Agencies
Services
Cosmetology
Professions Licensed by IDFPR:
- B.C.E.N.T. CE Sponsor
- B.C.E.N.T. Domestic Violence
- Cosmetologist
- Cosmetology School-State Owned
- Cosmetology School
- Cosmetology Teacher
- Cosmetology Clinic Teacher
- Salon/Shop Registration
NOTICE: IDFPR Introduces New Online Licensing System!
On October 30, 2024, IDFPR launched CORE, a new online system for professionals to apply for licensure in Illinois.
New applications for Cosmetology School, BCENT CE Sponsor, and Domestic Violence CE Sponsor are now available in CORE.
Access CORE and learn more about the new system.
License Information
Notices
IDFPR is pleased to announce the addition of several new language options that will be available to barber, cosmetology, esthetician and nail technician candidates.
Effective October 1st 2026 examinations for the barber, cosmetology, esthetician and nail technician professions will be available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
The fees for each are as follows:
| Profession | Exam Fee |
|---|---|
| Barber (English/Spanish/Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese) | $112 |
| Barber Instructor (English/Spanish/Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese) | $55 |
| Cosmetology (English/Spanish/Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese) | $200 |
| Cosmetology Instructor (English/Spanish/Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese) | $112 |
| Esthetician (English/Spanish/Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese) | $175 |
| Esthetician Instructor (English/Spanish/Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese) | $55 |
| Nail Technician (English/Spanish/Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese) | $190 |
| Nail Technician Instructor (English/Spanish/Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese) | $55 |
- IDFPR Issues Memo Regarding Medical Spa Services
In recent years, numerous medical spas (“medspas”) have opened in Illinois. A variety of non-surgical cosmetic procedures are performed in this setting, including injections of botulinum toxin (Botox), injections of weight loss medications, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, platelet rich plasma, and vitamins.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, along with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), issued this updated memo on October 30, 2025 that outlines key responsibilities of medspas, includes information for compliance with IDFPR and IDPH regulations, and the need to make infection prevention a priority. - We have a new Third Party Authorization for licensure applicants, which may be found here! This is for applicants to authorize individuals or companies to contact IDFPR on your behalf regarding your application. All other versions of the form will no longer be accepted by the Department starting May 1, 2024.
- Notice: Hair Smoothing Products Might Cause Health Risk
- August 21, 2025 | Statement Regarding P.A. 103-0851 (Skin Growth Education)
Reactivate Your License
Cosmetologist License Application
Salons & Shops
Cosmetology Teacher Licensee Application
Cosmetology School/CE Provider Registration Application
- Domestic Violence CE Sponsor Qualifications for Licensure
- Domestic Violence CE Sponsor Registration
- Cosmetology School Requirements for License
- Cosmetology School Registration
- Cosmetology School Approval to Teach Esthetics
- Cosmetology School Approval to Teach Nail Technology
- Cosmetology School Approval to Teach Barber
- Cosmetology School Approval to Teach Hair Braiding
- Continuing Education Sponsor Qualifications for Licensure
- Continuing Education Sponsor Registration
