This page provides information for Maryland license requirements including how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one, reactivate an expired license and Maryland license reciprocity for when you need to transfer a license to this state or out of state. If available, we provide other useful information such as cosmetology school hours requirements, how to apply for additional license for professions like manicurists, nail technicians, instructors etc. If you did not find the answer you were looking for on this page or if you have questions or issues pertaining to cosmetology, then we recommend you contact the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists.
Maryland Cosmetology License Verification
If you need to verify a license for a salon or person, then you can do so by visiting the Maryland Board of Cosmetology license verification website. From there you can search for the person or business and see if there are any disciplinary actions on record. This will allow you to make an informed decision about the person and or business providing your service.
Apply for an Original Maryland License
You can apply for an original/initial license using their online system. Their licesning period is a two-year period from the date of issuance.
Maryland Cosmetologist License Requirements
Below we list the license category and the qualifications to obtain these licenses.
CosmetologistMust be at least 17 years of age and have completed 9th grade or GED. Applicant must submit proof of completion of 1500 hours of training in a cosmetology school or 24 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon.
HairstylistMust be at least 17 years of age and have completed 9th grade or GED. Applicant must submit proof of completion of 1200 hours of training in a cosmetology school or 15 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon.
EstheticianMust be at least 17 years of age and have completed 9th grade or GED. Applicant must submit proof of completion of 600 hours of training in a cosmetology school or 12 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon.
Nail TechnicianMust be at least 17 years of age and have completed 9th grade or GED. Applicant must submit proof of completion of at least 250 hours of training in a cosmetology school or eight months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon.
Senior CosmetologistMust have two years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist and passing grades on the senior cosmetologist exam and the cosmetologist exam.
Owner SalonMust submit approved use and occupancy permit from local zoning agency with license application.
Owner Limited PracticeLicense is issued for either manicuring or esthetic services. Must submit approved use and occupancy permit from local zoning agency with license application.
Apprentice CosmetologistLimited to a two-year original license and one two-year renewal. Must complete an application and sponsorship form which must be signed by a senior cosmetologist; Must complete 24 months of training with at least 20 hours per week. Licensees are required to mail monthly training reports to the Board each month.
Apprentice HairstylistLimited to a one-year original license and one one-year renewal. Must complete an application and sponsorship form which must be signed by a senior cosmetologist or a two-year licensed hairstylist. Must complete 15 months of training with at least 20 hours per week. Licensees are required to mail monthly training reports to the Board each month.
Apprentice EstheticianLimited to a one-year original license and one one-year renewal. Must complete an application and sponsorship form which must be signed by a senior cosmetologist or a two-year licensed esthetician. Must complete 12 months of training with at least 20 hours per week. Licensees are required to mail monthly training reports to the Board each month.
Apprentice Nail TechnicianLimited to a one-year original license. Must complete an application and sponsorship form which must be signed by a licensed senior cosmetologist or two-year licensed nail technician. Must complete eight months of training with at least 20 hours per week. Licensees are required to mail monthly training reports to the Board each month.
Renew a Maryland License
You can renew your license using their online system. Please read all requirements and instructions below before proceeding with the application process. The renewal fee is for a two-year license. A reinstatement fee of $25 will be automatically assessed if your license is expired.
The Board automatically mails renewal information and instructions to licensees approximately 60 days prior to the expiration date of the current license. If a licensee does not receive the renewal information or a paper application is needed, the licensee must call 410-230-6320 or e-mail barbers.cos@maryland.gov to request a renewal application or information no less than 30 days prior to the expiration date.
Please note: Business Occupations and Professions Article Section 5-605, Annotated Code of Maryland provides that you must be affiliated with a licensed salon or licensed barbershop to perform services.
Before you Begin- For best results, they recommend using the most recent version of your browser to access the electronic licensing programs. When you go online, you will create a password by identifying yourself with certain personal information
- Then, with this password and your registration number, you will be able to apply for a license or renew or update your registration record at your convenience with a password unique and more memorable to you
- Employers need to have their workers compensation policy number and insurance company's name to complete the renewal forms
- They are collecting your e-mail addresses for Board use in order to facilitate their communication with you
To get started on renewing your license online, click here and enter your registration number exactly as it appears on the data card. Follow the instructions to create your password or to use your previously created password.
Continuing EducationHB 1600 State Board of Cosmetologists - License Renewal - Continuing Education
This legislation establishes a requirement for licensees to complete six hours of continuing education during each two-year licensing term. While the program takes effect on October 1, 2018, the agency does not have resources at this time to administer this new program. You are encouraged to comply with the requirements in the interest of the health and safety of Maryland citizens. Should you choose to participate in continuing education, please keep records of the courses you take in case the department is able to implement this at a later date.
