Transfer Your Cosmetology / Barber License to Washington: Reciprocity & Endorsement (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology Program ↗
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 application fee per license; no application fee if applying via the out-of-state (no-exam) path, but Washington exams are then required). Washington has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, but no multistate licenses exist yet (as of 2026-07-21) — 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 multistate licenses are not yet issued as of 2026 — 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 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 |
|---|---|
| Training hours | 1,600 hours |
| Additional requirements |
|
| 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) |
| 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.
- 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
Coming from a specific state?
Direction matters — these guides cover the exact move into Washington:
All 41 origin states
Frequently asked questions
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 application fee per license; no application fee if applying via the out-of-state (no-exam) path, but Washington exams are then required). Washington has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, but no multistate licenses exist yet (as of 2026-07-21) — endorsement is still the path.
How many training hours does Washington require for cosmetology?
1,600 clock hours for the standard cosmetology license (verified 2026-07-21). Transfers with fewer completed hours should review Washington's gap options — experience substitution, supplemental training, or examination.
Will I have to retake exams in Washington?
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 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.
Is Washington in the Cosmetology Licensure Compact?
Washington has enacted the compact, but it is not yet operational anywhere — no multistate licenses are issued as of 2026-07-21. Until activation, endorsement rules on this page apply unchanged.
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)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]