Barbers and Cosmetologists: FAQs
Q. How do I obtain a barbers and cosmetologist license? What is the fee?
Requirements vary by license type. All license types require attending a board approved school and completion of all required hours (varies by license type). Applicant must also pass a national written and practical exam and a Board jurisprudence exam. The required initial fee is $50.00.
Requirement for reciprocity is verification of licensure in another state where requirements are the same or exceed New Mexico requirements. The required initial application fee is $150.00
Q. When do I renew my license? What is the fee?
Licenses are renewed in your birthday month. Renewal fee is $50.00. Late fee if license is not renewed by the expiration date stated on license is $40.00.
Q. When do I renew my establishment or booth license?
Establishment and booth licenses are renewed by March 31st of every year. Late fee if license is not renewed by the expiration date stated on license is $40.00.
Q. My License has been expired over five (5) years, what do I need to do to reinstate my license?
Applicants whose license has been expired for more than five years must apply to a Board approved school; submit to a scholastic evaluation to determine their training needs; and complete a minimum of 150 hours of remedial education.
Upon completion of the remediation, apply for and submit to the complete written theory examination and the applicable practical examination.
Q. My license has been expired less than five (5) years. What do I need to do to reinstate my license?
Applicant whose license has been expired for one year but less than five (5) years shall be required to retake the applicable exam and pay all renewal and late fees to become current.
Q. How do I request an affidavit to be sent to me?
Submit a written request and a $15 money order. Include your full name and license number, and the address where you want to receive the affidavit.
FAQs Body Art
Q. What are the requirements for licensure for Tattoo Artist or Body Piercer Artist?
- Complete 1,500 hours of apprenticeship under direct supervisor of a licensed artist.
- Verification of completion of apprenticeship program.
- A minimum of 10 original photographs of healed tattoos or piercings which the applicant has personally performed.
- A minimum of three signed testaments from previous clients.
- Take an exam approved by the Board and pass with a passing score of (75%)
Q. What are the requirements to become a board approved Apprentice Sponsor?
- Obtain prior approval from the Board.
- Hold a valid and current license.
- Provide proof of practicing the profession for at least five years without any board sanctioned disciplinary action
Q. What are the requirements to become a board approved Permanent Make Up Technician?
- Complete a 100 hour of Board approved training under the direct supervision of licensed practitioner.
- Client records shall be maintained by the practitioner applicant to verify that the minimum requirements for the procedures were completed.
- Submit a minimum of one photograph whereby the applicant has personally performed one complete procedure for each of the following areas: eye brow simulation; lip liner; lip color; and eye liner/eyelash enhancer.
- A practitioner performing areola restoration shall have completed a training program approved by the board.
- An applicant for a permanent cosmetic professional license shall take an exam approved by the board with a passing minimum score (75%) approved by the board.
Q. How do I become licensed if I have been tattooing or piercing before the state laws went into effect and if I practice in another state?
- Applicants in business prior to May 16, 2008 must submit notarized letters of employment or employment records to prove completion of at least 1500 hours of actual experience. All experience hours are subject to board approval.
- A body artist licensed in another jurisdiction must submit a verification of licensure from jurisdiction verifying that the artist holds a current license and is in good standing.
Q. What are the fees for tattoo, body piercer and permanent make up technician?
Initial license for artists are $100.00.
Q. What are the requirements for licensing a body art establishment?
Any establishment licensed by the board must be under the immediate supervision of a board licensed practitioner.
Q. When do I renew my body art license? What is the renewal fee?
Renewal of body artist license (tattoo, body piercer and permanent make up technician) is one (1) year from date of issuance. Renewal fee is $100.00. If license is not renewed on or before that date a $35.00 late fee is required.
Q. When do I renew my body art establishment license? What is the renewal fee?
Renewal of body artist establishment license is one (1) year from date of issuance. Renewal fee is $300.00. If license is not renewed on or before that date a $35.00 late fee is required.
Q. My license has been expired over five (5) years. What do I need to do to reinstate my license?
- Enroll in training program and complete a 40 hour theory curriculum.
- Pass PCS exam with a minimum passing score (75%)
- Pass a jurisprudence exam with a minimum passing score of 75%.
- Submit a reinstatement application and pay all fees and fines.
- Provide proof of completion of blood borne pathogens training within the prior 12 months, current CPR and first aid certification.
Q. My license has been expired less than five (5) years. What do I need to do to reinstate my license?
- Submit a reinstatement application and pay all fees and fines.
- Provide proof of completion of blood borne pathogens training within the prior 12 months, current CPR and first aid certification.
- Pass a jurisprudence exam with a minimum score of 75% or higher.