Barber, Non-Chemical Barber, Esthetician, Hairdresser, Hair Braiding, Instructor, Manicurist, Manicurist with Advanced Endorsement, Tattooing, Permanent Cosmetic Coloring, and Body Piercing.

We also issue Shop Owner and School Owner licenses.

Please note: Alaska does not offer a “cosmetology” license. This license type was split into an esthetician and hairdresser license during the 1980’s.

You must have met the minimum qualifications for the field you are seeking to be licensed for and you must submit an application, fees, and required documentation. To view the minimum qualifications, please review the application and/or the Alaska Board of Barbers & Hairdressers statutes and regulations.

Applications and forms are posted on the board's website.

You must be either a licensed hairdresser and/or esthetician.

You must be a licensed tattooist in accordance with Statute 08.13.220(16).

During the October 3, 2022 meeting the board discussed this service and is currently researching these topics; however, at this time, it is the opinion of the board that microneedling, microchanneling, nanoneedeling, skin stamping, and dermaroller services, should not be performed by anyone licensed by this board nor should it be included in the definition of tattooing. The board is looking into possible health and safety concerns mentioned by the FDA including but not limited to, permanent skin damage, infection, cross contamination, electrical shock, damage to nerves and blood vessels, scarring, hypo- and hyper- pigmentation.

Until the board has completely researched this topic our recommendation is that anyone licensed by this board should not perform microneedling, microchanneling, nanoneedeling, skin stamping, and dermaroller services. It is in our opinion that microneedling, microchanneling, nanoneedling, skin stamping, and dermaroller services should be kept within the scope of medical professionals in accordance with AS 08.64.

No, Alaska does not have professional licensure reciprocity with any other states. To practice in Alaska, you must submit an application by “waiver of examination” (i.e., licensure in another state), submit the required documentation, fees, and meet the minimum qualifications for the license you are applying for. Please review the application for more information.

Applications and forms are posted on the board's website.

• Who do I make my check or money order payable to?
  State of Alaska
• Do you accept credit cards?
  Yes, we accept Visa or MasterCard. Credit card information must be provided on our Credit Card Authorization form and must be either mailed or faxed with a coversheet detailing what the fees are for. The mailing address and fax number is provided at the top of the Authorization form.
  
  A Credit Card Authorization form is provided with all applications and can also be found on the web.
• Can I pay my fees over the phone with a credit card?
  No.
• Can I email credit card information?
  No.
• Fees may also be submitted via MyLicense if you’ve successfully linked your file.

No. To renew a license requires you complete an online renewal, mail a completed renewal application with the required fees directly to this office, OR you may drop off a completed renewal application and fees to our Anchorage or Juneau offices.

• The Anchorage office physical and mailing address is 550 W 7th Ave., Ste 1500 Anchorage, AK.
• The Juneau office physical address is 333 Willoughby Ave., 9th Fl, Juneau, AK.
• The Juneau office mailing address is PO Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806.

Licenses issued by this board expire on August 31 of odd-numbered years regardless of when they are issued (so two years if renewed on time, but it can be less depending on when the license is initially issued or renewed).

Before submitting renewal application(s) or fees be sure to contact your licensing examiner for current fees and renewal application information.

Current renewal applications and on-line renewal options are available on the web.

• One to Two Years:
  You will need to complete a current renewal application and submit the completed application to this office with the renewal fee. OR You may renew your license online via the MyLicense system.
• Three to Four Years:
  In accordance with Statute 08.13.140 and Regulation 12 AAC 09.930, a license that has been lapsed for three to four years requires the submission of a current renewal application and all back & current renewal fees. Applicants will also be required to take and pass the appropriate written examination.
• Five Years or More:
  In accordance with Statutes 08.13.140 and 08.01.100(d) and Regulation 12 AAC 09.930, a license that has been lapsed for five years or more may not be renewed/reinstated. Initial applications, fees, and required documentation must be submitted directly to this office.

