Applications/Forms
South Carolina is a member of the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). Proof of successful passage of the NIC exam (theory and practical) is required.
License Verification(s) from all states where you have been licensed must be mailed or emailed directly to the Board from the licensing state. South Carolina does not have a reciprocal agreement with any state. An official license verification may be used as proof of passing the NIC exam.
It is the applicant's responsibility to contact the specific state board and ensure the examination shown is the NIC exam and reflects a passing score for both portions.
If you submit the endorsement application and acceptable proof of passing the NIC exam is not provided, you will be required to take the NIC exam before a license is issued.
Cosmetologist, Esthetician and Nail Technician Application by Endorsement
- Click Here to fill out the Endorsement Application, Upload Your Supplemental Forms, and Pay Your Fee
Supplemental Forms
- Verification of Lawful Presence in the United States Affidavit of Eligibility
- Notorized Signature Affidavit and Passport Type Photo Form
Cosmetology, Esthetics and Nail Tech Instructor Application by Endorsement
- Click Here to fill out the Instructor Endorsement Application, Upload Your Supplemental Forms, and Pay Your Fee
Supplemental Forms
Cosmetologist, Esthetician and Nail Technician Application by Examination
- Click Here to fill out the Exam Application, Upload Your Supplemental Forms, and Pay Your Fee
Requirements for Cosmetology, Esthetician or Nail Technician Instructor
- Must have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED); and
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Be a licensed cosmetologist, nail technician or esthetician who has practiced for at least two years; or,
- after receiving a cosmetology, nail technician or esthetician license, has completed a seven hundred fifty (750) hours instructor training program; and
- Must have received forty-five (45) hours of training in a teaching methods course approved by the board; and
- Pass the NIC Theory and Practical Instructor Exams
Supplemental Forms
- Verification of Lawful Presence in the United States Affidavit of Eligibility
- Notorized Signature Affidavit and Passport Type Photo Form
Cosmetology, Esthetician and Nail Technician Instructor Application by Examination
- Click Here to fill out the Instructor Exam Application, Upload Your Supplemental Forms, and Pay Your Fee
Supplemental Forms
Request for Repeat Examination Information
Only active, exam eligible applicants who have failed an exam may submit a Request for Reexamination.
Applicants whose initial application is expired or Lapsed status licensees must complete the initial application.
Repeat Examination Request Submission
Repeat Examination Requests may only be submitted via Document Submission in the Licensee Portal.
For instructions on how to access and submit applications in Document Submission, click here.
Applications are processed in the order they are received. Upon completion of processing, notice will be sent via email.
To check your status, https://eservice.llr.sc.gov/SSO/ApplicationStatus/Index.
You may check CE hours by clicking: Check your CE Hours Here
Licensees must obtain the required CE's from a Board-approved provider. CE's may be obtained via in-person or online.
Reactivation/Reinstatement Application (Cosmetology, Esthetician, Nail Technician and Instructor license Reinstatement Application)
Reinstatement Application (Salon)
Reinstatement Application (Booth Renter)
Reinstatement Application (Cosmetology School)
Booth Renter Applications
The Booth Renter application is an online application that requires you to submit your payment electronically. Before starting the online application process, download the form below. You will need to upload or supply all requested information before your application can be processed.
Click Here to fill out the Booth Renter Application
Establishment Applications
Salon Application and Self Inspection Forms
Salon Manager Change Application
Duplicate License Requests Regarding Licensee’s Individual License
Personal Name And/Or Address Change Form
Due to the continued concern regarding the abuse of license sharing/license lending, the SC Board of Cosmetology provided clarification regarding duplicate license requests. As of May 5, 2025, the Board will issue the following:
- Initial License or renewal of Licensure: (1) Wall certificate and (1) Pocket Card
- Request for first Duplicate License: (1) Wall Certificate - a Pocket Card will not be issued
- Request for additional Duplicate License: Request will be reviewed by the Board Executive and may be result in the licensees needing to appear before the full Board.
Please note that duplicate license request due to name change, will not be counted as a duplicate request. You must provide the proper documentation for name change request, to receive a new license. This will include:
- Completion of Name Change Form with Fee
- Copy of your Driver’s License
- Copy of your Name Change Document (i.e.; marriage license, divorce decree, etc.)
- 2x2 Passport Photo
Student Time Sheet Reporting Forms
The following cosmetology hour reporting forms are to be used for reporting all student enrollments and recording of student hours. This is to be done at a ratio of no more than twenty students per one instructor. All documents must contain the proper signatures, dates and correct times as required by state laws and regulations.
*Please note*
(CH-001A) This daily hour sheet should be used for school programs with full time students who sign in and out for lunch.
(CH-001B) This daily hour sheet should be used for school programs with part time students who do not take lunch breaks.
- This form can also be used by schools to record student make-up hours.
- These hours must be labeled as make-up hours.
- All hours are to be recorded by the instructor providing the instruction and should include only actual classroom instruction time, minute for minute as required by the board.
- Student Daily Sign In CH 001A
- Student Daily Sign In CH 001B
- Online Monthly Record of Student Hour Forms are now available. You may download the form here, complete the form and then upload the forms to the below link.
Training Affidavits
Due to continued concerns regarding abuse of license sharing/lending, Board provided clarification regarding duplicate license requests. As of May 5, 2025, the Board will issue the following:
- Initial License or renewal of Licensure: (1) Wall certificate and (1) Pocket Card
- Request for first Duplicate License: (1) Wall Certificate - a Pocket Card will not be issued
- Request for (2+) Duplicate License: Review of reason for request with proper documentation; may be requested to come before the Board.
Credential Evaluation Services and Qualifications for Licensure
Personal Name/Address Change - Copy of legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court orders, etc.)