State MUA Licensing Laws

If you are wondering what your State Licensing Laws for Freelance and Salon Makeup Artists, and aren’t sure where to start, below is a guide to help you locate your Licensing Division and it’s regulations for working as a Paid Makeup Artist in these respective States. Each State has it’s Governing Authority linked and notes the type of licensing, if any, is required.

For those states with a “?” I am merely waiting on clarification from these particular States and will update once they respond.

Please Note; this is merely a guide as of June 15, 2023 for Freelancers and Salon Makeup Artists working for a fee. This does not include retail associates or production. Regulations are subject to change. It is your responsibilities to stay on top of these changes and work in accordance with your local laws.

Before you invest money in education and start collecting pretty certificates, the first step you should take is contacting your States Division of Licensing or Board to confirm that institution is accredited and meets the educational requirements for said license.

• Alabama - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Alaska - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Arizona - No License is required

• Arkansas - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• California - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Colorado - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Connecticut - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Delaware - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Florida - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Georgia - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Hawaii - Beauty Operator License

• Idaho - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Illinois - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Indiana - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Iowa - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Kansas - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Kentucky - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Louisiana - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Maine - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Maryland - No License Required

• Massachusetts - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Michigan - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Minnesota - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Mississippi - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Missouri - MS Licensing Laws are unclear and their Board is unable to provide guidance, contact an attorney to clarify for you.

• Montana - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Nebraska - No license required

• Nevada - Makeup Artist License

• New Hampshire - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• New Jersey - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• New Mexico - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• New York - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• North Carolina - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• North Dakota - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Ohio - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Oklahoma - Cosmetician License

• Oregon - ? , Plus a Freelance License if working Freelance.

• Pennsylvania - Cosmetology License Required

• Rhode Island - No License Required

• South Carolina - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• South Dakota - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Tennessee - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Texas - ?

• Utah - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Vermont - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Virginia - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Washington - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• West Virginia - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Wisconsin - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

• Wyoming - Cosmetology or Aesthetics License

This page is for informational purposes only and is not to replace legal advice.