StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Texas

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
600 hrs
Upfront cost
$181
Exam
Cosmetology Manicurist Written Examination, Cosmetology Manicurist Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 17 years old, High school diploma, GED, or passed a valid ability-to-benefit exam, pass a criminal background check. Must be at least 17 years old. A criminal history background check is conducted on all applicants. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 600 hours of training at a state-approved program. Course must be completed at a licensed cosmetology or barbering school. [1]

  3. 3

    Cosmetology Manicurist Written Examination

    Pass the Cosmetology Manicurist Written Examination (fee: $55). Computer-based [2]

  4. 4

    Cosmetology Manicurist Practical Examination

    Pass the Cosmetology Manicurist Practical Examination (fee: $76). Practical [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation with the $50 application fee. [3]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation issues your Manicurist for Texas.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $50
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $50
Cosmetology Manicurist Written Examination [2] $55
Cosmetology Manicurist Practical Examination [2] $76
Student Permit [3] $25

There is no separate license fee; the initial license is included in the $50 application fee. A student permit fee of $25 is required when enrolling in training.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 4 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Continuing education must include 1 hour in sanitation, 1 hour in human trafficking awareness, and 2 hours of approved topics. The additional 2 hours are waived for licensees who have held a Texas license for 15+ years.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Texas allows out-of-state license holders to apply for a Manicurist license by equivalence if the home state requirements are substantially equivalent.

48 state-approved training providers in Texas — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $50
  • $55
  • $76
Total$181

Frequently asked questions

How many hours of training are required for a manicurist license in Texas?

You must complete 600 hours of instruction in an approved manicurist course at a licensed beauty school in Texas.

What exams do I need to pass to become a licensed manicurist in Texas?

You must pass both the written exam (fees: $55) and the practical exam (fees: $76) administered by the third-party testing vendor, PSI.

How do I renew my manicurist license in Texas?

Manicurist licenses must be renewed every two years. You must complete 4 hours of department-approved continuing education (1 hour of sanitation, 1 hour of human trafficking awareness, and 2 hours of approved topics) and pay a $50 renewal fee.

Is there a minimum age requirement to apply for a manicurist license in Texas?

Yes, you must be at least 17 years old to apply.

Sources

  1. [1] tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/apply-manicurist.htm — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/examinations — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/feechanges.htm — accessed 2026-07-12
  4. [4] tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/continuing-education.htm — accessed 2026-07-12
  5. [5] tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/out-of-state/ — accessed 2026-07-12