Michigan licenses barbers through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) under the Michigan Board of Barbers. You need a Michigan barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in Michigan.
Michigan requires 1,800 hours of approved training at a licensed barber college plus written and practical exams administered through PSI Services. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $260. Most people complete the full process in 12 to 18 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Michigan Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) |
| Board | Michigan Board of Barbers |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 9th grade completion or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 1,800 hours at a LARA-licensed barber college |
| State Board Exam | NBCP written + practical exam (administered by PSI) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fee | ~$161 (paid to PSI) |
| License Application Fee | $100 (includes 2-year license) |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$260 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (September 30 expiration in odd-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $60 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | michigan.gov/miplus |
Important: Michigan Barber vs Cosmetology Licensing
Michigan regulates barbers and cosmetologists under separate boards with different requirements. Unlike cosmetology, Michigan does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbers—all training must be completed at a licensed barber college. Barbers require 1,800 hours (compared to 1,500 for cosmetologists) and renew on a different schedule (September 30 in odd-numbered years vs. August 31 for cosmetologists).
For a detailed comparison, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License guide.
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To pursue a barber license in Michigan, you must be at least 17 years old, have completed a 9th-grade education or equivalent, and be of good moral character.
The good moral character requirement does not automatically disqualify applicants with criminal history. If you have had a judgment of guilt in a criminal proceeding, you may still qualify if you can demonstrate rehabilitation or if the offense is not reasonably related to barbering.
Step 2: Complete 1,800 Hours at a Licensed Barber College
You must complete an 1,800-hour course of study at a LARA-licensed barber college. Per Michigan rules, the program must include 225 hours of classroom study, demonstrations, and recitations plus 1,575 hours of practical barber training.
The curriculum covers:
- 60 theory hours + 50 practical hours: First aid, workstations, bacteriology, implements, laws, and rules
- 30 theory hours: Anatomy and physiology, bone structure, client examination, service recommendations
- 60 theory hours + 1,000 practical hours: Haircutting and shaving
- 45 theory hours + 350 practical hours: Chemical services (shampooing, conditioning, hair waving, relaxing, coloring, lightening)
- 20 theory hours + 250 practical hours: Skin care, hair and scalp treatments, and hairpieces
Full-time programs typically take 12 to 18 months to complete. Tuition varies by school, typically ranging from $10,000 to $18,000.
No Apprenticeship Option: Unlike cosmetology, Michigan does not offer a barber apprenticeship pathway. All training must be completed at a licensed barber college.
Michigan’s 1,800-hour requirement is above the national average for barbering. See how all states compare in our barber license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Exams
After completing your training, you must pass both the written (theory) exam and practical exam. Michigan uses the National Barber Cosmetology Program (NBCP) examination administered by PSI Services.
Once your barber college confirms completion of your training, LARA will email you a completed Exam Registration Form (ERF) to mail or fax to PSI. After PSI processes your registration, you will receive an eligibility notice by email with your candidate ID number to schedule your exams.
Exam fees (paid to PSI): approximately $161 total. Schedule your exams at psiexams.com or call 855-579-4635.
The written exam is computer-based and covers scientific concepts, haircutting and shaving techniques, chemical services, equipment usage, and Michigan laws and regulations. The practical exam evaluates your hands-on skills including haircutting, shaving, and sanitation procedures.
A passing score of 75% is required on both exams. Passing scores are valid for 1 year from the date earned.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
Apply for your barber license online through the MiPLUS portal. The application fee is $100 (includes 2-year license fee). You must provide a Social Security Number (or SSN affidavit if exempt).
Once your license application has been received, LARA will review your certification of completion from the barber college. When all requirements are confirmed, you will receive your license.
License Renewal
Michigan barber licenses expire biennially on September 30th in odd-numbered years. The renewal fee is $60, payable online through the MiPLUS portal.
Michigan does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply complete the online renewal attestation certifying you have met all requirements.
Relicensure (Lapsed License): If your license has lapsed, the relicensure fee is $100. If lapsed more than 3 years, you may need to pass the licensing exams or establish that you held an active license in good standing elsewhere within the preceding 3 years.
Transferring an Out-of-State Barber License to Michigan
Michigan offers license reciprocity (endorsement) for barbers licensed in other states. To qualify, you must have held in good standing a barber license in another state, jurisdiction, or country for at least 1 of the 3 years immediately preceding your application, and your original jurisdiction’s training requirements must be substantially equivalent to Michigan’s 1,800-hour standard.
You must provide verification of licensure sent directly to LARA from your current state’s licensing agency (email to bpldata@michigan.gov or mail to Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909).
Work Experience Credit: If your previous state has lower hour requirements, Michigan may credit barber or barber apprentice experience at a ratio of 100 hours of training for every 3 months of experience.
If your original state’s requirements are not substantially equivalent to Michigan’s, you will be required to take and pass the practical and theory exams.
