How to Start an Esthetician or Skin Care Business in Texas: TDLR License

Starting an esthetician business in Texas requires two separate but connected licenses: a personal esthetician license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), and if you're opening a salon or spa, a TDLR salon license. This guide walks you through the actual steps, timelines, and costs, so you know exactly what to do before you apply.

What You Need to Know Before Starting

Texas estheticians can work on the outer layers of the skin only. If your business plans to offer injectables, laser resurfacing, microneedling, IV therapy, or other procedures that affect deeper layers of skin, those fall under Texas Medical Board rules and require a different license. This article covers surface-level skincare services only. For med-spa services, consult the Texas Medical Board and a qualified attorney.

You will need to obtain your personal esthetician license before you can legally work in the field. If you also want to own a salon, beauty spa, or similar facility, you will need a separate TDLR salon license for the business location itself.

Step 1: Complete Your 750-Hour Esthetician Training

The Texas esthetician license requires 750 hours of classroom and practical training at a TDLR-licensed esthetics school. If you plan to offer both manicure and esthetician services, you will need 800 hours instead.

What to do:

1. Search for licensed esthetics schools in your area. The TDLR website lists approved schools. Verify the school is licensed before enrolling.
2. Confirm the school offers the 750-hour esthetician curriculum (or 800 hours if you want the combination license).
3. Ask whether the school includes exam preparation and what materials they provide for the TDLR licensing exam.
4. Complete the full course, including all required hours in topics such as skin anatomy, product chemistry, sanitization and safety, client consultation, and practical hands-on service.
5. Request official documentation of completion from your school. You will need to provide proof of these hours when you apply for your license.

Expected timeline: How long the 750-hour requirement takes depends on whether you attend full-time or part-time classes, so ask each school for its schedule.

Cost: Tuition varies by school. Check with individual schools for exact pricing.

Step 2: Verify You Meet TDLR Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for your esthetician license, confirm you meet all of TDLR's requirements:

• Confirm TDLR's current age and education requirements for an esthetician license before you enroll.
• You must have completed the 750-hour training course at a Texas-licensed school.
• You must demonstrate proof of lawful presence in the United States. As of May 1, 2026, TDLR requires proof of lawful presence. Check TDLR's website for the documents it accepts.
• Confirm with TDLR which identification numbers and documents the application requires.

Check TDLR's website or call (512) 936-4701 to confirm what lawful presence documents they currently accept.

Step 3: Prepare for the TDLR Esthetician Exam

The TDLR esthetician exam tests your knowledge of skin care, products, safety, sanitation, and client care. TDLR sets the exam format and testing locations, so confirm them with TDLR.

What to study:

• Skin anatomy and types (normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive).
• Product ingredients, their effects, and how to recommend them safely.
• Contraindications and when to refer a client to a dermatologist or physician.
• Sanitization and safety procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
• Client consultation and communication skills.
• Common esthetician treatments: facials, exfoliation, extractions, chemical peels, and waxing.
• Professional ethics and Texas health and safety codes.

Exam format: Confirm the current format, number of questions and passing score with TDLR. Your training school usually includes exam preparation materials, and many offer mock exams to help you practice.

Cost: Check the TDLR website for the current exam fee.

Step 4: Apply for Your Esthetician License

Once you have completed your 750-hour training course, you can apply for your esthetician license through TDLR.

Steps:

1. Visit the TDLR website at tdlr.texas.gov.
2. Locate the application for an esthetician license. You can apply online or by mail.
3. Provide your proof of lawful presence (required as of May 1, 2026). Acceptable documents include a driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or state-issued ID.
4. Submit proof of completion of your 750-hour training course. Your school will provide an official certificate or transcript.
5. Pay the application fee. Check TDLR's website for the current fee.
6. Submit your application and wait for approval. Ask TDLR for its current processing time.

TDLR will send you notification when your application is approved and you are eligible to take the exam.

Step 5: Pass the Exam and Receive Your License

After TDLR approves your application, you can schedule your exam at an approved testing center.

On exam day:

1. Bring valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license or passport).
2. Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
3. Follow the exam instructions TDLR gives you for the number of questions and time allowed.
4. You will receive your score immediately upon completion.
5. If you pass, TDLR will issue your esthetician license. Ask TDLR how long issuance currently takes.

If you fail: You can retake the exam. Most testing centers allow you to reschedule within days. Review the areas where you scored lowest and study those topics before your next attempt.

License validity: Your TDLR esthetician license is valid for 2 years.

Step 6: If Opening a Salon, Get Your TDLR Salon License

If you plan to own or operate a salon, beauty spa, or similar facility in Texas, you need a separate TDLR salon license. This is distinct from your personal esthetician license.

Steps:

1. Confirm you hold a valid Texas esthetician or cosmetology license yourself. You cannot own a salon without being a licensed professional in the field.
2. Verify with TDLR which type of salon license applies to your business. For an esthetics-only studio, you will likely need a "specialty salon" license. Contact TDLR at (512) 936-4701 to confirm the exact type required for your services.
3. Ensure your salon location meets TDLR standards: adequate ventilation, clean facilities, separate sanitization areas, and storage for products.
4. Apply for your salon license through TDLR. The application will ask for details about your location, the services you offer, your staffing, and equipment.
5. TDLR will inspect your facility before issuing the license. Make sure the space is ready and complies with all rules.
6. Pay the salon license fee. Check TDLR's current fee schedule for the fee that applies to your salon type.
7. Receive your salon license, which is usually valid for 2 years.