No. All documents are processed in the order received no matter the manner in which they are submitted. This is to ensure fairness to all applicants. Further, the Anchorage office can provide notary services and receipt fees but all applications, forms, etc., are sent to the Juneau office for review and processing.

Successfully link your file through MyLicense; once completed, you’ll have access to all of your documentation which you can print.

You may also email BoardofBarbersHairdressers@Alaska.Gov to request a copy of your license be mailed. Please note, mailed licenses are printed on plain copier paper.

No. Documents that contain personal identification information (Social Security Number, credit card numbers, etc.) must be mailed into or dropped off in the Anchorage or Juneau offices.

To obtain a certified true copy of a document, take the original document and a copy to a notary. The notary will compare the copy to the original. In front of the notary write on the copy, “I certify this to be a true copy of the original document”, sign and date it. The notary will notarize your signature and affix their seal, sign and date the copy. The Anchorage and Juneau offices are able to notarize documents.

Please visit our Professional Licensing Request for License Verification web page and follow the listed instructions.

If you only need your Alaska training documentation, there is no fee for these requests. Please email BoardofBarbersHairdressers@Alaska.Gov your request and include where you’d like the documentation sent (mailing address or email).

All applications are processed in date order of receipt to ensure fairness to all applicants. A completed application may be processed in 2-3 weeks from the date received in our office. Incomplete applications may take 4-6 weeks to process or even longer, depending on how long it takes for all documentation to be received and the application packet made complete. Failure to submit required fees will result in an automatic letter or email requesting required fees before the application is processed.

You can help us process your application more rapidly by making sure you complete the application correctly and submit the correct fees and supporting documents. Please read the instruction pages provided with each application carefully.

In the move to applicant self-service, we recommend you link your file through MyLicense. Linking your file will allow you to check the status, upload documentation, and make payments if needed.

If your application is incomplete, you will be notified by email once your application is reviewed. If you choose to have all communications done via the US Postal Service, please allow 3-4 weeks from the date the application is received for a status letter to reach you.

Some states call this licensure by “credentials or reciprocity.”

You are eligible for an Alaska license by waiver of examination if you have a current and active license in another state, with the requirements of the other state being equal to or greater than the requirements of the State of Alaska.

License verifications must be emailed (BoardofBarbersHairdressers@Alaska.Gov) or mailed directly to this office from the issuing authority/State board.

Transcripts must be emailed (BoardofBarbersHairdressers@Alaska.Gov) or mailed directly to this office from the school.

No. Out of country license holders are not eligible for licensure by waiver of examination. You must qualify and pass the appropriate written examination and either prove you’ve passed a proficiency exam (typically provided on transcripts) OR you will need to enroll in an apprenticeship or school program to take/pass a proficiency examination.

Transcripts, certificates, etc., in any language other than English, must be submitted to a Certified Translator for conversion into English. The translated documentation must be submitted directly to this office by the Certified Translator via email (BoardofBarbersHairdressers@Alaska.Gov) or mailed.

All out of country training requires board review. A complete application must be on file before being presented to the board for consideration.

Yes. For out of state schools, transcripts must be emailed (BoardofBarbersHairdressers@Alaska.Gov) or mailed directly to this office from the school for evaluation. For in state school or apprenticeships, proof of training must be submitted to this office.

• Conversion: 150 school hours = 181 apprentice hours
  50 school hours = 60.60 apprentice hours
  (hours x 1.212)
• 50 apprentice hours = 41.25 school hours
  150 apprentice hours = 123.75 school hours
  (hours x .825)

If an apprentice OR student has a two (2) year interruption during training (training not completed); the earned hours/practical operations will expire, and applicant will need to re-start training.

A complete application must be received with the required documentation and fees. Once your application is complete, your information will be submitted to the State’s examination administrator, Prov. Applicants with then work with Prov to pay the examination fee and scheduling.

Examination information is available on the board's website. Examination study information will not be mailed or emailed to applicants.

• Prov Candidate Information Bulletin
• Request for Exam Accommodations
• National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC)
• Tattoo & Permanent Cosmetic Coloring Examination Packet

Prov will provide you with examination results within 24-hours of you completing your examination.

