Montana Cosmetology License Requirements

What are the requirements to become an cosmetologist in Montana?

Applicants for cosmetology must be at least 18 years old and be high school grads or the equivalent. They must also complete 2,000 hours of training in an approved school or cosmetology program and pass the Cosmetology Exam with at least 75% proficiency.

How do you get an Montana cosmetology license?

Submit the application to the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (MBBC). Include proof of age, copy of high school diploma or transcripts, and a diploma from a cosmetology school showing the number of hours completed.

Submit your application and materials to:
Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
PO Box 200513
301 South Park, 4th Floor
Helena, Montana 59620-0513
Phone: (406) 841-2202
Fax: (406) 841-2309

How much does the cosmetology license cost?

Application and original license fee:
$80.00

Biennial renewal fee:
$80.00

Are there any continuing education requirements for Montana cosmetologists?

There are continuing education requirements for Montana cosmetologists.

Does a Montana cosmetologist need to form a certain type of business entity?

In addition to becoming a Montana licensed cosmetologist, you may want to start your own business. Registering your Montana business entity with the Secretary of State offers many benefits and protections for cosmetologists. Montana allows cosmetologists to choose the entity that best suits their needs. Montana cosmetologists may form standard partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, etc. Montana also offers professional corporations (PC) and professional limited liability companies (PLLC). These professional entities allow licensed individuals to form a corporation or LLC for the purpose of practicing their profession. Shareholders must also be licensed to render the service as must half of the officers and directors. Montana does not require entities to include a description of the service (such as the words “cosmetology” or “cosmetologist”) in the business name. If you choose to form a PC in Montana, you are required to file the Articles of Incorporation with the licensing authority, in this case, the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.

Once you have chosen the type of entity you want to form, we can file the appropriate documents with the Montana Secretary of State for you or provide all the information you need to do it yourself. We provide business formation services and ongoing business compliance services by acting as your registered agent for just under $300.00. You get your Montana Cosmetology License and we will properly form your Montana business. And for just $49 per year, we will provide ongoing business compliance services by acting as your Montana Registered Agent.

Are there any additional requirements if I want to set up my own salon in Montana?

Yes. Salons are required to have an additional license from the MBBC and cannot perform any services until the license is issued.  A salon must meet certain safety and sanitation requirements.

How do I get a Montana salon license?

Submit your application and fees to the MBBC. All salons must include a blueprint of the layout of the salon. Residential salons must include a map and directions to the salon location.

Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
PO Box 200513
301 South Park, 4th Floor
Helena, Montana 59620-0513
Phone: (406) 841-2202
Fax: (406) 841-2305

How much does a Montana salon license cost?

There is a $85.00 application fee and a $150.00 inspection fee.

There is also an annual renewal fee of $85.00.

Pay your fees by check or money order to the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.

MBBC forms:
http://b.bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_boards/cos_board/board_page.asp

Montana SOS forms:
http://sos.mt.gov/Business/Forms/index.asp