Before opening your salon, verify with TDLR exactly which salon license type you need, because esthetics-only, combination salons, and medical spas have different requirements and rules.

Step 7: Form Your Business and Handle Tax Compliance

Once you have your esthetician license, decide on your business structure and register accordingly.

Choose a business structure:

• Sole proprietorship: You operate the business as yourself. No separate business entity is required. You do not need to file any formation document with the Texas Secretary of State. You will need to file an assumed-name certificate (DBA) if you operate under a name other than your own legal name. The filing is done with the county clerk, and county fees vary, so call the clerk's office before you file.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): A separate business entity that protects your personal assets from business liabilities. You file a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State for $300. This is the most common choice for small service businesses.
• Partnership or corporation: More complex structures used when multiple people own the business. Consult an attorney if this applies to you.

If you choose an LLC:

1. Verify your business name is available through the Texas Secretary of State's business search at sos.state.tx.us/corp/searches.shtml.
2. Optionally, reserve the name for $40 for 120 days while you prepare your filing.
3. File your Certificate of Formation online through SOSDirect (direct.sos.state.tx.us) or by mail. The filing fee is $300.
4. You can file an assumed-name certificate (DBA) if your LLC operates under a different name. This costs an additional $25 with the Secretary of State.
5. The Secretary of State does not publish a guaranteed turnaround; online filings are generally processed faster than mailed documents.

Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): Apply for a free EIN from the IRS, even if you are self-employed. You will need it for hiring employees, opening a business bank account, and filing tax returns.

Sales tax and franchise tax: Sales tax is 6.25% statewide, plus applicable local taxes, on taxable sales such as retail products. Ask the Comptroller whether your specific services are taxable. Register for a sales tax permit with the Texas Comptroller at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/permit/. The permit is free and typically takes 2 to 3 weeks to process.

Entities such as LLCs owe Texas franchise tax if total revenue exceeds $2,650,000 (the threshold for the 2026 and 2027 report years). Entities at or below that threshold owe no tax but still file the Public Information Report with the Comptroller by May 15. Consult a CPA or the Texas Comptroller for details.

Step 8: Meet Continuing Education Requirements

To renew your Texas esthetician license every 2 years, you must complete continuing education (CE) hours.

CE requirements, effective September 1, 2025:

• If you have been licensed for less than 15 years: 4 CE hours, including 1 sanitation hour, 2 hours of esthetics or cosmetology content, and 1 hour of human trafficking prevention.
• If you have been licensed for 15 years or more: 2 CE hours.

CE courses must be offered by TDLR-approved providers. Your training school, professional associations, and online platforms often offer these courses. Plan to complete them before your license renewal date.

Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Starting work before your license arrives. Working as an esthetician without a valid TDLR license is illegal and can result in fines, closure of your business, and legal liability. Wait until you have your official license in hand.

Mistake 2: Confusing your personal esthetician license with your salon license. You need both if you want to own a salon. Many new salon owners apply for only their personal license and cannot legally operate their facility. Verify with TDLR before opening.

Mistake 3: Offering medical treatments without a medical license. Estheticians can work on the skin surface only. If a client asks for injectables, laser resurfacing beyond superficial, IV therapy, or other invasive procedures, you must decline or refer them to a medical professional. Offering these services without proper licensure violates Texas law.

Mistake 4: Missing renewal deadlines. Your license expires every 2 years. Set a reminder 60 days before expiration to complete your CE hours and submit your renewal application. Check with TDLR about what happens if your license lapses.

Mistake 5: Not keeping accurate records of client consultations and services. Professional records protect you legally and help you track client results and preferences. Document skin conditions, products used, client reactions, and recommendations.

Tip 1: Specialize early. Decide whether you want to focus on facials, waxing, chemical peels, or a combination of services. Specialization helps you market your business and build a loyal client base.

Tip 2: Carry liability insurance. Professional liability insurance protects your business if a client claims injury or dissatisfaction. It is inexpensive and widely available through small business insurers.

Tip 3: Build relationships with dermatologists and medical professionals. Having referral relationships helps you handle clients with skin concerns that require medical evaluation and builds trust in your community.

Tip 4: Stay current on product safety and ingredients. The skincare industry evolves constantly. Taking elective CE courses beyond the minimum keeps your knowledge current and helps you recommend products confidently.

Expected Results and Timeline

Here is a realistic timeline for starting an esthetician business in Texas:

• First: Complete your 750-hour training course.
• Next: Study and pass the TDLR exam.
• Then: Apply for your esthetician license and receive it.
• If opening a salon: Find a location, apply for your salon license, and obtain approval.
• After that: File your business formation (LLC or DBA) and obtain your sales tax permit.
• Then: Set up your salon, hire staff if needed, and obtain liability insurance.
• Finally: Launch your business and begin serving clients.

The total timeline from starting training to opening a salon depends on your school schedule, TDLR processing and your location search.

On costs, budget for training, TDLR licensing fees, business formation (the LLC Certificate of Formation is $300), salon buildout and equipment, and insurance and supplies.

Disclaimer

This article is informational only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Texas esthetician licensing rules and costs are subject to change. Before starting your business, consult the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation directly at tdlr.texas.gov, call (512) 936-4701, or speak with a qualified Texas business attorney and CPA. They can advise you on your specific situation and ensure you meet all requirements.

For information on medical spa services, injectables, or laser treatments, contact the Texas Medical Board at tmb.texas.gov.