Renew a barber, cosmetology, or electrology license

Learn how to renew a cosmetology, barber, or electrology license in Massachusetts.

Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Services Administration

Online

To receive written instructions on how to submit an application, renew your license, change your name or address, request a duplicate license, or obtain a verification of license, please email the Board at: Email Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Services Administration at cosmetologyandbarberingboard@mass.gov

The Details

What you need

All applications must be submitted online through the Division of Occupational Licensure’s (DOL) eLIPSE platform.

For more detailed instructions on how to create an account, link your license, and renew it, visit the DOL eLIPSE How-to-Guides page.

Important Information

  • If your shop has moved to a new address, you must submit a new application. Do not renew your existing license. 

Fees

See the complete fee and license renewal schedules.

License TypeExpirationFrequency
Barber Instructor31-DecAnnual
(1 year)
Apprentice Barber31-Dec/
ODD YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Master Barber31-Dec/
ODD YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Registered Electrologist31-Jul/
ODD YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Registered Electrologist/Lecturer31-Jul/
ODD YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Registered Electrology Instructor31-Jul/
ODD YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Registered CosmetologistBirthdayBiennial
(2 years)
Registered OperatorBirthdayBiennial
(2 years)
Registered ManicuristBirthdayBiennial
(2 years)
Registered InstructorBirthdayBiennial
(2 years)
Registered DemonstratorBirthdayBiennial
(2 years)
Registered Aesthetician IBirthdayBiennial
(2 years)
Registered Aesthetician IIBirthdayBiennial
(2 years)
Aesthetician InstructorBirthdayBiennial
(2 years)
Barber School31-DecAnnual
(1 year)
Barber Shop30-Jun/
EVEN YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Registered Electrology School31-Jul/
ODD YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Cosmetology Salon31-Dec/
EVEN YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Booth Shop31-Dec/
EVEN YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Manicuring Shop31-Dec/
EVEN YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Booth Renter31-Dec/
EVEN YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Aesthetic Shop31-Dec/
EVEN YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Cosmetology School31-Dec/
EVEN YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Aesthetician School31-Dec/
EVEN YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Advanced Training Institute31-Dec/
EVEN YEAR
Biennial
(2 years)
Registered Manicuring School31-Dec/
EVEN YEAR
Biennial
(2 y

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.

Contact

Address
Division of Occupational Licensure
One Federal Street, Suite 600, Boston , MA 02110-2012
Online
To receive written instructions on how to submit an application, renew your license, change your name or address, request a duplicate license, or obtain a verification of license, please email the Board at: Email Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Services Administration at cosmetologyandbarberingboard@mass.gov

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