Transferring a license (also known as Reciprocity) to West Virginia is a detailed process that requires accurate and official documentation.If you hold a valid license to practice barbering, cosmetology, aesthetics, nail technology, or hair styling in another state, the following steps are required to transfer your license to West Virginia:
- Register for the WV State Law exam through the Board’s testing administrator, D.L. Roope Administrations. You may register for the exam online at www.dlroope.com. For any exam related questions, please contact D.L. Roope Administrations at (888) 375-2020.
- Contact the State Board that you were originally licensed and request a license certification be sent from the Board's office to the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. Some states may take up to 4-6 weeks to process your request.
- After you have passed the WV State Law exam, complete the required information in the Reciprocity Packet. http://wvbbc.com/Portals/WVBBC/docs/forms/Transfer%20License%20to%20West%20Virginia%20(Reciprocity%20Application).pdf. No applicant will be considered without proper documentation. Gather all required documents and attach with Reciprocity Packet.
- Submit Reciprocity Packet and required documents to the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. If your application is approved, the license will be issued and mailed.
*Please note that West Virginia does not require a licensed person to place their current state license on inactive status to become eligible for licensure. If you wish to apply for a work permit while waiting for examination, you must submit the work permit application (out-of-state) http://wvbbc.com/Portals/WVBBC/docs/Work_Permit_Application_out_of_state.pdf.