State Cosmetology License
How to Verify an Esthetician License
Estheticians (also spelled aestheticians) are licensed by state cosmetology or esthetics boards. License designations and scope of practice vary significantly by state — particularly for medical aesthetics and advanced services. Here is how to verify esthetician credentials for spa, salon, and medical aesthetics hiring.
Quick answer
Verify esthetician licenses through the state cosmetology or esthetics licensing board in the state where the esthetician works. Common license types include Esthetician, Cosmetician, and Master Esthetician. For medical aesthetics roles involving lasers, injectables, or chemical peels beyond basic scope, confirm the additional authorizations required in that state.
License tiers: Esthetician vs. Master Esthetician
Many states have two tiers of esthetics licensure:
| Level | Typical Training Hours | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Esthetician | 260–600 hours (state-dependent) | Facials, basic skin care treatments, waxing, eyebrow services, basic chemical exfoliation |
| Master Esthetician | 600–1,200+ hours (state-dependent) | Advanced chemical peels, microdermabrasion, lymphatic drainage, and additional services; required for medical spa roles in some states |
Confirm which license tier the role requires. A standard Esthetician license may not authorize all services offered at a medical spa.
State esthetics license portals
Selected state esthetician license lookups
- California: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology — barbercosmo.ca.gov; License Search (search Esthetician)
- Texas: Texas TDLR — tdlr.texas.gov; License Verification (search Esthetician)
- Florida: Florida DBPR — myfloridalicense.com; search Facial Specialist
- New York: NYS Department of State — dos.ny.gov; search Appearance Enhancement (Esthetician)
- Illinois: Illinois IDFPR — idfpr.illinois.gov/LicenseLookup; Esthetician
- Washington: Washington DOL — dol.wa.gov; Cosmetologist/Esthetician License Check (includes Master Esthetician)
- Colorado: Colorado DORA — dora.colorado.gov; search Esthetician or Master Esthetician
- Georgia: Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers — sos.ga.gov; License Search
Medical aesthetics and scope of practice
Medical aesthetics services — laser treatments, IPL, injectables (Botox, fillers), chemical peels beyond a certain depth, and microneedling — are regulated differently than basic esthetics. State rules for who can perform these services vary significantly:
- Some states allow licensed estheticians to perform laser and energy-based treatments under physician supervision with additional training
- Some states require a Registered Nurse or higher to perform injectable services regardless of esthetics licensure
- Some states have separate laser technician or electrologist certifications that must be verified independently
For medical spa or medspa hiring, verify both the esthetics license and any additional state authorization for the specific services the esthetician will perform. The state medical board (not the cosmetology board) may govern some of these additional authorizations.
Verification checklist
- 1. Confirm the license type and tier required for the role — Esthetician or Master Esthetician
- 2. Search the state cosmetology board portal — confirm Active status and expiration date
- 3. Review any disciplinary history on the state board record
- 4. For medical aesthetics roles: confirm any additional state authorization for laser, injectable, or advanced chemical services
- 5. If license was issued in another state: confirm reciprocity or endorsement license in the working state
- 6. Confirm CE requirements for the current renewal cycle are satisfied
Verify esthetics school accreditation
Esthetics and cosmetology schools may be accredited by NACCAS (National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences) or regional accreditors. Use VerifyED to confirm that a candidate's training school was properly accredited before accepting their educational credentials.
Search Schools and Accreditation →