Maryland licenses barbers through the Board of Barbers, which is separate from the Board of Cosmetologists and operates under the Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. You need a Maryland barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in Maryland.
Maryland requires 1,200 hours of approved training (or 2,250 hours as a registered apprentice) plus written and practical exams administered through PSI Services. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $133. Most people complete the full process in 8 to 12 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Recent Changes to Maryland Barbering Licensing
HB 1547: Domestic Violence Awareness Training (Effective January 1, 2026): All applicants for initial licensure and license renewal with the Maryland Board of Barbers must complete a one-hour domestic violence awareness training. This is a one-time requirement that applies to both the Board of Barbers and the Board of Cosmetologists.
PSI Application Update (Effective March 31, 2025): PSI Services no longer accepts exam applications by mail, fax, or email. All applications must be submitted online through the PSI automated application system.
Exam Language Availability (Effective March 1, 2024): Maryland barber exams are now available in Spanish and Vietnamese, in addition to English. Theory exams also allow the use of state-credentialed interpreters.
Maryland Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Board of Barbers, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor |
| Statutory Authority | Business Occupations and Professions Article, Title 4; COMAR Title 9, Subtitle 16 |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old (apprenticeship) |
| Education Prerequisite | Not explicitly specified by statute for barbers |
| Training Hours Required | 1,200 hours at a Board-licensed barber school OR 2,250 hours as a registered apprentice |
| State Board Exam | Written (theory) + Practical exams (PSI Services) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Both exams: $77 | Individual exam: $47 each |
| License Fee | $56 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$133 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $56 |
| Continuing Education | None required (except one-time domestic violence training effective January 1, 2026) |
| Apply Online | Maryland Electronic Licensing System |
| Board Website | labor.maryland.gov/license/barbers |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To pursue a barber license in Maryland, you must meet the Board’s age and education requirements. Apprentices must be at least 16 years old and sponsored by a Master Barber.
If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology, Maryland requires 1,200 hours for barbers (governed by the Board of Barbers) and 1,500 hours for cosmetologists (governed by the Board of Cosmetologists). Barbering focuses on hair cutting, shaving, and beard services, while cosmetology covers hair, skin, and nails. These are separate boards with separate licensing processes. For a full comparison, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License guide.
Step 2: Complete 1,200 Hours at a Board-Licensed Barber School
You must complete 1,200 hours of instruction at a barber school licensed by the Maryland Board of Barbers. Full-time programs typically take 8 to 10 months to complete. The curriculum covers:
- Hair cutting, clipper techniques, and tapering
- Shaving and facial hair grooming (including straight razor shaves)
- Hair coloring and chemical services
- Sanitation, hygiene, and infection control
- Anatomy and physiology
- Maryland laws and regulations
Apprenticeship Alternative (2,250 Hours): Maryland offers an apprenticeship program requiring 2,250 hours of training in a licensed barbershop with at least 30 hours per week. Apprentices must be sponsored by a Master Barber and hold an apprentice license ($11 fee). The apprentice barber license is valid for two years with one two-year renewal. A maximum of 240 hours are accepted per month. Three apprentices may work under one licensed Master Barber.
Barber-Stylist Limited License: Maryland also offers a Barber-Stylist Limited license requiring only 900 hours at a barber school (or 1,650 hours as an apprentice). This license has a more limited scope of practice than the full barber license.
Maryland’s 1,200-hour requirement is near 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 hours, you must pass both a written (theory) exam and a practical exam administered through PSI Services.
To register, create an account at the PSI test-taker webpage and submit your application online. As of March 31, 2025, PSI no longer processes applications by mail, fax, or email. Pay the exam fees: $77 for both exams combined, or $47 for each exam individually.
Written (theory) exam: Computer-based, covering barbering theory, sanitation, infection control, anatomy, chemistry, and Maryland laws and rules. The exam is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. State-credentialed interpreters from the Maryland Judiciary’s approved list are also permitted for the theory exam.
Practical exam: Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills including hair cutting, shaving, and related services on a mannequin. Interpreters are not permitted during the practical exam.
Passing score: 70% on each exam
Retake policy: Unlimited retakes allowed with no expiration on eligibility. Both exam scores must be passed within two years of each other to be considered valid by the Board.
Master Barber exam: If you have at least 15 months of experience as a licensed barber, you may take the Master Barber exam (theory only, $47). You must pass both the Master Barber theory exam and the standard barber exam to earn a Master Barber license.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
Once you have passed both exams, apply for your barber license through the Maryland Electronic Licensing System. The license fee is $56. Processing typically takes 1 to 30 days.
As of March 1, 2024, the Board no longer mails paper licenses. You will receive a PDF license via email. You must affix a current photo to your license. You must be affiliated with a licensed barbershop to perform services.
Maryland Barber License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written (Theory) Exam | $47 | PSI Services |
| Practical Exam | $47 | PSI Services |
| Both Exams (combined) | $77 | PSI Services |
| Barber License | $56 | Board of Barbers |
| Total Initial Cost | $133 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $56 | Board of Barbers |
| Late Renewal | $112 | Board of Barbers |
| Master Barber License | $56 | Board of Barbers |
| Barber-Stylist Limited License | $56 | Board of Barbers |
| Apprentice License | $11 | Board of Barbers |
| Duplicate License | $28 | Board of Barbers |
| License Certification (transfer out) | $25 | Board of Barbers |
All fees are nonrefundable.