Yes, a temporary student license is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance and can be requested when you submit your application for examination or after. The fee is $100.00.

A Statement of Responsibility form, completed by your and your supervisor, must be submitted, and you must be scheduled for examination(s). Temporary Licenses are not renewable and can only be issued once.

Yes, a temporary permit is available for “by waiver of examination” applicants.

A temporary permit is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance and can be requested when you submit your application or after. The fee is $100.00; all fees must be submitted (application fee, license fee, temporary permit fee).

You must submit a copy of your current out of State license with your application or with your request. All application and license fees must have been submitted (application fee, license fee).

Temporary Permits are not renewable and may only be issued once.

To qualify for a barber license by “waiver of examination” requires the applicant hold an active/current license to practice in at least one other state, verification of a minimum of 1,650 hours of training through a school OR 2,000 hours through an apprentice program and proof of passing a written and proficiency/practical examination. The use of work experience can be used to meet the hour requirement.

To qualify for a barber license by examination, the applicant must have completed at least 1,650 hours of training through a school OR 2,000 hours through an apprentice program and all required practical operations and have passed a proficiency exam at the conclusion of training.

To qualify for a non-chemical barber license by “waiver of examination” requires the applicant hold an active/current license to practice in at least one other state, verification of 1,350 hours of training through a school OR 1,650 hours through an apprentice program and proof of passing a written and proficiency/practical examination. The use of work experience can be used to meet the hour requirement.

To qualify for a non-chemical barber license by examination the applicant must have completed at least 1,350 hours of training through a school OR 1,650 hours through an apprentice program and all required practical operations and have passed a proficiency exam at the conclusion of training.

To qualify for an esthetician license by “waiver of examination” requires the applicant hold an active/current license to practice in at least one other state, verification of a minimum of 350 hours of training through a school OR an apprentice program, and proof of passing a written and proficiency/practical examination. The use of work experience is not acceptable to meet training requirements.

To qualify for an esthetician license by examination requires the applicant have completed a minimum of 350 hours of training through a school OR an apprentice program, and all required practical operations and have passed a proficiency exam at the conclusion of training.

To qualify for a hairdresser license by “waiver of examination” requires the applicant hold an active/current license to practice in at least one other state, verification of a minimum of 1,650 hours of training through a school OR 2,000 hours through an apprentice program and proof of passing a written and proficiency/practical examination. The use of work experience can be used to meet the hour requirement.

To qualify for a hairdresser license by examination the applicant must have completed at least 1,650 hours of training through a school OR 2,000 hours through an apprentice program and all required practical operations and have passed a proficiency exam at the conclusion of training.

To qualify for a hair braiding license by “waiver of exam” requires the applicant hold an active/current license to practice in at least one other State, proof of completing a minimum of 35 hours of training in safety/sanitation followed by passing a written examination.

To qualify for a hair braiding license with training completed in Alaska requires completion of a 35-hour safety/sanitation course followed by passing a written examination offered by a school licensed in Alaska approved to teach this course.

To qualify for a manicurist license by “waiver of examination” requires the applicant hold an active/current license to practice in at least one other state and, proof of completing a minimum of 12 hours of training in safety/sanitation followed by passing a written examination.

To qualify for a manicurist license with training completed in Alaska requires completion of a 12-hour safety/sanitation course followed by passing a written examination offered by a school licensed in Alaska approved to teach this course.

No.

To qualify for a manicurist with advanced endorsement license by “waiver of examination” requires the applicant hold an active/current license to practice in at least one other state, proof of completing a minimum of 250 hours of training, and proof of passing a National written examination or its equivalent to qualify for that State’s license.

To qualify for a manicurist with advanced endorsement license by examination requires the applicant to enroll in an approved school authorized to teach the endorsement course. Complete a minimum of 250 hours of training.

These license types may provide full manicuring and pedicuring services for both fake and natural nails.

