Department of Labor & Industry - Business Standards

• I’m licensed in another state, how can I get a Montana license?
  To endorse into Montana from another state, you will need to submit our application along with the required documents and fees to:  Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, PO Box 200513, Helena, MT  59620.  The application can be found on our website at: www.cosmetology.mt.gov.  You will also need to contact the Board office of the states where you are currently licensed or have ever held a license and have them send us a "Verification of License History".  Once we receive all documents and fees, we will process your application.  If you have taken a nation exam and had a pass rate of 75% we will issue a license immediately.  If you took a state exam, or the pass rate for the state in which you took the national exam is below 75%, we will require you to pass a National exam prior to licensing and will send you an admissions letter for the exam.

  Do I still have to take a national exam if I have been licensed and practicing in another state for years, but did not take a national exam originally?
  Yes.  Work experience obtained in the profession will not be considered for exam qualification.

  I need an official verification/certification of my Montana license, how do I get this?
  To request an official license verification/certification be sent to another state licensing board, jurisdiction or individual, please submit in writing your first and last name, address, city, state, license number, the name and address of the state licensing board, jurisdiction or individual you would like the verification/certification sent to, and $20.00 to:  Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, 301 S. Park 4th Floor, PO Box 200513, Helena, MT  59620. 

  Once the request and fee are received, the request will be processed and mailed within 5 days.

  How can I get a duplicate copy of my license?
  Please submit a request in writing.  Include your first and last name, address, city, state, license number, and $5.00 to:  Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, 301 S. Park 4th Floor, PO Box 200513, Helena, MT  59620.

  Once the request and fee are received, the request will be processed and mailed within 5 days.

  I did not renew my license, can I renew it now?
  If your license status is “Expired”, you may renew it by submitting a renewal form and paying the renewal fee and the late fee.

  If your license status is “Terminated”, and you have been out of school less than 5 years, you must submit a new license application and pass the exam.

  If your license status is “Terminated”, and you have been out of school more than 5 years, you must complete the required hours of training for the profession, submit a new license application and pass the exam.

  The renewal and applications forms are on our website at:  www.cosmetology.mt.gov.

  What is your address?
  Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, 301 S. Park 4th Floor, PO Box 200513, Helena, MT  59620

  I’ve moved and need to change my address.  How do I do this?
  We need to receive your address change in writing.  Please submit your first and last name, old address, (including city, state, zip code), new address, (including city, state, zip code), and license number to:  Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, 301 S. Park 4th Floor, PO Box 200513, Helena, MT  59620, or fax it to: (406) 841-2309, Attn:  Bar/Cos, or submit using our online address change form on website at:  www.cosmetology.mt.gov .

  How do I change my name on my license?
  We need to receive your name change in writing.  Please submit your first name, previous last name, new last name, address, city, state, zip code, and license number, to:  Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, 301 S. Park 4th Floor, PO Box 200513, Helena, MT  59620, or fax it to: (406) 841-2309, Attn:  Bar/Cos, or email it to us at: dlibsdcos@mt.gov.

  I am a booth renter, do I need to file for Workers’ Compensation or Independent Contractor exemption?
  Barbers and Cosmetologists may be exempt from workers’ compensation coverage if they meet certain criteria.  Estheticians and Manicurists are not exempt and must apply for workers’ compensation or the Independent Contractors exemption.  For more information regarding this, please contact Department of Labor and Industry, Independent Contractors Unit at (406) 444-9029.