How to Transfer Your Cosmetologist License from North Carolina to South Carolina

Side-by-side comparison of requirements, costs, and reciprocity. Updated 2026.

Quick Comparison

Requirement	North Carolina (NC)	South Carolina (SC)
Total Cost	$138–$148	$162
Training Hours	1,500 hrs	1,500 hrs
Exam Required	Yes	Yes
Renewal Period	3 years	2 years (biennial, every odd year by March 10)
Reciprocity	reciprocity	By endorsement

Can You Transfer Your Cosmetologist License?

South Carolina has limited or no reciprocity

South Carolina offers endorsement/reciprocity for out-of-state cosmetologists. The endorsement fee is $60 for registered cosmetologists.

Additional requirements: Active out-of-state license in good standing; equivalent training

What You'll Need to Do in South Carolina

These are the standard licensing steps in South Carolina. As a licensed cosmetologist from North Carolina, you may already satisfy some of these requirements.

1
Be at least 16 years old with at least 10th grade education
2
Complete 1,500 hours at a board-approved cosmetology school in South Carolina
3
Apply to take the NIC exam through the Board of Cosmetology
4
Pass the NIC Written (Theory) Exam with 75% or higher
5
Pass the NIC Practical Exam with 75% or higher
6
Submit your license application with the $30 license fee
7
Receive your Registered Cosmetologist license

Cost Comparison

North Carolina Fees

Application Fee$49
Exam Fee$89–$99
License Fee$Included in $49 application fee (no separate license issuance fee listed)
Education Cost$5,000–$20,000
Total$138–$148

South Carolina Fees

Application Fee$30
Exam Fee$132
License Fee$30
Education Cost$5,000-$15,000
Total$162

Estimated Timeline

Timeline varies based on your credentials, reciprocity eligibility, and South Carolina's current processing times. Contact the state licensing board for current estimates.

Explore More

North Carolina Cosmetologist License

Full requirements, fees, and steps

South Carolina Cosmetologist License

Full requirements, fees, and steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my cosmetologist license from North Carolina to South Carolina?▾

South Carolina may accept out-of-state cosmetologist credentials. South Carolina offers endorsement/reciprocity for out-of-state cosmetologists. The endorsement fee is $60 for registered cosmetologists.

How much does it cost to transfer a cosmetologist license to South Carolina?▾

Government fees for a cosmetologist license in South Carolina total approximately $162. Additional costs may include exam fees, background checks, and education requirements.

How long does it take to transfer a cosmetologist license from North Carolina to South Carolina?▾

Processing times vary by state. Contact the South Carolina licensing board for current timelines.

Do I need to retake the cosmetologist exam when moving to South Carolina?▾

South Carolina requires a cosmetologist exam. Out-of-state licensees may or may not be exempt — check with the South Carolina licensing board for current reciprocity policies.

Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →

Moving to a new state?

Get a free transfer checklist for your cosmetologist license — everything you need to know about transferring from North Carolina to South Carolina.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements, fees, and reciprocity policies directly with the North Carolina and South Carolina licensing boards before making decisions. LicenseMap is not a government agency and does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Personalized Roadmap

Get Your Personalized South Carolina Cosmetologist Licensing Roadmap

Stop Googling. Start planning.

A week-by-week action plan built for your start date — with a budget planner, sequencing warnings, exam strategy, and every link you'll need.

✓True Cost of Ownership — every dollar, itemized
✓Personalized timeline from your start date
✓Warnings that prevent costly mistakes
✓Exam study strategy + tear-off checklist
✓Bureaucracy survival guide + scripts
✓Business templates (estimate + invoice)

Get My Free Roadmap

Free. Instant delivery to your inbox.