Makeup Artist License Requirements by State
Find the licensing requirements, exact fees, and training hours required to work actively as a makeup artist in your state. Map out the regulatory environment across the country and launch your home business legally.
License Requirements by State
37 states require a license, 14 states do not.
All States Comparison
| State | License Required | Fee | Training | Exams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Required | $235 | 7.8 months | 2 |
| Alaska | Required | $450 | 2.7 months | 1 |
| Arizona | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Arkansas | Required | $110 | 4.7 months | 2 |
| California | Required | $115 | 4.7 months | 1 |
| Colorado | Required | $152 | 4.7 months | 2 |
| Connecticut | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Delaware | Required | $276 | 4.7 months | 2 |
| District of Columbia | Required | $175 | 4.7 months | 2 |
| Florida | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Georgia | Required | $139 | 7.8 months | 2 |
| Hawaii | Required | $182 | 4.7 months | 1 |
| Idaho | Required | $214 | 23 days | 2 |
| Illinois | Required | $191 | 5.8 months | 1 |
| Indiana | Required | $88 | 5.4 months | 1 |
| Iowa | Required | $115 | 4.7 months | 1 |
| Kansas | Required | $180 | 7.8 months | 2 |
| Kentucky | Required | $50 | 0 days | N/A |
| Louisiana | Required | $75 | 3.9 months | 2 |
| Maine | Required | $231 | 4.7 months | 2 |
| Maryland | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Massachusetts | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Michigan | Required | $230 | 3.1 months | 2 |
| Minnesota | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Mississippi | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Missouri | Required | $135 | 5.8 months | 2 |
| Montana | Required | $284 | 5.1 months | 2 |
| Nebraska | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Nevada | Required | $25 | N/A | N/A |
| New Hampshire | Required | $223 | 4.7 months | 2 |
| New Jersey | Required | $179 | 4.7 months | 2 |
| New Mexico | Required | $225 | 4.7 months | 3 |
| New York | Required | $70 | 4.7 months | 2 |
| North Carolina | Required | $193 | 4.7 months | 2 |
| North Dakota | Required | $197 | 4.7 months | 3 |
| Ohio | Required | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Oklahoma | Required | $60 | 4.7 months | 2 |
| Oregon | Required | $90 | 3.7 months | 3 |
| Pennsylvania | Required | $121 | 2.3 months | 1 |
| Rhode Island | Not Required | — | — | — |
| South Carolina | Required | $210 | 3.5 months | 2 |
| South Dakota | Required | $100 | 4.7 months | 2 |
| Tennessee | Required | $200 | 5.8 months | 2 |
| Texas | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Utah | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Vermont | Required | $285 | 3.9 months | 3 |
| Virginia | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Washington | Not Required | — | — | — |
| West Virginia | Required | $221 | 4.7 months | 3 |
| Wisconsin | Required | $383 | 3.5 months | 2 |
| Wyoming | Not Required | — | — | — |
Getting Started
Ready to start your makeup artist business? Here is what you need to do:
- Click on your state above to see specific requirements
- Apply for a professional license if required by your state
- Register your business with your state Secretary of State
- Obtain a home occupation permit from your county
- Get business insurance to protect yourself and clients
- Set up your home workspace and start taking clients
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Data-driven rankings of all 50 states by wages, fees, and business costs.
Pricing Calculator
How much should you charge? Based on real BLS wage data.
Startup Cost Calculator
Get a personalized breakdown of your startup expenses.
Start Here Guide
New to starting a home business? Follow our step-by-step guide.