Transfer Your Cosmetology / Barber License to Washington: Reciprocity & Endorsement (2026)
Does my cosmetology license transfer to Washington?
Yes — Washington licenses out-of-state cosmetologists by endorsement through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology Program. The key test is training: Washington requires 1,600 training hours, and your completed hours are measured against that number. Application fee: $60 (Reciprocity/Out-of-jurisdiction fee, $60 per license (DOL form 638-040); third-party exam fees apply if Washington exams are required). Washington has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, but the compact is not yet operating as a multistate network (as of 2026-10-29) — endorsement is still the path.
Moving to Washington from a specific state?
Pick your current state — the checker returns your exact pathway.
Verdict
CLC enacted — not yet issuing
At 1,600 required training hours, Washington 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.
Enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (HB 1023, 2025), but under RCW 18.16.410 Washington adopts the compact as of June 1, 2028 — reciprocity remains the working path. License requires 1,600 school hours or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship.
Washington requirements at a glance
| Exam | No Washington exams if you passed your licensing jurisdiction's approved exams; applicants who have not taken exams must pass the Washington written and practical exams before licensure |
|---|---|
| Training hours | 1,600 training hours for the standard license |
| Fees | $60 (Reciprocity/Out-of-jurisdiction fee, $60 per license (DOL form 638-040); third-party exam fees apply if Washington exams are required) |
| Processing time | not published; DOL states online applications are issued faster than mail |
Step by step
- Confirm Washington's current requirements on the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology Program website — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology Program (application linked on this page).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Hold an active cosmetology license in good standing from another jurisdiction.
- Submit a copy of your current, valid out-of-state license with the application.
- Provide verification from your licensing board showing the license is in good standing and proof of the exams you passed.
- Pay the fees listed above, and allow for the processing time shown there.
Official links
Coming from a specific state?
Direction matters — these guides cover the exact move into Washington:
Nearby states
Cosmetology / Barber license transfer into the states bordering Washington:
Washington for other professions
- Nursing in Washington
- Real Estate in Washington
- Contractor in Washington
- Teaching in Washington
- CPA / Accounting in Washington
- Electrician in Washington
- Plumber in Washington
- Engineering in Washington
- Pharmacy in Washington
- Physical Therapy in Washington
- Psychology in Washington
- Counseling in Washington
- Social Work in Washington
- Occupational Therapy in Washington
Frequently asked questions
How many training hours does Washington require for cosmetology?
1,600 clock hours for the standard cosmetology license (verified 2026-10-29). Transfers with fewer completed hours should review Washington's gap options — experience substitution, supplemental training, or examination.
Is Washington in the Cosmetology Licensure Compact?
Washington has enacted the compact, but the compact is not yet operating as a multistate network as of 2026-10-29, and a multistate license would not cover a permanent move in any case. Until activation, endorsement rules on this page apply unchanged.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-10-29.
- WA DOL — Get your license: Cosmetology (license by reciprocity, 1,600 hours) ↗ (accessed 2026-10-29)
- WA DOL — Fees: Cosmetologists ↗ (accessed 2026-10-29)
- WA DOL form 638-040 — License, Renewal, Reinstatement, or Reciprocity Application ↗ (accessed 2026-10-29)
- RCW 18.16.410 — cosmetology licensure compact adopted as of June 1, 2028 ↗ (accessed 2026-10-29)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-10-29
How we verify · All sources · Corrections log · spot an error? hello@licensereciprocity.com