Washington cosmetology schools need to obtain business licenses and surety bonds before they can accept students and offer classes. Keep reading to learn more about how to get licensed.
Washington cosmetology school licenses
Before you can begin the process of getting a Washington cosmetology school license, you’ll need to apply for a business license with the state Department of Revenue. You’ll receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) to include with your cosmetology school application. Schools that will offer instruction in the following services are licensed in the same way as cosmetology schools with the Department of Licensing:
- Hair design
- Barbering
- Esthetics and master esthetics
- Manicuring
- Instructor training
The following is some of the information Washington cosmetology schools need to provide on the application:
- School name, physical and/or mailing addresses, and phone number
- Types of services for which instruction will be offered
- Type of business (LLC, corporation, etc.)
- Name and contact information for authorized owners
In addition to a completed application, schools need to send in some documentation:
- $10,000-$50,000 surety bond�
- $300 licensing fee
- Copy of the school’s curriculum, catalog, brochures, enrollment contract, and cancellation and refund policies
- School data sheet
You’ll mail this information to this address:
Cosmetology Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856
Once your school receives its license, it must be displayed in the reception area of the school. Licenses expire every two years, and you can renew up to 120 days before expiration. On-time renewal incurs a $300 renewal fee, while late renewal is $475. Licenses expired more than one year are cancelled. If you are a cosmetology professional, you’ll also apply for a license with the Department of Licensing.
How to get this surety bond
Washington cosmetology schools need a surety bond in an amount determined by finding 10% of the school’s annual gross tuition�the bond cannot be less than that amount or $10,000, whichever is greater, and can’t exceed $50,000. The bond protects students in the event that you, the licensee, unexpectedly close the school or otherwise violate the terms of the bond and cause students to incur financial damages.