The Details
What you need
A barber, cosmetology, or electrology license that has been expired for more than three years may be reinstated only after the licensee passes a written practical examination.
Learn more in Massachusetts General Law 112, Section 87GG.
Note: You do not have to pass an exam if you have an active instructor license that you have renewed every two years, or if you want to reinstate a lapsed instructor license and have an active barber, cosmetology, or electrology license.
Applications must include
- A 2-inch by 2-inch photo of yourself.
- A copy of your driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID.
- A notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) form.
Fees
Application fees are non-refundable.
For licenses that have been expired for more than three years, the reinstatement fee consists of two renewal fees plus the applicable late fee.
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.
Next steps
Schedule an exam
After applying to reinstate a lapsed license, you must complete a written practical exam.
You will need approval from the Board before you can schedule an exam. Once approved, you will receive an email from our test vendor PSI, allowing you to schedule your exam.