In accordance with Statute 08.13.220(10):

"manicuring"
(A) means, for a fee, to

(i) cut, trim, polish, color, tint, or cleanse a natural or artificial nail;
(ii) affix material by artificial means to a natural nail for the addition to or extension of the natural nail;
(iii) cleanse, treat, or beautify the hands or feet for cosmetic purposes; or
(iv) otherwise treat the nails of the hand or foot except as provided in (B) of this paragraph;

(B) notwithstanding (A) of this paragraph, does not include

(i) massage treatment; or
(ii) cleansing, treating, or beautifying the hands or feet solely for the treatment of disease or physical or mental ailments;

Whether you apply for this license by “examination” or by “waiver of examination”, you must first hold an active/current Alaska license in the field(s) you will be teaching.

To qualify by “examination” you have the following options:

1. Hold your individual professional license (barber, hairdresser, etc.) for one year; enroll as a student instructor in a school authorized to teach student instructing to complete 600 hours of training. Once additional training is complete, you may apply for the license.
2. Hold your individual professional license (barber, hairdresser, etc.) for three years; submit an application for licensure and verification of three years of licensed work experience on a form provided by this Department.

To qualify by “waiver of examination”, you must hold an active/current Alaska license in the field(s) you want to teach, you must hold an active/current instructor license issued by another state board, and you must meet minimum training and examination requirements.

Alaska requires body piercers complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of training, the completion of specific practical operations and passing a written safety & sanitation examination for full licensure.

To apply for this license by “waiver of examination”, an individual must hold a current license in another state, meet our training requirements, hold current CPR issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or equivalent organization & blood borne pathogen cards, and have passed a written safety/sanitation examination.

To apply for this license by examination requires the completion of 1,000 hours of training through an approved apprenticeship program which must include completion of practical operations. Applicants must hold a current CPR card issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or equivalent organization & a current blood borne pathogen card.

Alaska requires tattooists complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of training, the completion of specific practical operations and passing a written safety & sanitation examination for full licensure.

To apply for this license by “waiver of examination”, an individual must hold a current license/permit in another State, meet our training requirements, hold a current CPR card issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or equivalent organization & a blood borne pathogen card, and have passed a written safety/sanitation examination.

To apply for this license by examination requires the completion of 1,000 hours of training through an approved apprenticeship program which must include completion of practical operations. Applicants must hold a current CPR issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or equivalent organization & blood borne pathogen card.

Alaska requires permanent cosmetic colorists complete a minimum of 250 hours of training, the completion of specific practical operations and passing a written safety & sanitation examination for full licensure.

To apply for this license by “waiver of examination”, an individual must hold a current license in another State, meet our training requirements, hold a current CPR card issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or equivalent organization & a blood borne pathogen card, and have passed a written safety/sanitation examination.

To apply for this license by examination requires the completion of 250 hours of training through an approved apprenticeship program which must include completion of practical operations. Applicants must hold a current CPR issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or equivalent organization & blood borne pathogen card.

The board will accept online bloodborne pathogen courses only if the course/provider is listed on the board’s website.

To be accepted, CPR courses must be offered by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or an equivalent organization. Online only courses are accepted.

The shop owner or entity must complete and submit an application, required fees, and required documentation.

Shops providing body piercing or tattooing/permanent cosmetic coloring must receive and submit a Certificate of Sanitary Standards or Shop Inspection Report completed/issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Environmental Health, Food Safety & Sanitation Program. To contact their office, you may call 907-269-7501 or click the previous link.

Shops providing barbering, esthetics, hairdressing, or manicuring must complete a Certification of Compliance with 18 AAC 23. This certification verifies the shop has met all safety & sanitation requirements set by DEC.

Be aware, before engaging in business activity, per AS 43.70.020, you must obtain a business license.

Apply to the State of Alaska Business License Section for a business license. Please contact the business licensing section on the web or email businesslicense@alaska.gov.

Business name and DBA name options:

Option #1: A business owner may advertise and operate in the exact same name as the business owner, for example:

• Sole Proprietor: James K. Smith (owner) advertising and operating as “James K. Smith”.
• Partnership: John and Mary Jones (owners) advertising and operating as “John and Mary Jones.”
• Entity (corporation, LLC, LLP, LP, etc.): Cookies INC (owner) advertising and operating as “Cookies INC.”

