Independent guide to Texas TDLR licenses. Not affiliated with TDLR or the State of Texas. Data: TDLR public license file, 20 Sep 2026What's new at TDLR
PermitPulledTexas license data
TDLR license search
Licenses
Beauty and barberingElectricalAir conditioningVehicles and towingProperty taxElevatorsBoilersBuilding and environmentSchools and coursesServices and tradeCosmetology OperatorApprentice ElectricianCosmetology ManicuristCosmetology EstheticianA/C TechnicianJourneyman ElectricianAll 82 types, A to ZRequirements by typeRenewal calculatorRenewals report
Get licensed
All 20 license guidesCosmetologyBarberJourneyman electricianA/C contractor (HVAC)Tow truck operatorAll 23 exam guidesCosmetology operator examBarber examJourneyman electrician examMaster electrician examA/C contractor examWho licenses what in TexasRequirements by typeGlossary
Equipment & records
Check a boiler certificateWho can inspect a boilerInspection fees and late feesHow often boilers are inspectedAll 7 boiler guidesElevator inspection lookupTow company licensePenalties and disciplinary actionsEvery TDLR search, and which one you needOfficial TDLR links
Guides
RenewalBoilersElevatorsTowingEnforcementReferenceGlossaryCosmetology license renewalElectrician license renewalA/C and refrigeration renewalBarber license renewalWhat happens when a license expires
Data
Renewals reportCSV downloadRequirements by typeWhat's new at TDLRRSS feedMethod and sourcesAbout PermitPulledFor AI assistants: llms.txt
Official TDLR license search

Data refreshed 20 Sep 2026 · Not affiliated with TDLR

Manicurist in gloves working on a client's nails

Texas license lookup / Get licensed / Manicurist (nail technician)

How to get a nail technician license in Texas

Texas does not issue a license called "nail technician". The license is Manicurist, and it is the second largest beauty license in the state after cosmetology operator.

Reviewed 8 October 2026 against TDLR's application page

At a glance

Training600 hours at a barbering or cosmetology school licensed in Texas
Minimum age17
ExamsWritten and practical, through PSI
Application fee$50, non-refundable
License term2 years

Official TDLR application page Exam guide and pass rates

Step by step

  1. Complete the 600-hour course. Train in a Manicurist course at a licensed school, holding a student permit while you train.
  2. Apply once you are eligible for the written exam. TDLR verifies your eligibility after your training requirements are complete. Apply and pay the $50 fee after you receive the written exam eligibility notice and before you sit the written exam.
  3. Pass the written exam. PSI emails you scheduling instructions.
  4. Clear the background check. Your hours must be complete and the background check cleared before TDLR sends practical exam eligibility to PSI.
  5. Pass the practical exam. A temporary license prints with your score report, valid for 60 days while the two-year license is mailed.

Adding esthetics

If you also want to do skin care, there is a combined Manicurist/Esthetician license. You qualify either with an 800-hour combination course or by completing both the 600-hour manicurist course and the 750-hour esthetician course. The combined course is the shorter path by a wide margin.

Working in a salon

Your license lets you practice; the place you work needs its own establishment license. Nail salons are licensed as establishments by TDLR too. See how to get a salon license.

How many people hold this license

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows 63,279 active manicurist (nail technician) licenses, of which 30,455 come up for renewal in the next twelve months.

Where they are: Harris County (12,770), Dallas County (7,572), Tarrant County (6,049), Bexar County (3,914), Travis County (2,614).

See the full county breakdown and renewal calendar

After you are licensed

  • Renewal: every two years, judging by the expiration dates in the license file.
  • Continuing education: 4 hours every 2 years: 1 sanitation, 2 related content, 1 human trafficking. Licensed 15+ years: 2 hours. TDLR CE rules
  • Full renewal guide for this trade

Before you apply

  • Criminal history. TDLR runs a background check on every applicant. With any conviction other than a minor traffic offence, or a guilty or no-contest plea with deferred adjudication, include the Criminal History Questionnaire. Reviews take one to six weeks. You can ask TDLR in advance whether a conviction would bar you, through a criminal history evaluation letter.
  • Lawful presence. TDLR may ask for proof of lawful presence in the United States. Send documents only if it asks. What TDLR accepts.
  • Trained outside Texas? Use TDLR's out-of-state equivalence process instead of the standard application.
  • Military. Service members, veterans and spouses may qualify for fee waivers and other provisions.

Questions

Do you need a license to do nails in Texas?

Yes. Manicuring for compensation requires a TDLR Manicurist license (or a cosmetology operator license, which also covers it).

How many hours is nail tech school in Texas?

The Manicurist course is 600 hours. A combined Manicurist/Esthetician course is 800 hours.

How many people hold this license in Texas?

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows 63,279 active manicurist (nail technician) licenses.

Related licenses

Sources

TDLR: Apply for a Manicurist license. License counts compiled from the public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026.

Reviewed 8 October 2026. Written by an independent site; not an official TDLR publication and not legal advice. Fees and requirements change: confirm them on the TDLR page before you apply.

Cite this page

PermitPulled (2026). How to get a nail technician license in Texas. Retrieved from https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/nail-technician-license-texas

Figures compiled from the public TDLR license file and published under CC BY 4.0. Attribution required.

Ask an AI about this page: ChatGPTClaudePerplexityGoogle AI Mode