Cosmetology / Barber - Barber or Cosmetology Shop License
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About
A shop is located in any premises, building, or part of a building (including a residence) in which a person is authorized to engage in the professions of cosmetology, barbering, manicuring, aesthetics, skin care or natural hair styling. All individuals who practice in the barbering and cosmetology professions are required to perform all services within a licensed shop.
Shops must submit an application, pay the appropriate fee and receive a passing inspection before opening for business. It can take up to ten (10) business days for the inspection. The application will identify the type of shop and the activities that can be performed.
A license issued by the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners is required to operate a shop in the state of Tennessee.
Requirements
Each shop type has unique licensing requirements. See the appropriate links below for requirements for each specific license type.
Fees
Cosmetology Profession:
- Initial License and Inspection: $150
- Renewal: $75
- Late Renewal Penalty: $50
- Shop Name Change: $10
- Inspection for relocation or change of ownership: $150
These fees are standard for all shops types: cosmetology, manicure, skin care, natural hair stylist or manicure/skin care shops.
Barber Profession:
- Initial License and Inspection: $150
Renewal: $75
Late Renewal Penalty: $75
Shop Name Change: $10
Inspection for relocation or change of ownership: $150
Change of ownership due to death of immediate family: Waiver of fee with a copy of the appropriate information for all shops.
Additional
Shops are inspected annually and the license is renewed ever two years.
The owner and manager of a shop shall be responsible for ensuring all individuals performing services within the shop are licensed to perform the services provided, sanitation and safety procedures are adequately enforced and that all licenses and inspection information is visible for public review. Additionally, a manager must be present at all times a shop is open for business.
Violations to the Rules and Laws can result in civil penalties and possibly include revocation or denial of a license.
Grace Period
The late fee is $75 for barber shops. This fee will double starting the second year and every year thereafter. So first year total is $150 ($75 renewal fee plus $75 late fee) and then $150 will be added to each year of being late.
For these shops, the rule is written in a way that the shops never really go completely Expired.
Change of Address
Am I required to notify the board if I change my address?
Yes, in order to receive your renewal notice, we must have your current address.
While we prefer you report a change of address online at core.tn.gov, they may be sent via email to cosmetology.board@tn.gov
How do I submit a change of address/location?
For individuals, you can change your address in your core account at core.tn.gov. After you log in or create an account, you will choose the “My Licenses or Permits” tab, select your credential, then select the Change Address option.
If you own a shop or school you must apply for a change of location and receive an inspection. You can do this within the shop's core account at core.tn.gov. After you log in or create an account, you will choose the “My Licenses or Permits” tab, select your credential, then select the Location Change option.
NOTE: If you need to update your MAILING ADDRESS only, you can email your shop name, license # and request to cosmetology.board@tn.gov.