The Details
What you need
All completed applications must include:
- A 2-inch by 2-inch photo of yourself
- A copy of your driver's license or other state-issued identification
- A notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) form
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Additional requirements for apprenticeship in a board-approved apprentice program:
- The student must be currently enrolled and in good standing in a board-approved apprentice program at a licensed cosmetology or barbering school
- The student cannot also be registered as a shop-employed student
- The student must complete 25 school hours of basic safety, sanitation, and shampooing before applying to become an apprentice
- The student must be registered as an apprentice before performing any cosmetology or barbering services in a shop
- All shops must be licensed by the board. All participating students and shops must meet requirements of the board’s policy on student apprenticeship and employment.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Additional requirements for students currently enrolled in a board-approved cosmetology or barbering program (shop-employed students):
- The student cannot be enrolled in an apprentice program
- The student must be registered as a shop-employed student before starting work
- Shop-employed students must be supervised at all times by a qualified licensee
- Shop-employed student registrations will expire 180 days after they complete their program
- A shop-employed student may not participate in any services in a shop that they have not been trained for during school hours. Shop-employed manicuring students can only perform basic manicures and pedicures before completing of all of their school hours. Shop-employed cosmetology and barbering students cannot provide chemical services before completing of all of their school hours.
- Shop-employed students who have completed and graduated from their program may provide any service that they have received training in. All participating students and shops must meet requirements of the board’s policy on apprenticeship and student employment.
How to apply
- When you create your MyMassGov account to access eLIPSE the first time, eLIPSE will ask you to enter information to help it locate your license and link it to your MyMassGov account.
- Please read the Linking Your License guide before creating your account to ensure it is linked correctly.
- Applications, renewals, and reinstatements must be submitted online through the eLIPSE platform.
- You will be asked to submit all required documents via the eLIPSE platform, including a DOL CORI form. Once submitted, you will be notified of any required next steps.
- Payment will also be made via the eLIPSE platform.
- For general instructions on managing your licenses and permits, view the DOL eLIPSE How-to-Guides.
- Incomplete applications will be held open for 180 days from the date of application receipt in order to allow applicants to provide the missing information or documentation. After 180 days have elapsed, the incomplete application will be considered abandoned, and applicants will need to submit a new application and payment.
You may call our Welcome Center at 617-701-8895 any time between 9:00am- 5:00pm. Our welcome center staff will guide you through the process.
You may visit our Welcome Center at One Federal Street, Suite 600, Boston MA 02110 between 9:00am- 5:00pm. Our welcome center staff will guide you through the process via our agency kiosks or your personal laptop/mobile device.
To apply by mail or email, or if you need reasonable accommodation, please reach out to the board for next steps via the email or phone number below.