Maryland licenses nail technicians through the Board of Cosmetologists, which operates under the Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The official license title is Limited Nail Technician. You need a Maryland nail technician license to legally perform manicures, pedicures, artificial nail application, and other nail services for compensation anywhere in Maryland.
Maryland requires just 250 hours of approved training (or 8 months as a registered apprentice) plus written and practical exams administered through PSI Services. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $105. Most people complete the full process in 2 to 4 months. Here is exactly how to get your Maryland nail technician license.
Recent Legislation Affecting Maryland Nail Technician Licensing
HB 1600: Continuing Education Requirement (Effective January 1, 2026): Maryland now requires nail technicians to complete 6 hours of approved continuing education per renewal cycle. Two hours must cover health, safety, welfare, sanitation, or Board laws and regulations. The remaining 4 hours are electives within the nail technician scope of practice.
HB 1547: Domestic Violence Awareness Training (Effective January 1, 2026): All applicants for initial licensure and license renewal must complete a one-hour domestic violence awareness training. This is a one-time requirement.
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.
Maryland Nail Technician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Limited Nail Technician |
| Governing Agency | Board of Cosmetologists, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor |
| Statutory Authority | Business Occupations and Professions Article, Title 5; COMAR Title 9, Subtitle 22 |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old (16 for apprenticeship) |
| Education Prerequisite | 9th grade completion or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 250 hours at an approved cosmetology school OR 8 months 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 Application Fee | $28 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$105 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $28 |
| Continuing Education | 6 hours per renewal cycle (effective January 1, 2026) |
| Apply Online | Maryland Electronic Licensing System |
| Board Website | labor.maryland.gov/license/cos |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To pursue a nail technician license in Maryland, you must be at least 17 years old and have completed 9th grade or a GED equivalent. Apprentices may begin at age 16. Effective January 1, 2026, all initial applicants must also complete a one-hour domestic violence awareness training (one-time requirement per HB 1547).
Maryland does not automatically disqualify applicants based on criminal history. The Board evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis.
Step 2: Complete Your Training Requirements
Maryland offers two pathways to meet the Maryland nail technician license training requirement:
Option 1: Cosmetology School (250 Hours)
Complete at least 250 hours of nail technician training at a cosmetology school approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) or the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) in consultation with the Board. Full-time programs typically take 2 to 3 months. The curriculum covers:
- Manicuring and pedicuring techniques
- Nail anatomy, disorders, and conditions
- Artificial nail application (tips, wraps, acrylics, gels)
- Sanitation and infection control
- Maryland laws and regulations
- Salon management
Option 2: Apprenticeship (8 Months)
Complete an 8-month apprenticeship in a licensed beauty salon under the supervision of a Senior Cosmetologist or a Licensed Nail Technician with at least 2 years of experience. Apprentices must train at least 20 hours per week and submit monthly training reports to the Board. The apprentice license fee is $11. No renewals are permitted for nail technician apprentice licenses—you must complete the program within the original term.
Maryland’s 250-hour requirement is among the lowest in the country for nail technician licensing. See how all states compare in our nail technician license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Exams
After completing your training, you must pass both a written (theory) exam and a practical exam administered by PSI Services.
How to register: Create an account at the PSI test-taker webpage and submit your application online. As of March 31, 2025, PSI no longer accepts applications by mail, fax, or email. The exam fee is $77 for both exams combined, or $47 for each exam individually.
Written (theory) exam: Computer-based, covering nail care theory, sanitation and infection control, nail anatomy and disorders, product chemistry, artificial nail application, and Maryland laws and rules.
Practical exam: Hands-on demonstration of nail technician skills including manicuring, pedicuring, and artificial nail application techniques.
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.
PSI registrars are available at (855) 898-0714 for scheduling and payment questions.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
After passing both exams, apply for your nail technician license through the Maryland Electronic Licensing System. The license application fee is $28. 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 and must print it yourself. You must affix a current photo to your license per COMAR 09.22.01.01 B(2). You must be affiliated with a licensed salon to perform services.
Maryland Nail Technician 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 |
| License Application | $28 | Board of Cosmetologists |
| Total Initial Cost | $105 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $28 | Board of Cosmetologists |
| Late Renewal | $56 | Board of Cosmetologists |
| Apprentice License | $11 | Board of Cosmetologists |
All fees are nonrefundable.
License Renewal
Maryland nail technician licenses must be renewed every two years. The Board mails renewal information approximately 60 days before expiration. The renewal fee is $28.