Foreign-Trained Barbers
Applicants who received barber training outside the United States may qualify for Michigan licensure if they can provide evidence that their education or training was substantially equivalent to Michigan’s requirements.
If records are unavailable: If records of pre-licensure instruction cannot be produced because the instruction was obtained in a country from which records are not generally available, applicants may substitute hours with barber or barber apprentice experience at a ratio of 100 hours of training for each 3 months of experience. You must also provide a notarized statement from a government official of that country attesting to the unavailability of records.
Foreign-trained applicants must still pass both the written and practical exams.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Michigan provides comprehensive licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants through legislation signed by Governor Whitmer on June 9, 2021 (SB 157, SB 312, HB 4376, HB 4377):
License Without Examination: LARA must issue a barber license without examination to individuals who are members of the Armed Forces, uniformed services, veterans, or dependents of any of these, and who hold a valid barber license from another state. This creates a true reciprocity pathway for military families.
Temporary 6-Month Licenses for Military Spouses: Military spouses stationed in Michigan can receive a temporary 6-month license if they hold an out-of-state barber license in good standing and provide proof of their spouse’s active duty assignment to Michigan. The temporary license may be renewed for one additional 6-month term.
Fee Waivers: Michigan waives the initial license and application processing fees for veterans (with DD214/DD215), active servicemembers, and their dependents.
Expedited Processing: LARA commits to processing completed licensing applications from military families within 48 hours.
Renewal Exemptions for Deployed Personnel: Licensed barbers who are mobilized for military duty are temporarily exempt from renewal fees and any other related requirements during their deployment.
For more information, visit LARA’s Active Duty Military Personnel, Veterans & Military Spouse Information page.
What Can You Do with a Michigan Barber License?
A Michigan barber license authorizes you to perform hair cutting, trimming, and tapering, shaving and beard grooming, shampooing and scalp treatments, hair coloring, lightening, and chemical services, and styling and finishing.
Barbers in Michigan must work in a licensed barbershop. If you want to open your own barbershop, you will need a separate establishment license from LARA ($80 application fee + $80 renewal fee). Mobile salons are permitted but must have a permanent physical business address on file.
Barber vs Cosmetologist scope in Michigan: Both licenses allow hair cutting and styling, but barbering emphasizes shaving and men’s grooming while cosmetology includes skin care and nail services. Barbers require 1,800 hours while cosmetologists require 1,500 hours. Cosmetology has an apprenticeship option; barbering does not.
Michigan Barber Salary
According to BLS data, barbers in Michigan earn a median annual salary of approximately $29,390. Top earners (90th percentile) can make over $45,000 annually. Earnings vary based on location, experience, clientele, and whether you work as an employee or shop owner. Tips typically add 20% to 25% to base pay, so actual take-home income is often higher than BLS figures suggest.
Employment for barbers is projected to grow approximately 4% nationally between 2024 and 2034.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Michigan?
Most people complete the process in 12 to 18 months. The 1,800-hour training program typically takes 12 to 18 months full-time. After graduation, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Michigan?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $260: about $161 in exam fees paid to PSI and $100 application fee paid to LARA. Tuition at Michigan barber colleges typically ranges from $10,000 to $18,000.
Does Michigan require continuing education to renew a barber license?
No. Michigan does not require any continuing education hours for barber license renewal. You simply pay the $60 renewal fee every two years by September 30th in odd-numbered years.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Michigan?
Yes, through reciprocity. You must have held a barber license in good standing for at least 1 of the 3 years preceding your application, and your original state must have substantially equivalent requirements. Work experience can substitute for hours at a ratio of 100 hours per 3 months of experience. If requirements are not equivalent, you must pass Michigan’s exams.
Does Michigan offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbering?
No. Unlike cosmetology, Michigan does not offer a barber apprenticeship option. All training must be completed at a licensed barber college (1,800 hours).
Can a cosmetologist become a barber in Michigan?
Yes, but you must complete the full barber training program (1,800 hours) at a licensed barber college and pass the barber exams. There is no crossover program like some other states offer.
What is the difference between a barber and a cosmetologist in Michigan?
Barbers require 1,800 hours at a barber college (no apprenticeship option) and specialize in hair cutting, shaving, and men’s grooming. Cosmetologists require 1,500 hours (or 2-year apprenticeship) and are trained in hair, skin, and nails. Barbers renew September 30 in odd years; cosmetologists renew August 31.
How do I verify a Michigan barber license?
Use the LARA license verification portal at michigan.gov/lara to search for licensed professionals and establishments.
For a comparison of barber licensing requirements across all states, see our complete barber license guide.
Official Resources
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Bureau of Professional Licensing
PO Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 241-0199
Email: bpldata@michigan.gov
Website: michigan.gov/lara – Barbers
Apply for a License (MiPLUS Portal):
michigan.gov/miplus
Barber Licensing Guide:
Michigan Barber Licensing Guide (PDF)
Exam Registration (PSI):
PSI Exams
Phone: 855-579-4635
License Verification:
LARA License Verification Portal