StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Washington

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
600 hrs
Upfront cost
$323
Exam
NIC Manicurist Written Examination, NIC Manicurist Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Washington State Department of Licensing

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 17 years old. Applicants must be at least 17 years old. Washington does not require a high school diploma/GED or a mandatory background check/fingerprinting for a manicurist license. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 600 hours of training at a state-approved program. Washington requires either 600 hours of instruction at an approved cosmetology or manicurist school, or a 2,000-hour apprenticeship program. [1]

  3. 3

    NIC Manicurist Written Examination

    Pass the NIC Manicurist Written Examination (fee: $169). [2]

  4. 4

    NIC Manicurist Practical Examination

    Pass the NIC Manicurist Practical Examination (fee: $119). [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Washington State Department of Licensing with the $35 application fee. [3]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Washington State Department of Licensing issues your Manicurist for Washington.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $35
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $66
NIC Manicurist Written Examination [2] $169
NIC Manicurist Practical Examination [2] $119
Reciprocity application fee [3] $60
Late renewal penalty fee [3] $65
License print fee [3] $5

Washington charges a $35.00 license application fee and a $66.00 renewal fee. There is no separate initial license issuance fee.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 0 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Licenses must be renewed every two years. Washington does not require continuing education hours for manicurists.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Washington allows license by reciprocity for active out-of-state manicurists in good standing who have passed written and practical exams. Although Washington joined the Cosmetology Licensure Compact in 2025, the state's compact legislation (RCW 18.16.400) specifically excludes manicurists, barbers, and estheticians.

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

Cost calculator

  • $35
  • $169
  • $119
Total$323

Frequently asked questions

What will the exams cost?

Written examinations will cost $169 each. Practical examinations will cost $119 each.

When can I start working?

You can start working after you have received the appropriate license(s). The law requires all licenses to be posted. We'll issue a license after we receive all required documents and fees (where applicable).

Where can I get technical assistance?

The Cosmetology Section provides technical assistance to applicants and licensees if requested. To schedule an appointment, please email us at DOLCosmo@dol.wa.gov.

Will the exam content change under Prov?

No, Prov will offer the same National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) exams that are currently offered.

Sources

  1. [1] dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/cosmetology — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] provexam.com/register — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12