What you need to file a reinstatement process in Missouri
Missouri's State Board of Cosmetology handles barber license reinstatement. You will file directly with them, not through a local office. The process differs depending on how long your license has been inactive — if it lapsed fewer than five years ago, you can reinstate by paying a fee and submitting paperwork. If it has been five years or longer, you will need to retake the state board exam.
Start by contacting the State Board of Cosmetology at 573-751-1433 or visiting their website to confirm your license status and which reinstatement path applies to you. They will tell you the current fee, which changes periodically, and whether your specific situation requires exam retake or paperwork-only reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses inactive for fewer than five years can be reinstated by paying a fee and submitting a reinstatement process form to the State Board of Cosmetology.
- Licenses inactive for five years or longer require you to pass the Missouri barber exam again before reinstatement is granted.
- You must provide proof of identity and your Social Security number when you submit your reinstatement process.
- The State Board of Cosmetology processes reinstatement applications and can tell you in one call whether you need to test or can reinstate by paperwork alone.
Reinstatement without retesting (under five years inactive)
If your barber license has been inactive for fewer than five years, Missouri allows you to reinstate without taking the exam again. You will complete a reinstatement process form, which the State Board of Cosmetology provides. The form asks for your name, license number, Social Security number, current address, and the reason your license lapsed.
Mail or deliver the completed form to the State Board of Cosmetology along with the reinstatement fee. The fee amount varies and changes, so call 573-751-1433 to confirm the current cost before you send payment. Include a copy of a government-issued photo ID with your process. The board will review your file and notify you by mail once your license is reinstated.
Processing typically takes two to four weeks after the board receives your complete process. During that time, you cannot legally work as a barber in Missouri, so plan ahead if you need to return to work on a specific date.
Reinstatement with exam retake (five years or longer inactive)
If your license has been inactive for five years or more, Missouri requires you to pass the barber exam before reinstatement. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and reactivate. This is true even if you have years of experience and your license was in good standing when it lapsed.
Contact the State Board of Cosmetology to request an exam process. You will need to pay an exam fee (separate from the reinstatement fee) and schedule a test date. The exam covers Missouri barber law, sanitation, safety, and practical barbering skills. Study materials and practice tests are available through the board or through barber schools in Missouri.
Once you pass the exam, you then submit your reinstatement process along with proof of the passing score. The board will issue your reinstated license after reviewing both documents. This two-step process — exam first, then reinstatement paperwork — typically takes six to ten weeks total.
Documents and information you will need
Gather these items before you contact the State Board of Cosmetology or submit your process:
- Your barber license number (or your full name if you do not have the number)
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
- Your Social Security number
- Your current mailing address
- Payment method for the reinstatement fee (check, money order, or credit card, depending on how you submit)
- If you are retesting: proof of passing the barber exam
If you have moved since your license lapsed or changed your name, bring documentation of that change as well. The board may ask for a copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order if your name on file does not match your current ID.
How to submit your reinstatement process
The State Board of Cosmetology accepts applications by mail or in person. Mailing is the most common route. Send your completed reinstatement form, fee, and copies of required documents to:
State Board of Cosmetology 3605 Missouri Boulevard Jefferson City, MO 65109
Include a cover letter with your name, license number, and phone number so the board can contact you if they have questions. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
If you prefer to submit in person, the board's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Bring the same documents you would mail, plus your photo ID. Staff can review your process on the spot and tell you when ready whether anything is missing before you leave.
What happens after you submit
The State Board of Cosmetology will send you a written confirmation that your process was received. This is not your license — it is just a receipt. Keep it in case you need to prove you have applied.
The board will review your file and contact you by mail or phone if they need additional information. If everything is in order, you will receive your reinstated license by mail. The license will show your original issue date and your new reinstatement date.
Once your license is reinstated, you can legally work as a barber in Missouri. You must renew your license on the schedule set by the State Board of Cosmetology — typically every two years — or it will lapse again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to retake the exam if my license lapsed by just a few months?
No. Missouri allows reinstatement without retesting if your license has been inactive for fewer than five years. A few months of lapse qualifies for paperwork-only reinstatement. Call the State Board of Cosmetology to confirm your exact lapse date and which path applies to you.
What if I cannot find my license number?
Provide your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number on your reinstatement process. The State Board of Cosmetology can look up your license number in their records. You do not need the number to start the process, though having it speeds things up.
Can I work while my reinstatement process is being processed?
No. You cannot legally work as a barber in Missouri until your license is reinstated and you receive it in the mail. Working without an active license is a violation of Missouri barber law and can result in fines or other penalties.
What if the board denies my reinstatement?
Denial is rare if you meet the time and testing requirements. It usually happens only if there is a disciplinary record on your license or if you provide false information on your process. If denied, the board will explain the reason in writing and tell you what you can do next, which may include a hearing or appeal.
How long is my reinstated license valid?
Your reinstated license is valid for the same renewal period as an active license — typically two years in Missouri. You will need to renew it before the expiration date shown on your license, or it will lapse again and you will have to go through reinstatement a second time.