Cosmetology / Barber License from Rhode Island to New York: Does It Transfer? (2026)

What's different between Rhode Island and New York

Computed from both states' verified data rows, in both directions, and from the route every other origin gets into New York. Exam notes are our summary of each board's published rules, with sources below.

Route, each way

Rhode Island to New York (this page): Licensure by endorsement.

New York to Rhode Island (the reverse move): Licensure by endorsement.

The route is the same in both directions.

Does coming from Rhode Island matter?

Coming from Rhode Island matters here: only 23 of 50 origins (the other 49 states and DC) get this result for a move into New York.

The others get: reciprocity agreement (27).

Reciprocity agreements

New York's reciprocity agreement list names 27 states, not including Rhode Island.

Rhode Island's row names no reciprocity agreement states.

CLC membership

Neither Rhode Island nor New York has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact.

Application fee

New York lists $40 for an out-of-state applicant and Rhode Island lists $25 for the reverse move; neither may be the full cost.

Training hours

New York's first-time-applicant standard is 1,000 training hours for the standard license; Rhode Island's is 1,000.

The two standards are the same.

Exam rules on record

New York and Rhode Island carry different exam notes (our summaries, below); any state law or jurisprudence exam is listed with each state's requirements.

• New York (this move): New York written and practical exams are not retaken by qualifying applicants from listed reciprocity or endorsement states (certification of licensure required; some states require 1-5 years of licensure); applicants from any other state can qualify without exams only by documenting five years of licensed cosmetology experience, otherwise both New York exams are required
• Rhode Island (the reverse move): Rhode Island does not re-examine out-of-state applicants — the license is granted on acceptance of credentials, with verification sent directly from the original licensing state that the applicant passed written and practical examinations acceptable to the Department

What changes, Rhode Island → New York

The destination column is what you must satisfy — New York sets the rules for this move.

Step by step

1. Confirm New York's current requirements on the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services (Appearance Enhancement — Cosmetology) website (linked below) — rules change.
2. Submit the endorsement application to the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services (Appearance Enhancement — Cosmetology) (application linked below).
3. Arrange license verification from your current state.
4. Hold a current cosmetology license in a listed reciprocity or endorsement state; Arizona and North Dakota require 1 year, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Vermont 2 years, Idaho 3, Montana 4, Colorado, Missouri, and DC 5 years of licensure.
5. Submit an original certification of licensure from the state board where you are currently licensed (endorsement states require a letter of good standing dated within six months).
6. Massachusetts and Pennsylvania applicants must also submit two experience statements on form DOS-1543 from two different people.
7. Applicants from non-listed states must document five years of licensed experience, or complete a 1,000-hour approved course and pass the New York written and practical exams.
8. Pay the fees listed above, and allow for the processing time shown there.

Official links

Related guides