How to Renew Your
Esthetician License
in Texas
Texas estheticians must renew their license every two years through TDLR. The process is fully online — but missing a deadline or misunderstanding CE requirements can cost you time, money, and your ability to work legally.
Texas estheticians must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved CE, pay a $50 renewal fee, and submit their application online at tdlr.texas.gov — all before their license expiration date. CE must be completed before submitting the renewal.
What Is a Texas Esthetician License — and Who Needs to Renew?
In Texas, estheticians hold an Esthetician License issued by TDLR under the Barbering and Cosmetology program. This license authorizes the holder to perform skin care services including facials, exfoliation, hair removal, and other non-medical cosmetic treatments on clients.
Anyone holding a Texas esthetician license is required to renew it on a two-year cycle. The license expiration date is printed on the license itself and is also visible through the TDLR online portal. Allowing a license to expire — even briefly — creates legal risk and can result in penalties for both the individual and any salon or spa employing them.
A Texas esthetician license is distinct from a full cosmetology operator license. Estheticians who also hold a cosmetology license must renew each license separately according to its own renewal schedule.
- All holders of an active Texas Esthetician License
- Estheticians whose license has recently lapsed
- Dual-license holders (esthetician + cosmetology) — each renewed separately
- Anyone whose license period ends in the next 90 days
2026 Renewal Requirements
Before submitting a renewal application, every Texas esthetician must meet these TDLR requirements. The CE step is the one most commonly missed — it must be completed before the renewal application is submitted.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Renewal cycle | Every 2 years |
| Continuing education hours | 4 hours (TDLR-approved) |
| Required CE topic | 1 of 4 hours must cover sanitation & safety |
| On-time renewal fee | $50 |
| Late renewal fee | Additional fees apply — see fee section below |
| Renewal method | Online via TDLR portal (no mail-in option) |
| CE must be completed | Before submitting renewal — not after |
How to Renew a Texas Esthetician License in 2026
Follow these five steps in order. The most common mistake is starting with the TDLR portal before completing CE — TDLR requires CE to be finished first.
Confirm License Status & Expiration Date
Verify current license status and expiration date through the TDLR license lookup tool before doing anything else. Check for any holds or flags on the account that could delay renewal.
- License is active or expired?
- Exact expiration date confirmed
- No holds or flags on the account
Complete Required Continuing Education
Texas estheticians must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved CE before submitting the renewal. At least 1 hour must cover sanitation and safety. CE from unapproved sources will be rejected by TDLR.
- Provider displays TDLR Provider Number (Provider #2512 for txcosmetologyce.com)
- Course is approved for estheticians specifically
- Certificate of completion issued upon finishing
- Sanitation & safety content included
Gather Required Information
Before logging into the TDLR portal, have everything ready. Missing any of these will interrupt the application mid-process.
- TDLR license number (printed on current license)
- CE completion certificate from approved provider
- Payment method — credit or debit card accepted
- Current mailing address (update before renewing if needed)
Renew Online Through the TDLR Portal
All renewals are processed at tdlr.texas.gov. There is no mail-in option. The online process typically takes 10–15 minutes once all documents and payment are ready.
- Log in or create a TDLR account
- Locate the license record
- Confirm personal information and mailing address
- Attest to completion of required CE hours
- Submit payment for the renewal fee
Save Confirmation & CE Documentation
After submitting, save all proof immediately. TDLR conducts random CE audits — if selected, the esthetician must produce documentation quickly. Keep CE certificates for at least one full renewal cycle.
- TDLR renewal confirmation number
- CE certificate of completion
- Screenshot or PDF of renewed license status from TDLR portal
Renewal Fees: What to Expect in 2026
The standard on-time renewal fee is $50, paid directly to TDLR. Late renewals carry escalating fees — the longer a license sits expired, the more expensive it becomes to reinstate.
TDLR Renewal Fee Tiers
Total Renewal Cost Estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything Texas estheticians ask most often about the renewal process — answered directly.