License Renewal
Maryland barber licenses must be renewed every two years. The Board mails renewal information approximately 60 days before expiration. The renewal fee is $56. Renew online through the Electronic Licensing System.
Maryland does not require continuing education for barber license renewal (unlike cosmetology licensees, who must complete 6 hours of CE effective January 1, 2026). The only training requirement for barbers is the one-time domestic violence awareness training per HB 1547.
Late renewal: A $112 late fee is automatically assessed if your license has expired. A reinstatement fee of $56 applies for expired licenses.
As of March 1, 2024, renewed licenses are delivered as PDF files via email rather than paper copies.
Transferring an Out-of-State Barber License to Maryland
Maryland offers licensure by endorsement for barbers licensed in other states. Eligible applicants may receive a waiver of the theory and practical examinations, subject to Board approval.
Requirements:
- Hold a current barber license in good standing from another U.S. state
- Have licensing standards equivalent to Maryland’s requirements
- Submit proof of notarized work experience (varies by state)
Process:
- Contact your original licensing state and request they send certification directly to the Maryland Board at barbers.cos@maryland.gov, including full name, address, license type(s), dates, exam details, and program hours
- Email the Board with your name, address, license number, and transferring state
- Wait for Board confirmation before applying (fees are nonrefundable)
States requiring full examination: Applicants from Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, and New York do not qualify for endorsement and must take both the Maryland theory and practical exams.
Foreign-trained barbers: Must pass both Maryland exams and submit official translated transcripts showing detailed clock hours.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Maryland provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
Expedited Processing: The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing must issue licenses to military veterans and families within 60 days of receiving completed applications.
Temporary Work Permits: Military spouses may qualify for a temporary work permit while completing Maryland licensing requirements. Contact the Board at 410-230-6190 or barbers.cos@maryland.gov.
Eligible applicants: Veterans with honorable discharge, active-duty service members, spouses of service members or veterans, and surviving spouses. Required documentation includes DD Form 214 (veterans), military orders (active duty), or marriage certificate plus military orders (spouses), plus proof of Maryland residence.
What Can You Do with a Maryland Barber License?
A Maryland barber license authorizes you to perform hair cutting, trimming, and tapering, shaving and beard grooming (including straight razor shaves), shampooing and scalp treatments, hair coloring and chemical services, and styling and finishing services.
Barbers in Maryland must work in a licensed barbershop. If you want to open your own shop, you need a separate shop permit ($225 fee) from the Board, which requires an approved use and occupancy permit from local zoning authorities and passing a Board inspection.
Master Barber: After 15 months of experience as a licensed barber, you can pursue a Master Barber license by passing both the Master Barber theory exam and the standard barber exam. Master Barbers can supervise apprentices and must oversee a maximum of three apprentices at a time.
Barber vs Cosmetologist scope in Maryland: Maryland has separate licensing boards for barbers and cosmetologists. Barbers require 1,200 hours and specialize in hair cutting, shaving, and grooming. Cosmetologists require 1,500 hours and are trained in hair, skin, and nails. The two licenses are not interchangeable—a cosmetology license does not authorize razor shaving, and a barber license does not authorize skin care or nail services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Maryland?
Most people complete the process in 8 to 12 months. A full-time 1,200-hour training program typically takes 8 to 10 months. The apprenticeship pathway (2,250 hours at 30 hours per week) takes approximately 18 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Maryland?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $133: $77 in exam fees paid to PSI Services and $56 license fee paid to the Board. If you take each exam separately, the total exam cost is $94 ($47 each).
Does Maryland require continuing education to renew a barber license?
No. Maryland does not require continuing education hours for barber license renewal. The only training requirement is a one-time domestic violence awareness training (effective January 1, 2026). You simply pay the $56 renewal fee every two years.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Maryland?
Yes, through endorsement for most states. However, applicants from Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, and New York must take both the Maryland theory and practical exams regardless. Your original state must send official verification directly to the Board.
Does Maryland offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbering?
Yes. Maryland offers a 2,250-hour apprenticeship program in a licensed barbershop under a Master Barber, with at least 30 hours per week. The apprentice license is $11. Apprentices must submit monthly training reports and may work for two years with one two-year renewal.
What is the difference between a barber and a cosmetologist in Maryland?
Maryland has separate licensing boards for barbers and cosmetologists. Barbers require 1,200 hours and specialize in hair cutting, shaving, and grooming. Cosmetologists require 1,500 hours and cover hair, skin, and nails. A cosmetology license does not authorize straight razor shaving, and a barber license does not authorize skin or nail services.
What is a Master Barber license in Maryland?
A Master Barber license requires 15 months of experience as a licensed barber and passing both the Master Barber theory exam and the standard barber exam. Master Barbers can supervise up to three apprentices simultaneously. The license fee is $56.
Are barber exams available in languages other than English?
Yes. As of March 2024, Maryland barber exams are available in Spanish and Vietnamese. State-credentialed interpreters from the Maryland Judiciary’s approved list are also permitted during the theory exam (but not the practical exam).
Official Resources
- Maryland Board of Barbers (official website)
- Online License Application (Electronic Licensing System)
- Forms and Fee Schedule
- Endorsement (Reciprocity) Information
- Exam Information
- Apprenticeship Information
- PSI Services (exam registration) | Phone: (855) 898-0714
- Board Contact: Maryland Board of Barbers | 100 S. Charles Street, Tower I, Baltimore, MD 21201 | Phone: (410) 230-6190 | Email: barbers.cos@maryland.gov