Every individual who applies for a cosmetology or barbering license with the TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATIONS (TDLR) undergoes a criminal background check to determine his or her eligibility for a license. In 2009, the Texas Legislature enacted new provisions to allow a person to find out before applying whether he or she would likely be denied a license based on his or her criminal history. This was due to the time and expense involved in applying for a license, which in some cases includes completing requirements in education and taking an examination. With the new provision, potential students may find out before applying for a barber or cosmetology school whether they would likely be denied a license due to their criminal history. This new evaluation service is now available. The department’s evaluation is based, in part, on the information about whether or not to pursue a particular license. TDLR’s view of the applicant’s criminal background may be different at the time of a license application due to: A change in the person’s circumstances, Discovery of additional information not previously known to the department, or a change in the department’s policies relating to the applicant’s criminal background.

If the department issues an evaluation letter saying it would recommend granting you a license, and later finds your reported criminal history is incomplete, the department may change its conclusion based on the new information. For more information regarding TDLR’s Criminal History Evaluation The letter or frequently asked questions visit their official website: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/crimHistoryEval.htm