Texas Manicurist License Renewal
What it costs, how often, what happens if you are late, and the one requirement TDLR has not published clearly for manicurists. Sourced from the Department's own renewal pages.
$50
On-time fee
2 yrs
Renewal cycle
$75 / $100
Late (1.5x / 2x)
CE?
Unpublished for specialties
The continuing education question, answered honestly
Since September 1, 2025, TDLR requires 4 hours of approved continuing education to renew — one hour of sanitation, one hour of human trafficking awareness, and two elective hours from the topics in §83.202.
What is not clear is whether that applies to you. The Department's Barbering & Cosmetology at-a-glance document states the requirement for “Barber and Cosmetology Operators licensees”. Its continuing education page states it for “your license” without naming which. Those are not the same statement, and we are not going to resolve it for you by guessing.
Ask TDLR directly before you renew — (800) 803-9202 in state, or (512) 463-6599.
Renewing, step by step
TDLR sends a renewal notice, but renewing on time is your responsibility whether it arrives or not.
1. Check your licence status and expiry
Confirm the name TDLR holds for you matches your government-issued ID before you start — a mismatch stalls the renewal, not just the exam.
2. Resolve anything blocking renewal
Non-renewable status from child support arrears has to be cleared by the OAG Child Support Division before TDLR can process anything.
3. Confirm whether CE applies to you
TDLR's published material does not settle this for specialty licences. Ask before you renew, not after.
4. Renew online and pay
$50 on time. Renewing late costs 1.5x within 90 days and 2x from 90 days to 18 months.
The reason renewals get refused that has nothing to do with your work
The Texas Attorney General can put a licence into non-renewable status for child support reasons: arrears of three months or more, failing to make payments under a repayment schedule, not appearing after a subpoena, or not complying with a court order for possession of or access to a child.
TDLR cannot lift it. Only the OAG Child Support Division can — (800) 252-8014 — and you have 20 days from a suspension notice to petition for a hearing.
TDLR: licence denial for non-payment of child supportOther Texas specialty renewals
Common Questions
How much does it cost to renew a Texas manicurist license?
$50 on time. If it has expired, the rule sets the fee as a multiple of that: 1.5x ($75) if expired 90 days or less, and 2x ($100) if expired more than 90 days but under 18 months. Past 18 months you generally cannot renew and must re-establish eligibility.
How often do I renew a Texas manicurist license?
Every two years. TDLR sends a renewal notice, but the responsibility to renew on time is yours whether or not the notice reaches you — which is why keeping your address current with the Department matters.
Do I need continuing education to renew a Texas manicurist license?
TDLR has not published a clear answer for specialty licences. Since September 1, 2025 the Department requires 4 hours of approved CE — 1 hour sanitation, 1 hour human trafficking awareness, 2 hours elective — but its published material names Barber and Cosmetology Operator licensees specifically, while the continuing education page refers to 'your license' without qualifying it. Confirm your own requirement with TDLR before you renew rather than assuming either way.
What happens if my Texas manicurist license expires?
You cannot legally practise on an expired licence, and continuing to do so can bring penalties and fines. You can still renew late by paying the higher fee — 1.5x within 90 days, 2x from 90 days to 18 months — but past 18 months renewal is generally closed and you have to re-establish eligibility.
Why would TDLR refuse to renew my license?
The most common reason unrelated to your practice is child support. The Texas Attorney General can place a licence in non-renewable status for arrears of three months or more, a missed repayment schedule, failing to appear after a subpoena, or not complying with a possession or access order. Only the OAG Child Support Division can lift it — TDLR cannot — and you have 20 days from a suspension notice to petition for a hearing.