If you plan to keep working in the beauty industry, you need to renew your California cosmetology license on time. The good news: it takes a few minutes online and costs $50 if you renew before your expiration date. This guide walks you through the exact steps, fees and deadlines, plus what to do if your license has already expired.
Updated October 2026 with current fees and rules from the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
California License Renewal at a Glance
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| How often | Every 2 years (your expiration date is on your license) |
| Earliest you can renew | Up to 83 days before your expiration date |
| Renewal fee | $50 |
| Late (delinquent) fee | An extra $25 if you renew after your license expires |
| How to renew | Online through BreEZe, by mail, or in person in Sacramento |
| Continuing education | Not listed as a renewal requirement on the Board’s renewal page |
| Expired 5+ years | License is cancelled and you must reapply and pass the exam again |
The same $50 renewal fee and $25 delinquent fee apply to barber, esthetician, manicurist, hairstylist and electrologist licenses.
California Cosmetology License Renewal Cycle
California cosmetology licenses are valid for two years. The expiration date is printed on your license, and you can also look it up on the Board’s website. You can renew as early as 83 days before that date, so there’s no reason to wait until the last week.
How to Renew Your California Cosmetology License in 7 Steps
Step 1: Check your license status and expiration date
Look up your license on BreEZe, the state’s online licensing system. Confirm your expiration date and that your license is active, not delinquent or under discipline.
Step 2: Pay any outstanding fines
If you have unpaid fines or citations from the Board, you can’t renew until they’re paid. Clear these first so your renewal doesn’t stall.
Step 3: Update your address
Make sure the Board has your current mailing address before you renew. Moving and missing the renewal notice is one of the most common reasons licenses lapse.
Step 4: Choose how to renew
- Online (fastest): Renew and pay through BreEZe.
- By mail: Send your renewal notice and a check or money order to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, P.O. Box 944226, Sacramento, CA 94244-2260. Write your license number on the check.
- In person: DCA Cashiering, 1625 North Market Blvd., Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95834.
Step 5: Pay the fee
The renewal fee is $50. If your license has already expired, add the $25 delinquent fee. Renewing on time saves you money and keeps you working.
Step 6: Confirm your renewal went through
After you submit, check your license status on BreEZe until it shows the new expiration date. Online renewals usually update much faster than mailed ones.
Step 7: Save your records and set a reminder
Keep your confirmation or receipt, and put a reminder on your calendar about 80 days before your next expiration date, two years from now.
What If Your License Has Already Expired?
If you miss your expiration date, your license shows as delinquent. You can still renew by paying the $50 renewal fee plus the $25 delinquent fee, but you cannot legally work until it’s renewed.
If a license stays unrenewed for five years, it is cancelled. At that point you can’t simply renew. You have to apply for a new license and pass the state board exam again. California also does not offer a “retired” license status, so if you want to keep your license, keep renewing it.
Do You Need Continuing Education to Renew?
The Board’s renewal page does not list continuing education as a requirement for renewing a cosmetology license. That said, taking classes is still a smart way to keep your skills sharp and stay up to date on sanitation and safety rules. Check the Board’s site before each renewal in case requirements change.
How Long Does Renewal Take?
Online renewals through BreEZe are the quickest. Mailed renewals take longer because they’re processed by hand, especially during busy periods. Renewing early, inside your 83-day window, gives you a cushion if anything needs to be fixed.
Can You Work With an Expired License?
No. Performing cosmetology services in California with an expired license can lead to citations and fines, and salons can’t legally let you work until your license is renewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to renew a cosmetology license in California?
The renewal fee is $50. If your license has expired, there is an additional $25 delinquent fee.
How early can I renew my California cosmetology license?
You can renew up to 83 days before your license expires.
How do I renew my California cosmetology license online?
Log in to BreEZe, the state’s online licensing system, and complete the renewal and payment there.
What happens if my cosmetology license expires?
It becomes delinquent and you cannot work until you renew with the $50 fee plus a $25 delinquent fee. After five years without renewal, the license is cancelled and you must reapply and pass the exam again.
Do I need continuing education to renew in California?
The Board’s renewal page does not list continuing education as a renewal requirement for cosmetologists. Check the Board’s website before each renewal in case rules change.
Your Path to a Successful Beauty Career Starts Here
At Southern California College of Barber & Beauty, we prepare students for the state board exam and a long career in the industry. Our instructors bring more than 40 years of combined experience. Explore our 1,000-hour Cosmetology Program, or if you’re already licensed, add a barber license with our 200-hour Barber Crossover.