Option #2: “DBA” (doing business as) is when a business owner chooses to advertise and operate in an alternate/different name than the name of the business owner, for example:

• Sole Proprietor: James K. Smith (owner) doing business as “Smith Auto Shop.”
• Partnership: John and Mary Jones (owners) doing business as “Alpine Construction.”
• Entity (corporation, LLC, LLP, LP, etc.): Cookies INC (owner) doing business as “Sweet Treats.”

Be aware, the DBA name must be identical on shop owner and business license.

A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business owned and run by one (1) individual with no distinction between the business and the owner. As a sole proprietor you own 100% of the business, get to make all the decisions and are responsible for all debts or liabilities.
Example: John Doe will be listed as the owner doing business as (DBA) Doe’s Design.

A partnership is an unincorporated business, which consists of two or more “persons” who share ownership. Each partner contributes to all aspects of the business, including money, property, labor or skill. In return, each partner shares in the profits and losses of the business.
Examples:
1. Jane Smith & John Doe form a partnership; they apply for a shop owner license as a “partnership”; Jane Smith & John Doe (listed as owners) doing business as (DBA) JJ Salon.
2. Bob Joe, Sue Blue, Sally Red & Sam Iam form a partnership; they apply for a shop owner license as a “partnership”; Bob Joe, Sue Blue, Sally Red & Sam Iam (listed as owners) DBA Healthy Nails.

A limited liability company OR limited liability partnership is a legal business entity/corporate structure owned by one or more individuals. When applying for other licenses (i.e. shop license, business license) the LLC OR LLP will be the owner of those licenses.

Please note, in the State of Alaska an LLC/LLP is defined as “person” by law
Examples:
1. Jane Doe owns Jane Doe, LLC; however, when Jane applies for a shop owner license the LLC or LLP will be listed as the shop owner. The application will reflect Jane Doe, LLC doing business as (DBA) Jane’s Cut & Wash.
2. Jane and John Doe own Doe’s Design, LLC. The Doe’s apply for a shop owner license, the application will reflect Doe’s Design, LLC DBA Doe’s Design.

A corporation is a legal business entity, which exists separate from its shareholders/owners. Corporations enjoy most of the rights and responsibilities that an individual possesses; that is, a corporation has the right to enter into contracts, loan and borrow money, sue and be sued, hire employees, own assets and pay taxes. A corporation can be owned by one or more live individuals. When applying for other licenses (i.e. shop license, business license) the Corporation will be the owner of those licenses.

Please note, in the State of Alaska a corporation is defined as “person” by law.
Examples:
1. Jane Doe owns Wide River Curlers, Inc.; however, when Jane applies for a shop owner license the corporation will be listed as the shop owner. The application will reflect Wide River Curlers, Inc. doing business as (DBA) Jane’s Cut & Wash.
2. Jane and John Doe own Bouffant Up Do’s, Inc. The Doe’s apply for a shop owner license, the corporation will be listed as the shop owner. The application will reflect, Bouffant Up Do’s, Inc. DBA Bouffant Up Do’s.

For more information or assistance when choosing the ownership for your shop; visit the Business Licensing website and review the Business Structure FAQs.

If you are a legal employee of the licensed shop, you do not need a shop owner license.

If you are renting a booth or chair and are using the same business name of the shop, you will only need a Business License.

If you are renting a booth or chair in an existing licensed shop but are using and advertising under a different business name, you will need a shop owner license and a Business License.

Food and beverage services are not regulated by this board.

However, the board urges shops interested in this type of service to contact their local Municipality office, Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office/Board, and Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Environmental Health, Division of Environmental Health, Food Safety and Sanitation Program, to ensure state and local laws regarding food and beverage services are met.

• Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office/Board
• Dept. of Environmental Conservation Division of Environmental Health, Division of Environmental Health, Food Safety and Sanitation Program