To receive a license renewal reminder/registration code it will be your responsibility to have a valid email address on file with the KBC office. If you are unsure that the board has your current information, please email kbc@ky.gov with the following information: Legal name, DOB and the last 4 of your SS# to verify your account.
Please note the below items:
All personal license renewals will require a valid email address, a current state government photo ID, and a passport style photo to be uploaded.
Please ensure your photo submission meets the requirements for printing.
To meet the requirements, we suggest the following if you're taking the picture yourself:
- Stand facing forward.
- Capture the shoulders up.
- Use a solid light color as your background.
Having a passport photo taken is also an option, as those instantly meet the requirements.
Please note what is NOT accepted. Examples of unacceptable photos are ones that include your spouse, friends, family or pets, car-selfies, or photos that are too dark/bright/blurry that make features indistinguishable. A $25.00 reprint fee will be applied for a license that is printed with an inadequate photo.
In extreme circumstances, the license may be subject to confiscation. Additional penalties could be applied for a photo that does not appear to be you. DO NOT USE AI-GENERATED IMAGES as these are not permitted.
A renewal submitted that does not meet the printing requirements will be sent a deficiency notice by email, you will have 30 days to make corrections before the application is closed.
Agency staff are available 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. KBC will be closed Friday, July 4th. 2025 After hours and weekends are not staffed. All calls and emails are returned in the order received. Email is best kbc@ky.gov if you have technical questions.
As of July 1, 2023 KBC no longer accepts physical payments. All fees and fines are now available through the online application system.
First License
Please refer to the Licensing Requirements section for field-specific details on obtaining your first license.
Also, please see Out-of-State Info and Salon Requirements for information about obtaining these types of licenses.
Renewal Information
All licenses must be renewed beginning July 1 through July 31 of each year. If the license renewal is not received in the board office or postmarked by July 31 the license is expired and the appropriate restoration fee must be paid, no exceptions.
Duplicate Licenses
Duplicate licenses can only be issued for those that have been lost or stolen. We cannot issue duplicates for persons working in more than one salon without special permission. A licensee must submit the duplicate license application with fee to purchase a duplicate license.
Restoration
An expired license can be restored provided the license has been expired for less than five (5) years by submitting the License Restoration Application with the required fee.
To restore a cosmetologist or esthetic license that has been expired for a period exceeding five (5) years, the statute requires the individual to apply and successfully complete the respective theory and practical examination.
Certification
Any licensee can request a certification for their license. Certifications are typically used when applying for a license in another state. Applicants must submit the Certification Request Form to the board office along with the fee of $25. Certifications can only be submitted to the transferring state. No certification will be mailed to a private address.
Member or Spouse of United States Armed Forces
If you or your spouse are a member of the United States Armed Forces and you hold a current and active license in a U.S. state or territory other than Kentucky, you may transfer your license by submitting the Military Sponsor License Transfer Application with required documentation. You must submit a copy of your military orders moving you to Kentucky, proof of your existing out-of-state license, and proof of good standing. You must also agree to abide by the Board's statutes and regulations while practicing in Kentucky. Please be advised that military service member and service members' spouses' applications receive priority treatment.