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TDLR says SHEARS restored; schools can enroll with a single permit number and student online applications now live
Summary
TDLR staff told the Barbering and Cosmetology Advisory Board that the SHEARS student‑hours system was restored, schools can enroll students with one permit number once November updates finish, and graduates can apply for Class A barber initial licenses online (69 applicants reported). The agency will not penalize schools for delays and will allow a grace period.
Ray Pizarro, director of the Education & Examination Division at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, told the Barbering and Cosmetology Advisory Board that SHEARS — the agency’s student enrollment and hours system — was restored as of the day of the Oct. 21 meeting.
"Right now, all schools will be able to enroll their students using 1 permit number," Pizarro said, adding that a posting feature has not yet been fully updated and that, for a short period, schools may have to post hours under two permit numbers. He said TDLR plans a software update in November to complete the consolidation and will provide a grace period so schools are not penalized for missing hours during the transition.
Yvonne Lopez, licensing division manager, said the agency has implemented an online initial application for Class A barbers; 69 Class A barber applicants had used the online function as of the report. "That online application went live September 8," Lopez said, and the change is expected to speed license delivery compared with mailed applications.
TDLR staff advised schools to post hours only for students who have completed or are about to complete programs to avoid duplicative posting under two permit numbers until the SHEARS updates are finished. Ray Pizarro emphasized that the agency recognizes the disruption was caused by the system changes and that schools will not be penalized for posting delays while TDLR completes fixes.
The division also plans additional live sessions and online resources for schools and operators to ease the transition. Schools will still not be able to renew school licenses online until the feature is added; schools must continue current renewal procedures until TDLR updates the renewal workflow.
TDLR said it will announce the timing of the November update and any formal grace‑period details on its website and through staff communications to providers.
