Now Live: Easier Online License Applications!
LicensE, our new, online, self-guided occupational license application platform is now live! The list of licenses available via LicensE plus user guides and other resources are available on the LicensE Customer Information page. Anyone applying for an initial license for any of the credentials listed can apply at license.wi.gov.
We are introducing a new LicensE Application Status Lookup tool. This tool will make it easier for employers to track the application status of current and future employees, and it will help academic advisors support students during the license application process. To access the Application Status Lookup tool, individuals will need an applicant's 10-digit PAR number. An applicant may provide the number to anyone who could support their application. For more information, see our press release.
Wisconsin Act 240 - Credentialing DACA Recipients
DSPS is finalizing registration in the federal SAVE program. This is a necessary step to help our agency verify Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status as we implement legislation allowing eligible DACA recipients to obtain an occupational license in Wisconsin.
The SAVE program requires both DACA and employment authorization. DACA applicants should have their current Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) available to complete license application.
We are transitioning our forms to an online platform, AccessGov, that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidance. You will be able to submit some forms directly within the platform, while some may require you to download as a PDF and upload to another system. AccessGov will launch at the end of June 2026.
License Information
Per Wis. Stat. § 440.08(2), the required renewal date for the Aesthetics School credential is March 31st of each odd-numbered year. Should you receive your initial credential in the months leading up to this date, you are still required to renew your license by the statutorily defined date.
Schools of barbering, cosmetology, aesthetics, electrology or manicuring needing designation as a postsecondary institution for purposes of federal Title IV funding need to complete the Addendum to Application (Form 5555). The form must include proof of an admissions policy that requires applicants to possess a high school diploma, GED, HSED or apply through a dual-enrollment/dual-credit program in compliance with Wis. Stat. § 118.55. Upon receipt and review of the form and accompanying documentation, a license will be issued indicating the designation.
For questions regarding federal Title IV funding, please refer to the
U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Institution website or contact them at
(202) 219-7011.
Update: One-Hour Course Review
Pursuant to 2017 Wisconsin Act 81, all one-hour courses for endorsement applicants on Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code relating to the practice of Cosmetology should be submitted for review to
DSPSExaminationsOffice@wisconsin.gov.
Application for Licensure
| Form | Description |
|---|
1655
| School or Specialty School Credential Application Information - Initial and Renewal |
|
5555 | Addendum to Application - Post-Secondary Education Recognition |
|
2049 | School of Specialty School Bond
|
|
2037 | Required Contents for School Catalogs |
|
2036 | Required Contents for Student Contracts
|
Application by Reinstatement (License Expired One Year or More)
To reinstate an Aesthetics School license submit a complete application including:
- All information required for a new license
- If any courses were taught after the expiration date of the school's license, submit a statement including:
- The dates that courses were provided
- The names and addresses of instructors teaching the courses
- The names and addresses of students in attendance
- The number of hours of training in each topic that each student received
- $36.00 reinstatement fee