Cosmetology / Barber License from New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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: New Jersey licensed you at 1,200 training hours, and Washington requires 1,600 — a 400-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, New Jersey → Washington
| New Jersey (current) | Washington (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| CLC status | Licensure by endorsement | CLC enacted — not yet issuing |
| Training hours | 1,200 | 1,600 |
| Application fee | $100 (nonrefundable endorsement application filing fee; plus $90 licensing fee in the first year of a licensing cycle or $45 in the second year) | $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 | Board does not publish a processing timeframe for endorsement applications | not published; DOL states online applications are issued faster than mail |
| Licensing authority | New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (Division of Consumer Affairs) | 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 New Jersey cosmetology license?
A cosmetology license transfers from New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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.
New Jersey required 1,200 hours but Washington wants 1,600 — do I need more school?
Not necessarily. The 400-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 New Jersey-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)
- NJ Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — FAQ (out-of-state licensees) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NJ Board — Application for Licensure by Endorsement (fee, N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.1(e)3, 1200 hours) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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