Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 18.16.060 — License required — Penalty — Exemptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18.16.060. License required — Penalty — Exemptions.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to engage in a practice listed in subsection (2) of this section unless the person has a license in good standing as required by this chapter. A license issued under this chapter shall be considered to be "in good standing" except when:
(a) The license has expired or has been canceled and has not been renewed in accordance with RCW
18.16.110;
(c) The license is held by a person who has not fully complied with an order of the director issued under RCW
18.16.210 requiring the licensee to pay restitution or a fine, or to acquire additional training; or
(d) The license has been placed on inactive status at the request of the licensee, and has not been reinstated in accordance with RCW
18.16.110(3).
(2) The director may take action under RCW
18.235.150 and
18.235.160 against any person who does any of the following without first obtaining, and maintaining in good standing, the license required by this chapter:
(a) Except as provided in subsections (3) and (4) of this section, engages in the commercial practice of cosmetology, hair design, barbering, esthetics, master esthetics, or manicuring;
(b) Instructs in a school;
(c) Operates a school; or
(d) Operates a salon/shop, personal services, or mobile unit.
(3) A person who receives a license as an instructor may engage in the commercial practice for which he or she held a license when applying for the instructor license without also renewing the previously held license. However, a person licensed as an instructor whose license to engage in a commercial practice is not or at any time was not renewed may not engage in the commercial practice previously permitted under that license unless that person renews the previously held license.
(4) An apprentice actively enrolled in an apprenticeship program for cosmetology, barbering, hair design, esthetics, master esthetics, or manicuring may engage in the commercial practice as required for the apprenticeship program.
Notes
Notice of chapter 51, Laws of 2004—2004 c 51: "The department of licensing shall:
(1) Within ninety days after March 22, 2004, notify each person who held a cosmetology, barber, manicurist, or esthetician license between June 30, 1999, and June 30, 2003, of the provisions of this act by mailing a notice as specified in this section to the licensee's last known mailing address;
(2) Include in the notice required by this section:
(a) A summary of this act, including a summary of the requirements for (i) renewing and obtaining additional licenses; and (ii) requesting placement on inactive status;
(b) A telephone number within the department for obtaining further information;
(c) The department's internet address; and
(d) On the outside of the notice, a facsimile of the state seal, the department's return address, and the words "Notice of Legislative Changes
— Cosmetology, Barbering, Manicuring, and Esthetics Licensing Information Enclosed" in conspicuous boldface type." [
2004 c 51 s 6.]
Effective date—2004 c 51: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 22, 2004]." [
2004 c 51 s 11.]
Effective date—2002 c 111: See note following RCW
18.16.010.
Effective dates—2002 c 86: See note following RCW
18.08.340.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 18.16.060
What does Revised Code of Washington § 18.16.060 cover?
Section 18.16.060 ("License required — Penalty — Exemptions.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 18.16.060?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 18.16.060" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 18.16.060 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
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