Idaho licenses barbers through the Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board under DOPL. Idaho is one of the few states that issues two distinct barber licenses: a Barber license (900 hours) for core cutting and shaving services, and a Barber-Stylist license (1,500 hours) that adds chemical services like coloring and permanent waving.
Both require NIC exams through Prov, Inc. Licensed cosmetologists can add barber services with just 100 additional hours. No CE is required. Total initial cost is approximately $258. Here is how to get your Idaho barber license.
Idaho Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Barber (900 hrs) | Barber-Stylist (1,500 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Idaho DOPL, Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board | |
| Minimum Age | 16½ years old | |
| Education Prerequisite | Completed 10th grade or equivalent | |
| Training Hours | 900 hours (or 1,800-hr apprenticeship) | 1,500 hours (or 3,000-hr apprenticeship) |
| Scope of Practice | Cutting, shaving, shampooing, facial/scalp massage, hairpieces | All barber services + chemical services (coloring, waving, straightening) |
| Exam | NIC Written + Practical + Idaho Jurisprudence (Prov, Inc.) | |
| Passing Score | 75% | |
| Exam Fees | ~$208 ($88 written + $120 practical) | |
| License Application Fee | $50 ($25 application + $25 license) | |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$258 | |
| Renewal | Biennial, $25/year, no CE | |
| Apply Online | DOPL Online Services | |
Education & Training Requirements
Barber (900 hours): Training covers hair and skin structure, shaving, haircutting techniques, hygiene, bacteriology, and disinfection. Full-time programs take 5 to 7 months. A 1,800-hour apprenticeship is available as an alternative.
Barber-Stylist (1,500 hours): Covers all barber curriculum plus chemical services including coloring, permanent waving, and straightening. Full-time programs take 9 to 12 months. A 3,000-hour apprenticeship is available.
Both pathways allow up to 50% distance education for theory. Students cannot perform chemical services until completing 5% of required instruction.
Crossover from cosmetology: Licensed cosmetologists may obtain a barber or barber-stylist license with just 100 additional hours of barber-related instruction (barber theory, haircuts, shaving). This cap is set by statute (54-5807) and is one of the shortest crossover requirements in the country.
For a comparison of barber licensing requirements and the differences from cosmetology, see our barber license guide and barber vs cosmetology comparison.
Exam Requirements
NIC exams through Prov, Inc.: written (110 items, 90 minutes) and practical, plus Idaho Jurisprudence exam. Passing score is 75%. Starting July 1, 2026 (HB 514), students may sit for exams at 80% completion.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete the required training hours (900 or 1,500 depending on license type)
- Register for exams through Prov ($208 total) and pass all three
- Apply through DOPL Online Services and pay $50 ($25 application + $25 license)
Total: approximately $258. No temporary licenses are issued.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Biennial renewal at $25/year. No continuing education required. Reinstatement penalty is $35 for lapsed licenses.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Endorsement ($35) is available without examination. You must hold a current license and either meet Idaho’s training standards or have 1 year of practice in the last 3 years. For barbers, experience credit is 100 hours as a student or 200 hours as an apprentice per 6 months of practice. For barber-stylists, credit is 200/400 hours per 6 months.
Military Provisions
Expedited processing within 15 business days, no exam or fee for military endorsement, and license protection during service plus 6 months post-discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a barber and barber-stylist license in Idaho?
A barber license (900 hours) covers cutting, shaving, and styling. A barber-stylist license (1,500 hours) adds chemical services like coloring, permanent waving, and straightening. If you want to offer hair color and chemical treatments, you need the barber-stylist license.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Idaho?
Approximately $258: $208 in exam fees and $50 in board fees.
Can a cosmetologist become a barber in Idaho?
Yes, with just 100 additional hours of barber instruction. This is one of the shortest crossover requirements in the country.
Does Idaho require continuing education for barbers?
No. Idaho requires no CE for barber license renewal.
Can I transfer my barber license to Idaho?
Yes. Endorsement ($35) without examination is available for licensees with a current license and equivalent training or 1 year of practice.
Official Resources
- Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board (official website)
- Online License Application Portal (eDOPL)
- Prov, Inc. (exam registration)
- Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 58
- Board Contact: (208) 334-3233 | bcb@dopl.idaho.gov
- Board Address: 11341 W. Chinden Blvd., Building 4, Boise, ID 83714