This page provides information for Maine license requirements including how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one, reactivate an expired license and Maine 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 Maine Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing.

Maine Cosmetology License Verification

If you need to verify a license for a salon or person, then you can do so by visiting the Maine 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.

Renewing Maine License

The Office of Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation is offers you the ability to renew your license online. Renew online at your convenience, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, up to 60 days in advance of your license expiration date. Payment may be made with Visa or Mastercard. The following license types can renew online:

  • Aesthetics
  • Barber
  • Limited Barbering
  • Cosmetology
  • Nail Technology
  • Trainee Aesthetician, Trainee Barber, Trainee Cosmetologist, Trainee Nail Technician
  • Cosmetology Instructor, Barber Instructor
  • Establishment
  • Booth
  • Click here to renew online now

If you need to request a name change on your license, please email barbercosm.lic@maine.gov. To request a duplicate license, you can do so using their online system. If you need to request a special event permit, you can also do so using their online system.

How long does the application process take?

Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. Processing times do vary depending on the volume of applications being received and the type of license for which you are applying. You may check the status of your application by clicking here.

How to request a Maine License Verification

Licensees can download a document for verification of licensure, free of charge. You may also send a letter/request including your name, license number, mailing address, and payment of $25 for a manually produced license verification. The difference between the free online license verification and the manually prepared verification is an embossed State seal. Please send the request to:

Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation
35 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

Please note: Checks/money orders may be made payable to Treasurer, State of Maine or you may submit a credit card authorization form.

10 Day Notification Requirement

All licensees and applicants for licensure must report in writing any of the following to the office, program or commission no later than 10 days after the change or event, as the case may be:

  • Change of name or address
  • Criminal conviction
  • Revocation, suspension, or other disciplinary action taken in this or any other jurisdiction against any occupational or professional license held by the applicant or licensee or
  • Any material change in the conditions or qualifications set forth in the original application for licensure submitted to the office, program or commission
  • Email the Program to Report
Updating Contact Information Online

Contact addresses, phone numbers and email addresses can be updated on-line. Name changes must be submitted in writing to the office. Click here to update your contact information online. Follow instructions to update contact information other than a name change.

If I move to another state can I still keep my Maine license?

You may keep your Maine license while living out of state, just keep your e-mail and physical address up-to-date to ensure you will receive your renewal reminder or any other correspondence from the Barbering and Cosmetology Program.

My license is about to expire and I haven't received a renewal?

You may renew your license online and you can also update your address and phone number while renewing your license.

Do I need a special license to go to people's homes?

The Program's Law allows and individual who holds a current practice license to go to people's homes and perform the services which falls in the scope of practice for their license without requiring an additional license. You may only perform services that you are licensed to perform on the individuals who reside within that home. This includes nursing homes, hospitals.

Maine Examinations

All pertinent information regarding the examinations including exam dates and registration deadlines can be obtained by contacting the testing company at the following:

DL Roope Administrations
PO Box 631
Hampden, ME 04444-0695
Telephone: 1-888-375-2020
Website: www.dlroope.com

Renewal Fees and Information for Aesthetician, Barber, Cosmetologist, or Nail Technician License

Fee Terms Requirements Renew Now
Annual renewal fee $20 Annually October 31st
  • Renewal reminders are emailed to the email address on file at least 30 days prior to the license expiration date. It is the licensee's responsibility to keep the Program informed of current contact information and to see that the license is renewed absent the renewal application. Reminder includes licensee's access code which, along with license number, is required for online renewal
  • A person who submits an application for renewal after the expiration date is subject to a late fee of $50
  • More than 90 days after license expiration date is subject to submitting a new application with appropriate fee and a late fee of $50 plus penalty fees of $25
  • Lapsed license 4 years and beyond must pay required fee and retake the exam

Fill out the online renewal application and submit. The Department must verify that you have met all the conditions for renewal before your license is renewed. Online submission of your renewal application should not be construed as automatic renewal of your license.

Renewal Fees and Information for Trainee

Fees Terms Requirements Renew Now
The renewal fee $10
  • Trainee Aesthetician can be renewed and expires 12 months based on license issue date
  • Trainee Barber and Cosmetologist can be renewed and expires 18 months based on license issue date
  • Trainee Nail Technician can be renewed and expires 6 months based on license issue date
  • A person who submits an application for renewal after the expiration date is subject to a late fee of $50
  • More than 90 days after license expiration date is subject to submitting a new application
  • More than 90 days after license expiration date is subject to submitting a new application with appropriate fee and a late fee of $50 plus penalty fees of $25
  • Renewal reminders are emailed to the email address on file at least 30 days prior to the license expiration date. It is the licensee's responsibility to keep the Program informed of current contact information and to see that the license is renewed absent the renewal application. Reminder includes licensee's access code which, along with license number, is required for online renewal
 Fill out the online renewal application and submit. The Department must verify that you have met all the conditions for renewal before your license is renewed. Online submission of your renewal application should not be construed as automatic renewal of your license.

Renewal fees and information for Booth and Establishment

Fees Terms Requirements Renew Now
Annual renewal fee $20 Annually October 31st
  • Renewal reminders are emailed to the email address on file at least 30 days prior to the license expiration date. It is the licensee's responsibility to keep the Program informed of current contact information and to see that the license is renewed absent the renewal application. Reminder includes licensee's access code which, along with license number, is required for online renewal
  • A person who submits an application for renewal after the expiration date is subject to a late fee of $50
  • More than 90 days after license expiration date is subject to submitting a new application with appropriate fee and a late fee of $50 plus penalty fees of $25
 Fill out the online renewal application and submit. The Department must verify that you have met all the conditions for renewal before your license is renewed. Online submission of your renewal application should not be construed as automatic renewal of your license.

Renewal fees and information for Schools, Aesthetician, Barber, Cosmetologist, or Nail Technician

Fees Terms Requirements Renew Now
Annual renewal fee is $500 This license renews annually

Each submission for a license renewal must include the school's most recent financial audit conducted by a certified public accountant not affiliated with the school. When a school does not participate in federal or state financial aid programs, internally prepared financial statements signed by the applicant are acceptable. Every renewal application must include a bond in the required amount. The school must certify that:

  • The school has included information in all school brochures and handbooks provided to students, and has posted information in a location in the school frequented by students advising students of their rights to receive refunds and where to direct any complaints the students have concerning their education and
  • The school is in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations
  • Renewal reminders are emailed to the email address on file at least 30 days prior to the license expiration date. It is the licensee's responsibility to keep the Program informed of current contact information and to see that the license is renewed absent the renewal application. Reminder includes licensee's access code which, along with license number, is required for online renewal
 Application for License Renewal and submit. The Department must verify that you have met all the conditions for renewal before your license is renewed. Online submission of your renewal application should not be construed as automatic renewal of your license.

Maine Cosmetology School Hours

Type Requirements
Cosmetologist License 1500 Hours / 2500 Hours Apprenticeship
Barber License 1500 Hours / 2500 Hours Apprenticeship
Esthetician License 600 Hours / 1000 Hours Apprenticeship
Nail Technician License 200 Hours / 400 Hours Apprenticeship
Cosmetology Instructor License Cosmetology License & Work Experience + 1000 Hours
Massage Therapist License 500 Hours