If you are a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician, or manicurist in the state of Texas, you are required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603 and its administrative rules in 16 TAC Chapter 83 — to complete continuing education (CE) hours prior to renewing your license.
How Many CE Hours Do I Need?
To renew a cosmetology operator, manicurist, esthetician, or barber license in Texas, you must complete 4 hours of department-approved continuing education every 2 years (per 16 TAC §83.25, which applies to licenses expiring on or after September 1, 2025):
Held your license for 15 or more years? You only need the 2 mandatory hours — the electives are waived. One CE hour equals 50 minutes of instruction (16 TAC §59.30), and there is no final exam.
What Happens If My License Is Expired?
You can still renew an expired license — it just costs more. The late renewal fee is $75 if your license has been expired 90 days or less, or $100 if it has been expired more than 90 days but less than 18 months (the normal fee is $50). From 18 months to less than 3 years, renewal requires TDLR executive-director approval plus the $100 fee. At 3 years or more you can no longer renew — you must meet the current requirements for a new applicant, which may include any applicable examinations. Our guide to what happens when a Texas license expires covers the penalties and recovery steps in detail. Step-by-step instructions are in our Texas cosmetology license renewal guide.
Human Trafficking Prevention Requirement
All Texas cosmetology licensees must complete TDLR-approved training on recognizing and preventing human trafficking — required since September 1, 2020, and a distinct 1-hour CE requirement since September 1, 2025. Our 4-hour course includes this mandatory training.
How Are CE Hours Reported?
You do not need to mail a certificate to the state. As a TDLR-approved provider, OnlineTexasCE.com submits your completion electronically through TDLR's provider reporting system within 24 hours of finishing the course. Keep your certificate for two years as your own record — TDLR retains general authority to inspect or investigate licensee records.
How to Renew Your Texas Cosmetology License
- Complete your 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education (which you can do right here on OnlineTexasCE.com).
- Visit the TDLR website and log in to your account.
- Pay the $50 renewal fee and submit your application.
- TDLR emails your confirmation once the renewal is processed.
Important Note
Make sure to complete your CE hours before your license expires. While you can still renew a recently expired license, it will cost significantly more in late fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.01How many CE hours do I need to renew my Texas cosmetology license?
You need 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every 2 years: 1 hour of sanitation, 1 hour of human trafficking prevention, and 2 hours of electives. If you have held your license 15 or more years, you only need the 2 mandatory hours. The same rules apply to operators, estheticians, manicurists, and barbers.
Q.02What happens if my Texas cosmetology license expires?
You can still renew: the fee is $75 if the license has been expired 90 days or less, or $100 if it has been expired more than 90 days but less than 18 months (instead of the normal $50). From 18 months to less than 3 years you need TDLR executive-director approval plus the $100 fee. At 3 years or more you can no longer renew and must meet the current requirements for a new applicant, which may include any applicable examinations. You cannot legally work until the license is renewed.
Q.03What is the human trafficking prevention CE requirement for Texas cosmetology?
All Texas cosmetology licensees must complete TDLR-approved human trafficking prevention training (required since September 1, 2020, and a distinct 1-hour CE requirement since September 1, 2025). The OnlineTexasCE.com 4-hour course includes this mandatory hour.
Q.04How are my cosmetology CE hours reported to the TDLR?
You do not need to mail a certificate. As a TDLR-approved provider, OnlineTexasCE.com submits your completion electronically through TDLR's provider reporting system within 24 hours of finishing the course.
Q.05How much does Texas cosmetology CE cost?
The TDLR-approved 4-hour cosmetology CE course at OnlineTexasCE.com costs $22.95 and covers all required topics, including the mandatory human trafficking prevention hour. TDLR's $50 license renewal fee is separate and paid directly to the state when you renew.
Q.06How often do I need to renew my Texas cosmetology license?
Texas cosmetology licenses must be renewed every 2 years (biennially). You must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education before each renewal — or 2 hours if you have held your license 15 or more years.
Q.07Can I take Texas cosmetology CE on my phone?
Yes. OnlineTexasCE.com courses are 100% online and mobile-friendly, so you can complete your CE hours from any device including your phone or tablet.
Last updated August 27, 2026