All states · Washington, D.C.
Licensing in Washington, D.C.
In the District of Columbia, beauty, trade and business licenses are issued by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). Massage therapists and nurses are licensed by DC Health.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | April 15 of even years |
| Barber | 1,500 hours | September 30 of odd years |
| Esthetician | 600 hours | Every 2 years |
| Manicurist | 350 hours | Every 2 years |
| Braider | 100 hours | Every 2 years |
- Licenses are issued by the Board of Barber and Cosmetology. The written exam is through ProV, the practical at Bennett Career Institute.
- Renewal requires 6 CE hours per 2 years (2 in health and safety); no CE for the first renewal.
| License | Training | Exam | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massage Therapist | 500 hours | NCETMB or another certified exam | 14 per 2 years |
- Since June 16, 2024, licenses expire on the last day of your birth month. In-person CPR and first aid certification is required.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | DC Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | DC Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | DC Health | State exam |
- DC is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact: nurses from other states need a DC license.
- Since June 16, 2024, nursing licenses renew by birth month; CE includes 2 hours of LGBTQ+ cultural competency.
| License | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Master, Journeyman Electrician | Board of Industrial Trades | Renews by November 30 of odd years |
| Master, Journeyman Plumber/Gasfitter | Board of Industrial Trades | Renews by March 31 of even years |
| Basic Business License — contractor | DLCP | Required, including subcontractors |
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Business License (BBL) | DLCP | $99 for 2 years |
| LLC | DLCP Corporations Division | Filing — $99; biennial report — $300 |
- A BBL requires tax registration, a Certificate of Occupancy or Home Occupation Permit, and owing no more than $1,000 to DC.
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
An exam-prep platform for Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetician and Nail Technician, as well as state law tests. Questions in the real exam format, a breakdown of every mistake, access from your phone and computer — study whenever it suits you.
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Washington, D.C. specifics
- CE for beauty. 6 hours per 2 years, none for the first renewal.
- Cosmetologist and barber — 1,500 hours each. Manicurist — 350, braider — 100.
- Birth-month renewal. For massage therapists and nurses since 2024.
- Basic Business License (BBL). Required, $99 for 2 years.
- LLC — $300 report. Every 2 years.
- Not in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses need a DC license.
What professionals earn in Washington, D.C.
Median annual wage in the District, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. BLS does not publish barber data for DC.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a cosmetologist need?
1,500 hours, then written and practical exams.
Is CE required to renew a beauty license?
Yes, 6 hours per 2 years; none for the first renewal.
How much does an LLC cost?
$99 to file and $300 for the biennial report.
Do I need a business license?
Yes. A 2-year BBL costs $99.
*Current as of September 30, 2026. The information on this page is not official and is for general reference only. Requirements are set by state and local authorities and may change — always check the official websites: DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), DC Health — Board of Massage Therapy, DC Board of Nursing, DC Board of Industrial Trades. Wage data — BLS.