West Virginia joins compact for cosmetologists to practice across states

West Virginia joins the Interstate Cosmetology Licensure Compact, which provides for multistate cosmetology licenses. A cosmetologist must hold an active, unrestricted license in their home state. A multistate license authorizes practice only in states that join the compact. The compact takes effect only when its law is enacted in a seventh state. Cosmetologists must apply through their home state and meet compact requirements. Each state keeps control of its education and training rules and the services cosmetologists may provide. West Virginia's law takes effect 90 days after passage, on June 10, 2026. The compact takes effect when the seventh state enacts it.

The Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists may require state and national criminal history checks for license applicants. This applies to people applying for an initial privilege to practice in another compact state. The board may require a check for an initial application to practice in another state under the compact when needed to comply with the compact. Applicants must provide fingerprints and authorize the board, West Virginia State Police, and FBI to use the records for screening. Applicants pay the actual costs of the check and fingerprinting. Applicants must ensure the check is completed as soon as possible after the original application for permission to practice.