Continuing education (effective January 1, 2026): You must complete 6 hours of approved continuing education per renewal cycle. At least 2 hours must cover health, safety, welfare, sanitation, or Board laws and regulations. The remaining 4 hours may be elective topics within the nail technician scope of practice, such as nail techniques, product knowledge, or business topics. Approved CE providers include MHEC-approved private career schools, accredited colleges, and cosmetology textbook publishers.
Late renewal: A $56 late fee is automatically assessed if your license has expired. If you fail to renew, you cannot legally practice.
Transferring an Out-of-State Nail Technician License to Maryland
Maryland offers licensure by endorsement for nail technicians licensed in other states. Eligible applicants may receive a waiver of the theory and practical examinations, subject to Board approval.
Requirements:
- Hold a current, active license in good standing from another U.S. state
- Have comparable licensing requirements to Maryland’s 250-hour standard
- Have your original state send official license verification directly to the Board at barbers.cos@maryland.gov (documents submitted by applicants are not accepted)
Process:
- Request your original licensing state send certification directly to the Maryland Board, including your full name, address, license type(s), dates, exam details, and program hours
- Email the Board at barbers.cos@maryland.gov with your name, address, license number, and transferring state
- Wait for Board confirmation before submitting your application (all fees are nonrefundable)
If your original license has expired: You must obtain certification from both your original state and your current licensing state.
Foreign-trained applicants: Submit official transcripts with certified English translations and diploma/degree certificates for education evaluation.
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 who hold a nail technician license from another state 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 assigned to Maryland, 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 Nail Technician License?
A Maryland nail technician license authorizes you to perform:
- Manicures (cleansing, filing, shaping, buffing, polishing nails of hands)
- Pedicures (cleansing, filing, shaping, buffing, polishing nails of feet)
- Artificial nail application (tips, acrylics, gels, wraps)
- Nail repair and nail art
- Cleansing and beautifying the skin of hands, arms, and feet
Nail technicians in Maryland must work in a licensed salon. If you want to open your own nail salon, you will need a separate salon permit ($225 fee) from the Board.
A nail technician license does not authorize you to perform hair services or skin care services beyond the hands, arms, and feet. If you want a broader scope of practice, consider a cosmetology license (1,500 hours), which includes all nail services plus hair and skin care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a nail technician license in Maryland?
Most people complete the process in 2 to 5 months. A full-time 250-hour training program typically takes 2 to 3 months. The 8-month apprenticeship pathway takes the full 8 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a nail technician license in Maryland?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $105: $77 in exam fees paid to PSI Services and $28 license application 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 nail technician license?
Yes, effective January 1, 2026. Maryland now requires 6 hours of approved continuing education per renewal cycle. Two hours must cover health, safety, or Board laws and regulations. The remaining 4 hours are electives within your scope of practice. You simply pay the $28 renewal fee every two years along with completing CE.
Can I transfer my out-of-state nail technician license to Maryland?
Yes, through endorsement. You must hold a current, active license in good standing with comparable requirements to Maryland’s 250-hour standard. Your original state must send official verification directly to the Board. Eligible applicants may receive a waiver of exams.
Does Maryland offer an apprenticeship pathway for nail technicians?
Yes. Maryland offers an 8-month apprenticeship in a licensed beauty salon under a Senior Cosmetologist or a Licensed Nail Technician with at least 2 years of experience. You must train at least 20 hours per week and submit monthly reports. The apprentice license costs $11 and cannot be renewed.
Why does Maryland only require 250 hours for nail technicians?
Maryland’s 250-hour requirement is among the lowest in the country. Many states require 300 to 600 hours. Maryland’s Board of Cosmetologists sets training standards based on its assessment of the minimum competencies needed for safe nail services. Despite the lower hour requirement, you must still pass both a written and practical exam.
Can a cosmetologist do nail services in Maryland?
Yes. A Maryland cosmetology license includes authorization to perform all nail services. Cosmetologists do not need a separate nail technician license.
How do I verify a Maryland nail technician license?
Use the Maryland license verification search at the Board’s online license search tool to verify any licensed professional’s status.
Official Resources
- Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (official website)
- Online License Application (Electronic Licensing System)
- Forms and Fee Schedule
- Endorsement (Reciprocity) Information
- Continuing Education Information
- Apprenticeship Information
- License Verification Search
- PSI Services (exam registration) | Phone: (855) 898-0714
- Board Contact: Maryland Board of Cosmetologists | 100 S. Charles Street, Tower I, Baltimore, MD 21201 | Phone: (410) 230-6190 | Email: barbers.cos@maryland.gov