and condition hair if the service does not include applying reactive chemicals to permanently straighten, curl or alter the structure of the hair and if the person takes and completes a class relating to sanitation, infection protection and law review that is provided by the Board or its designee. This paragraph does not apply if a person is engaging in the practice of Aesthetics or Cosmetology. A person who exempt pursuant to this paragraph shall post a sign in a conspicuous location in the person's place of business notifying the public the person's services are not regulated by the Board."

In order to qualify for the exemption individuals are required to do the following:

  • Take and complete a class relating to sanitation, infection protection and law review that is provided by the Board or its designee pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-506 (14).
  • Individuals are required to post out services in a conspicuous location in the person's place of business notifying the public that the person's services are not regulated by the Board. A.R.S. § 32-506 (14) and A.A.C. R4-10-111 (F).

Substantive Policy Statement - Non Applicability Exemption of Individuals who Blow Dry Hair

 

Arizona apprenticeship program

Arizona now offers a "Cosmetology Apprenticeship" program. The program is hosted through the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). 

Occupation terms: One and a half (1.5) years with 3000 hours - minimum 250 to 288 hours of related instruction. Arizona State Board of Cosmetology examination is required to become licensed. 

  • Governor Doug Ducey - Executive Order

    Internal Review of Administrative Rules; Moratorium to Promote Job Creation and Customer-Service Oriented Agencies - "Executive Order" & "Regulation Rollback"
    Questions: send an email to:  [email protected] 

  • Public Notice of Board & Committee meetings are posted at:
  •  AZBOC - Agenda & Committee meetings
  •  Posted at our Phoenix Office
  • AZ Department of Administration

Quick Reference:
 

OSHA Alert

Arizona State Board of Cosmetology is in compliance with A.R.S.§ 32-4404 (c);The public may contact the Board to request any licensee's public records, including dismissed complaints, nondisciplinary actions, and board orders

SCAM ALERT: Board of Cosmetology Urges Licensees to Beware of Fake Calls and Emails

The Board of Cosmetology is aware of individuals targeting licensees by phone and email regarding payment of money for license related fines and penalties. These individuals are posing as Board Members and are very convincing. Please be aware that a Board Member will never contact a licensee or applicant. If you have any question about a fee or fine either come to the Board office in person or contact Board of Cosmetology Compliance Office, at (480) 889-2954 or (480) 784-4961. This matter has been referred to the Arizona Attorney General's Office for criminal investigation and prosecution. Please contact the office if you have any information regarding this scam. 

AZ Attorney General's Online Complaint portal: Any victim can file a complaint @ https://gateway-sis.azag.gov/PublicComplaint/begin.aspx

 

Arizona Ombudsman - Citizens' Aide:

In the event that you have made a reasonable effort to resolve any problem related with the Arizona Board of Cosmetology and have not been successful, you may contact the Arizona Ombudsman - Citizens' Aide.

The Arizona Ombudsman - Citizens' Aide helps citizens to resolve ongoing issue with State of Arizona agencies, departments, boards and commissions. 

Arizona Ombudsman - Citizens' Aide
7878 N. 16th Street, Suite 235
Phoenix, AZ 85020

Telephone: 602-277-7292, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.. - 5 p.m.., excluding State Holidays and weekends*
Toll-free: 1-800-872-2879 (outside Phoenix metropolitan area)

"THE OMBUDSMAN-CITIZENS AIDE HELPS CITIZENS TO RESOLVE ONGOING ISSUES WITH STATE AGENCIES"'
To reach the Ombudsman-Citizen's Aide Office: click below
E-mail:  [email protected]   
Website: http://www.azoca.gov/

House Bill 2186

Petition for a Rule or Review of an Agency Practice

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 41-1033, any person may file a petition with the Governor's Regulatory Review Council for review of a final rule based on the person's belief that the final rule does not meet the requirements of A.R.S. § 41-1030. A person may also petition the Governor's Regulatory Review Council to request review of an existing agency practice, substantive policy statement, final rule, or regulatory requirement that is not specifically authorized by statute pursuant to title 32 based on the person's belief that the existing agency practice, substantive policy statement, final rule or regulatory licensing requirement is unduly burdensome or is not demonstrated to specifically fulfill a public health, safety or welfare concern. 

 *If the holiday falls on a Saturday, then it is observed on Friday. If the holiday falls on Sunday, then it is observed on Monday.

 
Note: The Board attempts to ensure that all information on the website is accurate; however, does not accept responsibility for information. The law and rules remains supreme. Any discrepancies between information on the website and law will yield to law.