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How to become a cosmetologist in New Mexico

New Mexico cosmetologists are licensed by the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Regulation and Licensing Department). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed cosmetologist in New Mexico, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.

Who can become a cosmetologist in New Mexico?

New Mexico cosmetologist license requirements

Licensed byNew Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Regulation and Licensing Department)
License nameCosmetologist (separate Hairstylist license also offered)
Education or training1,600 hours or equivalent credit in a licensed school (16.34.5.10 NMAC).
ExamThree segments, national practical, national theory written and state law written, each needing a scaled score of 75; scheduled through Professional Credential Services (PCS).
License term2 years; licenses expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month
Continuing educationThe board lists continuing education only for instructor renewals (12 hours a year), not for practitioners.
ReciprocityLicensees from other states may apply for expedited licensure ($150) with the jurisprudence exam, except from jurisdictions the board disapproves (16.34.6.8 NMAC).

How much does it cost?

Cosmetologist license (original and renewal)$100
Application fee$10
Examinations and re-examinations (maximum)$100
Expedited (reciprocity) license$150
Late fee$40

Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.

Steps to become a cosmetologist in New Mexico

  1. Complete 1,600 hours at a board-licensed school
  2. Register with PCS and pass the practical, theory and state law exams
  3. Self-register on the NM-PLUS online portal
  4. Submit the cosmetology license application and fees
  5. Receive your license
  6. Renew every 2 years by the end of your birth month

Apply on the official New Mexico site

How do you check a cosmetologist's license in New Mexico?

Questions people ask

Do you need a license to be a cosmetologist in New Mexico?

Yes. New Mexico requires a Cosmetologist (separate Hairstylist license also offered) from the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Regulation and Licensing Department).

How much does a cosmetologist license cost in New Mexico?

The fees the state lists include cosmetologist license (original and renewal) $100, application fee $10, examinations and re-examinations (maximum) $100, expedited (reciprocity) license $150. Schools, courses, exam prep and insurance cost extra and vary by provider.

How do I check a cosmetologist's license in New Mexico?

Search the person's name or license number on the official New Mexico license lookup, and check that the status is active.

How long does a cosmetologist license last in New Mexico?

2 years; licenses expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month

How to become a cosmetologist in other states

Sources: https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/barbers-and-cosmetologists/fees/ · https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/barbers-and-cosmetologists/faqs/ · https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/barbers-and-cosmetologists/licensing-registration-and-renewal/ · https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/barbers-and-cosmetologists/instructors-training-requirements-and-continuing-education/ · https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.034.0003.html · https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.034.0005.html · https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.034.0006.html · https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.034.0014.html. Expert Helper is not a government agency; rules change, so confirm with the state before you apply.