Georgia esthetician licenses renew every two years through the Georgia Board of Cosmetology
Your Georgia esthetician license expires on a specific date printed on your card. To keep it active, you must renew it before that date ends. The Georgia Board of Cosmetology handles all renewals and requires you to complete continuing education hours, pay a renewal fee, and submit your paperwork either online or by mail.
The renewal process itself takes about two to four weeks once the board receives your complete process. Starting your renewal 60 to 90 days before your expiration date gives you a comfortable window to finish coursework, gather documents, and handle any delays without your license lapsing.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia esthetician licenses expire every two years on the date shown on your license card.
- You must complete 16 hours of continuing education from board-approved providers before you renew.
- The renewal fee is $110, payable by check, money order, or credit card when you submit your process.
- You can renew online through the Georgia Board of Cosmetology website or submit a paper process by mail.
- Renewing before your expiration date prevents your license from lapsing and keeps you legally able to work.
The 16-hour continuing education requirement
Georgia requires all estheticians to complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period. These hours must come from providers approved by the Georgia Board of Cosmetology. You can take courses in person at schools, salons, or training centers, or online through approved distance-learning providers.
Approved topics include skin care techniques, product knowledge, safety and sanitation, business practices, and laws governing esthetics. Keep your course completion certificates or transcripts—the board may ask to see them. If you take courses from a provider you are unsure about, contact the board directly at 404-656-3900 to confirm they are approved before you enroll.
Where to find approved continuing education courses
The Georgia Board of Cosmetology maintains a list of approved continuing education providers on its website. You can search by course topic, location, or delivery method (in-person or online). Many beauty schools, cosmetology academies, and online training platforms throughout Georgia offer board-approved courses specifically designed for esthetician renewal.
Some salons and spas also host continuing education sessions for their staff. If your workplace offers courses, ask your manager whether they are board-approved. Online options let you complete hours on your own schedule, which works well if you have a busy client calendar or live far from training centers.
Submitting your renewal process online or by mail
The Georgia Board of Cosmetology accepts renewals through its online portal or by paper process. To renew online, log into your account on the board's website, upload your continuing education certificates, and pay the $110 renewal fee by credit card. Online renewal is faster—most applications process within two weeks.
If you prefer to mail your process, read the renewal form from the board's website, print it, and mail it with your continuing education documentation and a check or money order for $110 to the Georgia Board of Cosmetology, 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217. Paper applications typically take three to four weeks to process. Include a copy of your current license or your license number so the board can match your paperwork to your file.
What happens if your license expires
If your license expires before you complete renewal, you cannot legally work as an esthetician in Georgia until it is active again. This means you cannot perform services, even if you have already paid clients or are in the middle of a treatment plan. Your employer may also face penalties for allowing unlicensed work to occur.
If your license lapses, you can still renew it—the board does not revoke it automatically. However, you may face additional requirements or fees. Contact the board at 404-656-3900 to ask what steps you need to take to restore an expired license. It is always simpler to renew before the expiration date than to deal with a lapsed license.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for an esthetician license in Georgia is $110. You can pay by credit card if you renew online, or by check or money order if you mail your process. Make checks payable to the Georgia Board of Cosmetology. Do not send cash through the mail.
Some salons or employers reimburse staff for renewal fees. Check your employee handbook or ask your manager whether your workplace covers this cost. The fee covers the board's processing of your process and the issuance of your renewed license.
Timeline for renewal and what to do if you are running late
Start your renewal process 60 to 90 days before your license expires. This timeline gives you time to complete your 16 continuing education hours, gather your certificates, and submit your process without rushing. If you are cutting it close, online renewal is your fastest option—you can upload documents and pay the fee in one session, and the board typically processes it within two weeks.
If your license is about to expire and you have not yet finished your continuing education, contact the board to ask whether they offer any grace period or temporary work authorization while your renewal is pending. Some boards do; Georgia's policies on this can change. A quick phone call to 404-656-3900 can clarify your options and prevent an unintended lapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I am working in another state?
Yes. You can renew your Georgia license from anywhere, as long as you complete the 16 continuing education hours and submit your process before the expiration date. You do not have to be physically present in Georgia to renew. Online renewal and mail-in applications both work for out-of-state estheticians.
What if I lost my continuing education certificates?
Contact the schools or providers where you took the courses and ask them to send you official transcripts or completion letters. Most providers keep records for several years. If a provider has closed or you cannot locate them, contact the Georgia Board of Cosmetology—they may be able to help you verify your coursework or advise you on next steps.
Do I need to renew my license if I am not currently working?
If you want to keep your license active and legal, yes, you must renew it by the expiration date. If you do not plan to work as an esthetician in Georgia, you can let your license expire and do not need to renew. If you return to work later, you would need to renew or reactivate your license at that time.
How do I know my license expiration date?
Your expiration date is printed on your esthetician license card. It is also listed in your account on the Georgia Board of Cosmetology website if you log in. If you cannot find your card or do not remember your login, call the board at 404-656-3900 and they can tell you your expiration date.
Can I renew my license early?
Yes. The Georgia Board of Cosmetology allows early renewal. You can renew up to 90 days before your expiration date. Early renewal is useful if you want to get the process done ahead of time or if you are traveling and want to handle it before you leave.