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Transfer Your Cosmetology / Barber License to Georgia: Reciprocity & Endorsement (2026)

Updated · Data verified · source: Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers ↗
Generated from a source-cited dataset with AI-assisted research; facts checked against official sources · How these pages are made

Does my cosmetology license transfer to Georgia?

Yes — Georgia licenses out-of-state cosmetologists by endorsement through the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. The key test is training: Georgia requires 1,500 training hours, and your completed hours are measured against that number. Application fee: $75 (endorsement application fee for Master Cosmetologist; the board fee schedule adds a non-refundable processing fee of $10 for paper applications or $5 for online applications; instructor endorsement is $100).

Moving to Georgia from a specific state?

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Verdict

Licensure by endorsement

At 1,500 required training hours, Georgia sits in the national mainstream. Transfers from most states clear the hour bar; if you trained in one of the low-hour states (around 1,000-1,200 hours), check the gap-closing options in the requirements below before assuming you need more schooling.

Georgia licenses the standard operator as Master Cosmetologist (1,500 school hours or a 3,000-hour/18-month apprenticeship). The board states it does not reciprocate with any state, but endorsement is open to licensees of all states and U.S. territories, and fewer training hours than Georgia's do not bar endorsement. Not a Cosmetology Licensure Compact state as of 2026.

Georgia requirements at a glance

Out-of-state cosmetology license transfer requirements for Georgia, verified 2026-10-29
ExamWritten and practical exams are not retaken if you provide proof of passing a national or state-approved written and practical exam in English; otherwise the Board issues an exam-eligibility letter and you must pass the Georgia (NIC/PSI) exams within three attempts
Training hours1,500 training hours for the standard license
Fees$75 (endorsement application fee for Master Cosmetologist; the board fee schedule adds a non-refundable processing fee of $10 for paper applications or $5 for online applications; instructor endorsement is $100)
Processing timeno timeframe published; the board processes applications in the order received, and a completed application may also go to a board meeting (it must be complete at least 15 days before the meeting to make that agenda); an application may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days

Step by step

  1. Confirm Georgia's current requirements on the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers website — rules change.
  2. Submit the endorsement application to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers (application linked on this page).
  3. Arrange license verification from your current state.
  4. Hold an active cosmetology license in good standing in another state or U.S. territory at the appropriate level.
  5. Submit official certification of licensure from every state in which you have ever been licensed, showing no board orders or unpaid citations.
  6. Provide proof of high school graduation, GED, or postsecondary/college education.
  7. Be at least 17 years old and of good moral character.
  8. Submit a notarized application with a Secure and Verifiable Document (ID) and citizenship affidavit.
  9. Pay the fees listed above, and allow for the processing time shown there.

Official links

Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers ↗Georgia application ↗

Coming from a specific state?

Direction matters — these guides cover the exact move into Georgia:

California → GeorgiaColorado → GeorgiaFlorida → GeorgiaKansas → GeorgiaMaryland → GeorgiaMassachusetts → GeorgiaMichigan → GeorgiaSouth Carolina → GeorgiaTennessee → Georgia

Nearby states

Cosmetology / Barber license transfer into the states bordering Georgia:

Georgia for other professions

Frequently asked questions

How many training hours does Georgia require for cosmetology?

1,500 clock hours for the standard cosmetology license (verified 2026-10-29). Transfers with fewer completed hours should review Georgia's gap options — experience substitution, supplemental training, or examination.

Is Georgia in the Cosmetology Licensure Compact?

No — Georgia has not enacted the compact as of 2026-10-29. Endorsement through the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers is the transfer path.

Sources

Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-10-29.

Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-10-29

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