What you need to do to get your Georgia barber license back
To reinstate a barber license in Georgia, you must contact the Georgia Board of Cosmetology, which oversees barber licensing. The board will tell you whether your license lapsed due to non-renewal, was suspended for a specific violation, or was revoked. Each situation has different requirements and costs. Most reinstated licenses require you to pay back fees, complete any required continuing education hours, and sometimes pass a practical or written exam depending on how long your license has been inactive.
The Georgia Board of Cosmetology is located in Atlanta and handles all barber license matters for the state. You can reach them by phone or visit their office in person. They will review your specific case and provide a written list of what you must complete before reinstatement can happen.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Georgia Board of Cosmetology directly to find out why your license is inactive and what steps are required for your situation.
- You will likely owe renewal fees, late fees, and possibly continuing education hours depending on how long your license has been inactive.
- If your license was suspended or revoked for a violation, you may need to complete additional requirements such as remedial training or passing an exam.
- The board can tell you the exact cost and timeline for reinstatement during your first contact with them.
Lapsed licenses versus suspended or revoked licenses
A lapsed license means you did not renew it by the expiration date. This is the most common reason a barber license becomes inactive in Georgia. To reinstate a lapsed license, you pay the renewal fee plus any late fees the board charges, and your license is restored. The board sets the renewal fee; it varies depending on when you let it lapse and how many renewal cycles you missed.
A suspended license means the board temporarily removed your right to work because of a violation—such as practicing without a license, unsanitary conditions, or a complaint from a client. Suspension has an end date set by the board. Once that date passes, you may be able to renew normally, but you should confirm with the board first. Some suspensions require you to show proof of corrective action before reinstatement.
A revoked license means the board permanently cancelled it, usually for serious violations. Revocation is much harder to reverse than suspension. You may be able to petition for reinstatement after a set period (often several years), but you will need to show the board that the reason for revocation no longer applies. The board will tell you whether reinstatement is possible in your case.
Fees and continuing education requirements
Reinstatement costs depend on how long your license has been inactive. You will owe the current renewal fee plus late fees for each renewal period you missed. If you let your license lapse for five years, for example, you may owe five years of renewal fees plus penalties. The board can give you an exact total when you contact them.
Georgia requires barbers to complete continuing education hours to renew their license. If your license has been inactive for more than one renewal cycle, you may need to complete these hours before reinstatement. The board specifies how many hours are required and which courses count. Some courses can be taken online; others must be in person. You will need to provide proof of completion to the board.
If your license was suspended or revoked, the board may require additional training beyond standard continuing education—for example, a course on sanitation or professional conduct. This is determined on a case-by-case basis and will be listed in the board's reinstatement requirements for you.
Exams and practical demonstrations
Whether you must retake an exam depends on how long your license has been inactive. If your license lapsed less than two years ago, you typically do not need to retake the written or practical exam. If it has been inactive longer than that, the board may require you to pass the practical exam again to show you still have current skills.
The practical exam tests your ability to perform haircuts, shaves, and other services safely and to standard. You will bring your own tools and work on a mannequin or live model under the board's observation. The board will tell you the exact format and what to expect when you contact them about reinstatement.
If your license was suspended or revoked for a skills-related violation, you may be required to pass the practical exam regardless of how long ago the license became inactive. The board uses this to confirm you can work safely before allowing you back to practice.
How to contact the Georgia Board of Cosmetology
The Georgia Board of Cosmetology is part of the Georgia Secretary of State's office. You can reach them by phone during business hours, and they have a website where you can find forms and information about current rules. When you call, have your license number ready if you have it, or be prepared to give your full name and date of birth so they can look up your record.
You can also visit the board's office in person in Atlanta if you prefer to handle the process face-to-face. Bring a photo ID and any documents related to your license history. The board staff will review your file and give you a written list of reinstatement requirements specific to your situation.
Some people hire a lawyer or licensing consultant to handle reinstatement, especially if their license was revoked or suspended for a violation. This is optional but can be helpful if the process is complicated or if you need to appeal a board decision.
Timeline for reinstatement
The time it takes to reinstate your license depends on what you need to complete. If you straightforward owe renewal fees and no other requirements explore, reinstatement can happen within days of payment. If you need to complete continuing education or retake an exam, add the time it takes to finish those steps—typically two to eight weeks depending on course availability and exam scheduling.
If your license was suspended or revoked and you need to petition for reinstatement or complete remedial training, the process can take several months. The board will give you a timeline when they tell you what is required. Some steps must be completed in order—for example, you may need to finish continuing education before you can schedule an exam.
What happens after reinstatement
Once the board approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new license certificate or a notice that your license is active again. You can then legally work as a barber in Georgia. Your license will have a new expiration date, usually one or two years from the reinstatement date depending on the board's renewal cycle.
You will need to renew your license on schedule after reinstatement to keep it active. Mark your calendar for the renewal important date so you do not let it lapse again. The board sends renewal notices before the expiration date, but it is your responsibility to renew on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a barber license in Georgia?
If you only owe renewal fees, reinstatement can happen within days. If you need to complete continuing education or an exam, add two to eight weeks. If your license was revoked or suspended for a violation, the process can take several months depending on what the board requires.
Can I work as a barber while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally work until the board approves your reinstatement and your license is active again. Working without an active license is illegal in Georgia and can result in fines or criminal charges.
What if I cannot afford all the back fees at once?
Contact the Georgia Board of Cosmetology and ask whether they offer a payment plan. Some state boards allow you to pay fees in installments, but this varies. The board will tell you what options are available for your situation.
Do I have to retake the barber exam to reinstate my license?
Not always. If your license lapsed less than two years ago, you usually do not need to retake the exam. If it has been inactive longer than that, or if your license was suspended or revoked, the board may require you to pass the practical exam again.
What if my license was revoked, not just suspended?
Revocation is permanent unless you petition the board for reinstatement after a waiting period. You will need to show that the reason for revocation no longer applies. Contact the board to learn whether reinstatement is possible in your case and what evidence you need to provide.