Nail Technician License Requirements in Virginia
- Training hours
- 150 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $314
- Exam
- Nail Technician Theory Examination, Nail Technician Practical Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 16 years old. Virginia DPOR does not conduct a criminal background check, but applicants must self-disclose felony convictions within 10 years and certain misdemeanors within 2 years on a Criminal Conviction Reporting Form. [3]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 150 hours of training at a state-approved program. 150 hours of training at a licensed school or 2,000 hours in a registered apprenticeship. [1]
- 3
Nail Technician Theory Examination
Pass the Nail Technician Theory Examination (fee: $99). Written [1]
- 4
Nail Technician Practical Examination
Pass the Nail Technician Practical Examination (fee: $95). Practical [1]
- 5
Submit your application
Submit your application to Board for Barbers and Cosmetology with the $120 application fee. [2]
- 6
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Board for Barbers and Cosmetology issues your Nail Technician for Virginia.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [2] | $120 |
| License fee [2] | None specified |
| Renewal fee [2] | $120 |
| Nail Technician Theory Examination [1] | $99 |
| Nail Technician Practical Examination [1] | $95 |
| Technology Fee [2] | $7.25 |
DPOR does not charge a separate license issuance fee beyond the initial application fee of $120. An annual technology fee of $7.25 may also apply.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years. 0 continuing education hours required per cycle.
No continuing education is required for renewal of a nail technician license.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
Applicants licensed in another state may apply by endorsement if their training is substantially equivalent (at least 80% of Virginia's 150 hours, i.e., 120 hours) or if they have five years of work experience in the U.S.
1 state-approved training provider in Virginia — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $120
- $99
- $95
Frequently asked questions
How do I transfer my out-of-state nail technician license to Virginia?
Submit a License by Endorsement Application, pay the $120 fee, and have your licensing state send a Certification of Licensure directly to the Board. If your training hours are less than 80% of Virginia's required 150 hours (120 hours), you may substitute five years of U.S. work experience.
What are the training requirements to get a nail technician license in Virginia?
You must complete 150 hours of training in a licensed nail technician school, complete a 2,000-hour registered apprenticeship program, or complete a Virginia public high school nail technician program.
Is continuing education required for nail technician license renewal in Virginia?
No, there are no continuing education (CE) hours required to renew a nail technician license in Virginia.
How do I renew my license if I didn't receive a renewal notice?
Licensees are responsible for renewing on time even without a notice. You can renew online through DPOR's online services portal or mail a check with your license number and fee to the Board.
Who administers the licensing examinations for nail technicians in Virginia?
As of January 1, 2025, licensing examinations (both theory/written and practical) are administered by Prov, Inc. Candidates must pass both components to qualify for licensure.
Sources
- [1] dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/BarberCosmo — accessed 2026-07-12
- [2] law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency41/chapter20/section140/ — accessed 2026-07-12
- [3] law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency41/chapter20/section20/ — accessed 2026-07-12