Cosmetology / Barber License from Georgia to Washington: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology Program ↗
A cosmetology license transfers from Georgia to Washington by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology Program, verify your Georgia license, and meet Washington's endorsement requirements. No Washington exams if you passed approved written and practical exams for your out-of-state license; applicants licensed without both exams apply under the out-of-state path and must pass the Washington exams.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
The number that defines this move: Georgia licensed you at 1,500 training hours, and Washington requires 1,600 — a 100-hour deficit on paper. That does not usually mean going back to school. It means proving the gap is covered another way: most boards in Washington's position accept documented licensed work experience, supplemental hours, or their own exams. The requirements below are the exact menu Washington offers.
What changes, Georgia → Washington
| Georgia (current) | Washington (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| CLC status | Licensure by endorsement | CLC enacted — not yet issuing |
| Training hours | 1,500 | 1,600 |
| Application fee | $75 (endorsement application fee for Master Cosmetologist; a mandatory $10 processing fee is added (total $85); instructor endorsement is $100 + $10) | $60 (reciprocity application fee per license; no application fee if applying via the out-of-state (no-exam) path, but Washington exams are then required) |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks (board states 15 business days; a deficiency adds another 15 business days after you respond) | not published; DOL states online applications are issued faster than mail |
| Licensing authority | Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers | Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology Program |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Washington sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Washington's current requirements on the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology Program website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology Program (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Hold an active cosmetology license in good standing from another jurisdiction.
- Have your licensing state send certification of your active license directly to the Department of Licensing.
- Provide verification from your licensing board showing the license is in good standing and proof of the exams you passed.
- Pay the fees ($60 (reciprocity application fee per license; no application fee if applying via the out-of-state (no-exam) path, but Washington exams are then required)) and allow not published; DOL states online applications are issued faster than mail.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Washington accept a Georgia cosmetology license?
A cosmetology license transfers from Georgia to Washington by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology Program, verify your Georgia license, and meet Washington's endorsement requirements. No Washington exams if you passed approved written and practical exams for your out-of-state license; applicants licensed without both exams apply under the out-of-state path and must pass the Washington exams.
Georgia required 1,500 hours but Washington wants 1,600 — do I need more school?
Not necessarily. The 100-hour gap can usually be bridged without re-enrolling: Washington's options are listed in the requirements on this page (experience substitution and examination are the common routes). Contact the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology Program with your license history before paying for school hours.
Will Washington make me retake the cosmetology exams?
No Washington exams if you passed approved written and practical exams for your out-of-state license; applicants licensed without both exams apply under the out-of-state path and must pass the Washington exams.
What does the Georgia-to-Washington transfer cost and how long does it take?
$60 (reciprocity application fee per license; no application fee if applying via the out-of-state (no-exam) path, but Washington exams are then required); processing not published; DOL states online applications are issued faster than mail.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- WA DOL — Get your license: Cosmetology (reciprocity and out-of-state paths, 1,600 hours) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- WA DOL — Fees: Cosmetologists ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- GA SoS — Board of Cosmetology and Barbers FAQ (Endorsement/Reciprocity Requirements) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- GA Rules — Chapter 240-11 Licensure by Endorsement (Rule 240-11-.01) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- GA Rules — Chapter 240-15 Cosmetology School Curriculum (1,500-hour master cosmetology course) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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