How to Renew an Expired Practitioner or Manager License in Minnesota

You got licensed and worked in the beauty industry, but then something came up. Say you had children and wanted to step away from work to focus on them. Perhaps a new career came your way and it was too good to pass up. Maybe you moved away and came back. We get it, life happens. Luckily, there is a way to come back into the industry and revamp your career. The following article will give you instructions on how to renew an expired cosmetology, nail technician, eyelash extension technician, esthetician, or managers license in MN.

When do licenses expire?

The beauty industry is fast changing and ever evolving, as are safety and sanitation standards. For this reason- practitioners will need to renew their licenses every 3 years by the last day of their birth month. Renewing a license requires a certain number of continuing education hours- which we will discuss later- and a renewal fee. To check the updated fees, see Section 155A.25 in the MN Board of Cosmetology Laws and Rules.

How to Renew an Expired License- Less Than 3 Years Expired

If you’ve just gotten out of the beauty industry, or WHOOPS you missed your renewal date, you’ll want to follow the procedure bellow. This information can be found in Section 2105.0215 Subp. 1 in the MN Board of Cosmetology Laws and Rules.

1. Complete your Continuing Education Requirements

2. Pay the Fees

With an expired license, you’ll have to pay the renewal fee for your license fee and a late fee. To check the updated fees, see Section 155A.25 in the MN Board of Cosmetology Laws and Rules. You can either pay when you renew online or by check or money order submitted with a paper renewal application.

3. Fill Out the Renewal Form

Once you’ve checked off both steps above, you’re ready to submit an application for your license renewal! If your license has been expired for less than 6 months you can renew online. Otherwise you’ll have to fill out a paper application and mail it, along with your fee payment, to the Board of Cosmetology at the address listed on the application. Typically applications are processed within 15 business days.

How to Renew an Expired License- More Than 3 Years Expired

So you’ve been out of the industry for a while, but you can’t shake the desire to get back into your beauty career. Great news! Even with a license expired more than 3 years, you can still renew your license with a little bit of work. Follow the procedure below to learn how. This information can be found in Section 2105.0215 Subp. 2 in the MN Board of Cosmetology Laws and Rules. You will NO LONGER be required to take any continuing education classes before testing.

1. Take the Tests

This will bring you back to your beauty school days. Yes, you have to take a couple of tests again. For cosmetologists, nail technicians, estheticians, and eyelash extension technicians, you will need to take the State Exam and the Written Practical Exam. Managers will have to take the Salon Manager Exam and the Written Practical Exam for their field of practice. You do not need to take the General Theory exam for any license. These tests take place at third party testing centers called PSI Exam Centers, or they can be proctored online from your home.

Links to sign up for specific tests listed below:

• Cosmetology
• Nail Technology
• Esthiology
• AP Esthiology (see Esthiology link for Laws & Rules Exam)
• Eyelash Extension Technology
• Salon Manager Exam (see links for your specific field of practice for the Written Practical Exam)

These tests are also available in Spanish and Vietnamese. Click here for a full list of available exams.

Look over the Candidate Bulletin for a detailed list of material that will be covered on the tests.

If you’re feeling a little rusty, PSI offers practice exams for a fee. However, you can also find free practice tests all over the internet with a quick Google search.

2. Pay the Fee

When renewing a license that is over 3 years expired, you’ll have to pay the initial license fee. To check the updated fees, see Section 155A.25 in the MN Board of Cosmetology Laws and Rules. You can pay by check or money order submitted with the paper renewal application that we’ll discuss next.

3. Fill Out the Renewal Form

Once you’ve passed both the Laws & Rules Exam and the Written Practical Exam and gotten the fee money together, you’re ready to submit an application for your license renewal! You’ll need to fill out a paper application and mail it to the Board of Cosmetology at the address listed on the application with original copies of your exam score sheets and fee payment. It should be noted that photocopies of the exam score sheets will not be accepted. You do not have to fill out the Continuing Education Verification portion of the applications. Typically applications are processed within 15 business days.

You’re Back in Business!

Congratulations! Once you’ve followed the steps above, you’re well on your way to rejoining the beauty industry. Thankfully, Minnesota makes it pretty easy and straightforward to renew an expired license. We’re so happy to have you back!

Now if it’s been so long that you don’t think you’d be able to come back to the industry without refreshing your skills, the Atelier Academy of Beauty in Hopkins offers full programs in cosmetology, nails, and eyelash extensions. If you love the industry but you’d rather help the next generation hone their craft, we also offer a 38-hour instructor course.

The Atelier also makes getting your continuing education hours easy by offering online continuing education courses. We provide excellent training in core and professional practice education all from the comfort of your couch. You can choose between à la carte 4 hour courses or get all your hours done at once with our 8 hour bundle courses. Read the description below each course to determine if they apply to your specific license.