What the board can fine you for
TDLR may assess administrative penalties up to $5,000 per violation and refer criminal cases to the Attorney General. Employing an unlicensed practitioner and allowing unlicensed activity are separate, chargeable offenses.
How to verify a license (30-second playbook)
- Open the TDLR License Search (link below).
- Search by license number or name; confirm the status reads "Active" and the profession matches the work being performed.
- Screenshot or print the record for each hire; re-verify on each renewal cycle.
Records to keep on file
- Copy of each employee's current Texas practitioner license (posted at workstation is the statutory minimum)
- Copy of the shop's current TDLR shop license posted at the main entrance
- Sanitation log and inspection records for 2 years
- Dates of employment for each practitioner (TDLR can request)
Common compliance risks in Texas
Allowing a stylist whose license has expired even by one day to continue client services
Texas law requires active status — there is no implicit grace for expired practitioners working on clients.
Booth rent / independent contractor confusion
The shop license holder is still responsible for verifying each renter holds a current practitioner license.
Missing or expired shop license
Shop licenses are separate from practitioner licenses and renew independently.
Not legal advice. This page summarizes publicly available rules and enforcement guidance. Enforcement priorities and fine amounts change. Consult the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation directly or a licensing attorney for specific situations.
Make this continuous, not quarterly
CosmoRenew Team gives you a single dashboard with every employee's license status, CEU progress, and expiration countdown — plus a one-click compliance packet for an inspector visit. No more asking staff to photograph their licenses.