Nail Technology FAQs

Question: Can I apply for a temporary license before submitting my examination application? 

Answer: No. A completed examination application must first be submitted in order to be eligible to apply for a temporary license.

Question: How long are applications kept on file before they are destroyed? 

Answer: Five years

Question: If I forgot or lost my Authorization Letter to take the examination, may I still take the exam?

Answer: Call (402) 471-2399 to request the Licensure Unit send you a new Authorization Letter or fax a copy of your Authorization Letter to the exam site.

Question: Who may apply for a Temporary License? 

Answer: Nebraska graduates who have submitted a complete examination application and have not taken their examination for the first time are eligible to apply for a temporary license. 

Question: Will my license be issued the same day the application is received? 

Answer: Due to the high volume of applications received in our office each day, we cannot provide same day processing and issuance of licenses.

Question: How do I go about getting a new Authorization Letter?  

Answer: Call (402) 471-2399 to request that a new Authorization Letter be sent to you.

Question: Under what conditions may a person apply for a Temporary License?

Answer: A Nebraska graduate who has submitted a complete examination application and has not taken their examination for the first time is eligible to apply for a temporary license.

Question: Am I required to report traffic convictions? 

Answer: Yes, if the conviction was a misdemeanor or felony and you were sentenced or paid a ticket through Traffic Court.  (Infractions are not required to be reported.)  Some examples are: No valid registration, no driver's license on person, and driving under suspension.

Question: When do I need to report convictions?

Answer: If you have a misdemeanor or felony conviction or credential discipline, you must report such actions to the Office of Investigations within 30 days of the conviction/action.  Failure to disclose any such convictions/credential discipline could result in disciplinary action.

Question: Do I need to notify your office if I move or change addresses? 

Answer: Any correspondence and renewal notices will be sent to the last known address. It is the responsibility of the licensee to keep the department informed of changes.

Question: What documents are needed to make a name change? 

Answer: A photocopy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, annulment papers, adoption papers, or a court order verifying that a name change has occurred.

Question: I would like to do provide eyebrow waxing; as a nail technologist can I?

Answer: No, waxing for the purpose of removing hair is not allowed to be done by nail technicians. 

Question: Do I have to take an exam again? 

Answer: You do not have to take an exam to have your license reinstated.

Question: How many CE hours do I need? 

Answer: Eight hours within the past 24 months.

Question: Is it 8 hours for every year I was expired or inactive? 

Answer: No. Only 8 hours of continuing education credit is required.  These 8 hours must be earned during the 24 months immediately prior to the reinstatement application being submitted.

Question: Can I reinstate my license online?

Answer: No. You must submit the reinstatement application via U.S. Mail or Fax/E-Mail. Please note that your application will not be reviewed until the required fee has been paid.

Question: How much does it cost to reinstate?

Answer: $153 for a nail technician; $85 for instructors

Question: If I reinstate now, do I still need to renew my license when it comes up for renewal? 

Answer: Yes. You can count any hours you earned during the 24 months immediately prior to the renewal date.

Question: What do I need to do to get my license reinstated?

Answer: Complete a reinstatement application, pay the applicable fee and have completed the required number of continuing education hours for your profession.

Question: My salon license has expired. How do I reinstate it? 

Answer: Expired salon licenses cannot be reinstated. You must reapply for a new license by submitting a new application, a sketch of the premises, insurance verification, and the fee of $150.

Question: How long does it take to get a salon license? 

Answer: A salon application must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the opening date. If you're remodeling/building a home salon, you must submit a floor plan for pre-approval to be certain it meets state licensing requirements before any construction begins.

Question: I would like to serve a complimentary glass of wine or beer to my customers. Is that OK? 

Answer: No, alcohol cannot be in the salon premises at ANY TIME. Even if the salon is closed or it's a special event (bridal shower, open house, etc.), alcohol is not allowed to be served.

Question: I'm moving my current salon to another location; can my license be transferred? 

Answer: When a salon changes locations, a new license is required as the former license is not transferrable. A new application, sketch of the new premises, liability insurance verification, and fee of $150 must be submitted and approved before operation can begin at the new location.

Question: What must be done when a salon is sold to a new owner? 

Answer: The new owner must submit a new application, sketch of the salon premises, liability insurance verification, and fee of $150.

Question: Where do I make a complaint if a salon has a sanitation problem?

Answer: Complaints should be directed to Investigations at (402) 471-0175 or emailed to: DHHS.InvestigationsPOL@nebraska.gov.