To transfer to Kentucky as an out-of-state applicant using endorsement credentials from another state, please review all requirements carefully before starting your application.
Minimum education requirements:
1. Cosmetology - 1500 hours and a 12th grade equivalence.
2. Esthetics - 750 hours and a 12th grade equivalence.
3. Nail Technician - 450 hours and a 12th grade equivalence.
4. Shampoo Styling – 300 hours and a 12th grade equivalence.
5. Instructor - 1 year of individual licensure, 750 hours, and a 12th grade equivalence.
Required Certification & Licensing Documents:
Certification(s) from every state where you obtained your education and obtain a licensed will be required.
The certification must be ACTIVE
The certification must be sent directly from the transferring state agency to kbc@ky.gov digitally
Upload a photo of your current ACTIVE professional license
Identity & Personal Documents:
Valid state ID, driver's license or valid passport
Recent photo (taken within last 6 months) in JPEG or PNG format
Education Verification (if transferring hours):
A Certification of educational hours must be on file from the state you're transferring from
Must be sent directly from the state agency to kbc@ky.gov digitally prior to applying online
Work History/Experience in the industry (if applicable):
If you have held a license 2+ years in the industry you may upload:
Upload tax documents (last 2 years), such as:
1099 forms or 1040 forms
Criminal Background (if applicable):
If you have a felony, be prepared to upload:
Judgment of sentence
Letter from probation or parole officer
Personal statement explaining the events leading to the conviction
Application Requirements:
List every state where you received education and license in your field (outside Kentucky)
Upload (optional but helpful) Exam scores
Fees & Additional Conditions:
Endorsement fees are non-refundable
You may need:
Additional education and Examinations maybe required, KBC administrative staff will not be able to disclose this information without reviewing your entire application submission.
Important Notes:
Your application will not be processed until ALL certifications are received
Certifications must come directly from the issuing state (not from you)
Missing documents will create delays; be sure you have all your documentation organized and ready to submit.
Click here to access KBC's Online Application Portal