Maryland Cosmetology School Hours
| Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Cosmetologist License | 1500 Hours / 24 Months Apprenticeship |
| Barber License | 1200 Hours / 2250 Hours Apprenticeship |
| Esthetician License | 600 Hours / 12 Months Apprenticeship |
| Nail Technician License | 250 Hours / 8 Months Apprenticeship |
| Electrologist License | 600 Hours |
| Cosmetology Instructor License | Senior Cosmetology License |
| Permanent Makeup Artist License | Call 847-635-1330 |
| Massage Therapist License | 500 Hours For Practitioner Or 500 Hours + 60 College Hours For Therapist |
Apply for an Original Maryland Apprentice Permit
The application process to get an apprentice permit is listed below:
- Download and complete the Apprenticeship Sponsorship form. E-mail the completed form to barbers.cos@maryland.gov
- Apply online for an original apprentice license online
- Both the sponsor and the apprentice must participate in an orientation class administered by the Board. Once your completed application is approved we will notify you with a date to attend next available orientation session
Note: Sponsors that have already completed orientation, will not have to attend again. To visit the portal, Apprentice/Sponsor Portal.
Apply for an Original Maryland Salon Permit
Apply for an original sole proprietor or partnership salon permit online or apply for an original corporate salon permit online. Please note:
- A partnership, corporation, or limited liability company through which cosmetology is practiced in Maryland must hold a permit issued by the Board
- All salon permit applicants must provide evidence of the business Good Standing status with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). Evidence may be provided by printing a results screen from SDAT's Charter Record Search database. Once the business entity is located through the search, click on the General Info link. Print that window, and send it to the Board. There is no fee due to SDAT for printing the window
- License Period: Two-year period from the date of issuance
Renew a Maryland Salon Permit
You can now renew your cosmetologist salon permit online. Please read all requirements and instructions before proceeding with the application process. Salon permits must be renewed every two years. The Board automatically mails renewal packets and instructions to licensees approximately 60 days prior to the expiration date of the current license. If a permit holder does not receive the renewal information or a paper application is needed, the permit holder must call 410-230-6320 or e-mail barbers.cos@maryland.gov to request a renewal application or information no less than 30 days prior to the expiration date.
To reinstate an expired beauty salon permit and avoid paying $150 new shop inspection fee, a permit holder must apply to the board within 45 days after the permit expires to meet renewal requirements and pay both a renewal fee and a reinstatement fee.
Please note: Business Occupations and Professions Article Section 5-605, Annotated Code of Maryland provides that you must be affiliated with a registered salon or registered barbershop to perform services.
Before you Begin- For best results, they recommend using the most recent version of your browser to access the electronic licensing programs
- When you go online you will create a password by identifying yourself with certain personal information. Then, with this password and your registration number, you will be able to renew your permit or update your registration record at your convenience with a password unique and more memorable to you
- Employers need to have their workers compensation policy number and insurance company's name to complete the renewal forms
- They are collecting your e-mail addresses for Board use in order to facilitate our communication with you
To renew your salon permit online, click here. Highlight your permit category from the pull-down box, and enter your registration number exactly as it appears on the data card. Follow the instructions to create your password or to use your previously created password.
Taking the Maryland Cosmetologist Exams
PSI Services provides examination services for the State Board of Cosmetologists. Their telephone number is 800-733-9267 and their website is PSI Exams.
Exam TitlesApplicants for cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, and senior cosmetologist must pass an examination in order to qualify for a license.
| Test | Practical and Theory | Practical Only | Theory Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | $79 | $49 | $49 |
| Nail Technician | $79 | $49 | $49 |
| Esthetician | $79 | $49 | $49 |
| Senior Cosmetologist | - | - | $49 |
To schedule test dates contact PSI Exams at 800-733-9267.
Apply for Licensure by Endorsement Reciprocal
To apply for a licensure by endorsement online click here. The requirements are listed below, candidates must:
- Possess a current license in another state and
- Provide certification that their license is in good standing and was obtained under the same standards as required in Maryland
Candidates who meet the requirements are eligible for a waiver of the examination requirement by endorsement (reciprocity).
Application ProcessContact the original state where you have trained and taken an examination (practical and theory), and request that a certification of your licensure be sent to the Maryland Board. Ensure your current address is on the certification. After you have confirmed that the certification will be sent, e-mail your mailing address and contact number to barbers.cos@maryland.gov. Once your certification is received, the Board will notify you in writing if you qualify for Maryland licensure. If you qualify, the letter will contain instructions on how to apply for your Maryland license. The license period is a two-year period from the date of issuance.
Request a Maryland License Certification
To request a license certification online, click here. Payment can be made online by charging your credit card. There is no charge to have a Maryland certification sent to another state.
Request a Maryland Duplicate License
For individuals requesting a duplicate license online, click here. For a business requesting a duplicate license, click here. There is no charge for a duplicate license.
Maryland License Name/Address Change Request
Licensed Cosmetologists are responsible to notify the Board of any name change or change of mailing/e-mail address. Changes can be made online using your registration number and password.
Or you can make the request via email at barbers.cos@maryland.gov. There is no fee for address/name changes.
Name Changes - IndividualsIf you change your name, you must provide a copy of the appropriate court document or marriage license and e-mail/fax it to the Board. E-mail the document(s) to the address above, or fax them to 410-333-6314.
Address Changes - Business EntitiesAddress changes for salons must be made by submitting an application for an Original Salon Permit to the Board. Failure to notify the Board of address changes in a timely manner can prevent license renewal notification. A $25 late fee will be charged when a license is not renewed by the expiration date.
