Apply for a Manicuring license or application

Please note that the initial application process for a Manicurist (Type 3) license is managed by the Board’s vendor, Pearson VUE. To apply for a Manicurist (Type 3) license, please visit Pearson VUE’s website. Please direct any questions regarding the application process, including fees, to Pearson VUE by calling (800) 274-2021.

All other applications can be completed on ePLACE. Prior to beginning your application, please review the information below.

Licensing Benefits for Active Duty Military, Relocated Military Spouses, and Veterans

The Division of Professional Licensure (DPL) and the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are pleased to offer licensing benefits to active duty members of the military, relocated military spouses, and veterans pursuant to the Veterans’ Access, Livelihood, Opportunity and Resources Act (VALOR Act) and the new VALOR Act II, signed into law on April 4, 2014. These benefits include:

• Credit for related military experience;
• Extensions of the license renewal period;
• Expedited license application processing; or
• Waiver of certain licensing fees.

To apply for any of these licensing benefits, interested parties must self-identify as an active duty member of the military, military spouse, or veteran. To apply for these benefits or for more information, please visit www.mass.gov/dpl/valor.

Manicure Shop License

1. Review the Board’s Regulations

Before completing your application, please review the Board’s regulations, set forth at 240 Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR). You may purchase an official copy of 240 CMR in person at the State Bookstore located at the Massachusetts State House, Room 116, Boston, MA 02133, or you may order a copy online through the Secretary of State’s office. The Board also maintains an unofficial, courtesy copy of the regulations accessible through the Statutes and Regulations section of its website.

2. Cosmetology Shop License Types and Guidelines

Please review the following information to ensure that you are applying for the correct license.

• Type 1 - Cosmetology Full-Service Shop: A cosmetology full service salon which offers hair, skin, and nail services. This type of salon must employ a Type 1 cosmetologist as a manager.
• Type 2 - Renter, Aesthetics Shop: A single person who rents space in a Type 4 salon. To be eligible for this type of license, you must have a manager-level license (Type 1, Type 3 or Type 6). The owner of the entire salon can only rent to one person per space (chair, table, room).
• Type 3 - Manicuring Shop: A manicuring shop only (you must be a Type 1 or Type 3).
• Type 4 - Booth Rental Shop (for owners of the entire salon space): A person who owns a salon and rents space to other licensees who are independent contractors. All Booth Rental Salons (Type 4) must employ a manager level licensee if the owner is not licensed as such; no other employees of the shop owner may practice at this type of salon under a Booth Rental License unless the owner also has a separate salon license.
• Type 5 - Aesthetic Shop: An aesthetic salon which can offer services such as facials and waxing. This type of salon must employ a Type 6 or Type 1 manager.

Please note that if you rent space to others then you must have a Type 4 license. If you have employees then you must have a Type 1 license. If you rent space and have employees who work in your salon, then you must have both a Type 4 and a Type 1 license and submit two applications.

3. Additional Important Information for All Salon Applicants, Including Major Policies and Required Documentation:

Please see the Board’s Important Information for All Salon Applicants document available on the Applications and Forms section of its website.

4. Submission of Supporting Documentation and Required Forms

The following documents must be uploaded during the online application process:

• A floor plan which must include the entire layout of the salon (8.5” x 11” only). The applicant must retain a copy of the floor plan on the premises at all times. The floor plan must include all the following:
  • All stations, chairs, manicure tables, aesthetic rooms. For a booth shop, circle the space you are renting.
  • Additional sinks (cannot be located in the bathroom). Aesthetic and manicuring shops are required to have an additional sink located in a space that is accessible at all times, to all areas. (Example: Aesthetic shop with 3 rooms can either have a sink in each room or a minimum of one sink in a common area that is accessible at all times.)
  • A shop sign.
  • Label all rooms whether cosmetology or other, such as medical room, dispensary, lunch room, etc.
  • Bathrooms.
  • Copy of price list stating all services being provided. Gender Pricing is prohibited. Example: Cannot state Men’s cut $18, Women’s cuts $25.
  • One 2” x 2’ passport-style photo of each owner.
  • Copy of driver’s license or photo ID for each owner.
  • If the manager is not the owner, please provide a copy of the manager’s current driver’s license or photo ID, and a copy of the managers current cosmetology, aesthetic or manicuring license.
  • Copy of all employees’ cosmetology licenses (not applicable if applying for a booth rental license unless the owner is not a licensee). For booth shop license, provide a copy of the booth rental license.
  • Business Certificate from the city or town where the salon is located.
  • A completed “plumbing and electrical” work form, if work has been done. If no work has been done, the “no work required” form must be completed by the applicant. Both forms are available on the Applications and Forms section of the Board’s website.
  • If the business is incorporated, please submit a copy of the Articles of Incorporation; if it is a partnership or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), a copy of the partnership agreement. For Limited Liability Companies (LLC), please submit a copy of the Certificate of Organization.
  • If the business is organized or incorporated, submit a copy of a certificate showing any foreign registration with the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office.
• A notarized, signed Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Acknowledgement Form.

5. Application Fee

All applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $136. This fee must be paid online at the end of the application process, either by check or credit card. Please note that a convenience fee will be assessed for credit card payments.