Indiana licenses barbers through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) under the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. You need an Indiana barber license to legally perform hair cutting, trimming, shaving, beard grooming, and other barbering services for compensation anywhere in Indiana.
Indiana requires 1,500 hours of approved training plus a written exam administered by PSI. The total cost including exam and application is approximately $84. Most people complete the full process in 10 to 14 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Indiana Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Barber |
| Governing Agency | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA), State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old (or 17 with high school diploma) |
| Education Prerequisite | None specified (high school diploma required if under 18) |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a PLA-approved beauty culture school |
| State Board Exam | Written exam (administered by PSI) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fee | $44 (paid to PSI) |
| Application Fee | $40 (paid to PLA) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 4 years (expires September 1) |
| Renewal Fee | $40 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | MyLicense Indiana |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To pursue a barber license in Indiana, you must be at least 18 years old, or at least 17 years old and a graduate of an accredited high school or equivalent. Indiana does not have a residency requirement for licensure.
If you are deciding between barbering and cosmetology, Indiana requires 1,500 hours for both licenses. Barbering focuses on hair cutting, shaving, and beard services, while cosmetology covers hair, skin, and nails. For a full comparison, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License guide.
Step 2: Complete 1,500 Hours at a PLA-Approved School
You must complete 1,500 clock hours of instruction at a barber or beauty culture school licensed by the Indiana PLA. The curriculum covers hair cutting, trimming, and tapering, shaving and beard grooming, shampooing and scalp treatments, hair coloring and chemical services, sanitation and safety protocols, and Indiana laws and regulations governing the profession.
Most full-time programs take 10 to 12 months to complete. Part-time schedules extend the timeline to 18 to 24 months. Tuition varies by school, typically ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 depending on the institution and what is included in the program.
When choosing a school, verify it holds current PLA approval. Your school will issue you documentation of completed hours and submit your education verification to the PLA.
Note: Indiana does not allow apprenticeships for barber licensure. All training must be completed at a licensed beauty culture school. However, Indiana does accept Department of Labor registered apprenticeship programs. If you completed such a program, you can provide your apprentice number and certificate of completion with your application.
Indiana’s 1,500-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 Exam
After completing your training hours, your school will submit your education verification to the PLA. You will then receive authorization to schedule your written exam through PSI, Indiana’s third-party testing provider.
The written exam consists of 100 general questions, 10 state-specific questions covering Indiana laws and regulations, and 10 experimental (unscored) questions. You have 90 to 120 minutes to complete it. A score of 75% or better is required to pass. You receive your score immediately on screen at the testing center.
The exam covers sanitation and infection control, hair cutting and styling techniques, shaving and facial hair grooming, chemical services, and Indiana state laws and regulations. Study materials referenced in the exam are listed in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.
The exam fee is $44, paid directly to PSI when you schedule your appointment. The exam is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese. Written exams are offered at PSI testing centers and various Ivy Tech campuses throughout Indiana, including Anderson, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Goshen, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Muncie, Richmond, South Bend, Terre Haute, and Valparaiso.
After registration, you have one year to take and pass the exam. You can retake it as many times as needed within that year. If you don’t pass within the one-year period, you must have your education records resubmitted by your school and pay another exam fee.
Important: Complete all requirements within one year of filing your application. Applications not completed within this period are considered abandoned, and you must start over as a new applicant.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
Once you have passed the written exam, apply for your barber license through the MyLicense Indiana portal. The application fee is $40, paid by credit or debit card.
You will need to upload your PSI exam pass notice, your Beauty Culture Education Certification form (completed by your school), and any name change documentation if your name differs from your school records.
If you have any criminal convictions, you must include a detailed statement explaining each violation along with copies of court documents showing the disposition. Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and do not automatically disqualify you from licensure.
The PLA typically processes complete applications within 2 to 4 weeks. Once approved, you can print your license from your MyLicense account.
License Renewal
Indiana barber licenses expire every four years on September 1. The PLA sends renewal notices approximately 90 days before your expiration date to the email address on file. The renewal fee is $40.
You can renew online through the MyLicense Indiana portal or by mail.
Indiana does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. This is one of the simpler renewal processes in the country. You simply pay the renewal fee and confirm your information is current.
If your license expires, you can still renew with additional fees. Late renewal within 3 years of expiration incurs a $50 late fee on top of the $40 renewal fee. If your license has been expired for more than 3 years, you must apply for reinstatement, pay an $80 reinstatement fee, and will be required to retake the practical examination.
Transferring an Out-of-State Barber License to Indiana
Indiana offers license reciprocity for barbers licensed in other states. To qualify, your original state must have substantially equivalent requirements to Indiana (1,500 training hours and written and practical exams with at least 70% passing scores).
If your original state required fewer than 1,500 hours, Indiana may approve your application based on a combination of education hours plus work experience. One year of licensed practice equals 100 hours of education credit, but you must have completed a minimum of 1,000 hours of education to be eligible.
To apply by reciprocity, submit your application through the MyLicense Indiana portal with the $40 application fee. You must also provide official license verification sent directly from your current state’s licensing board (a copy of your license is not accepted).
If your original state did not require a practical exam, you may be required to pass a practical exam in Indiana. All reciprocity applicants should be prepared to demonstrate knowledge of Indiana laws and regulations.
If your original state does not meet Indiana’s minimum reciprocity requirements, you may transfer your hours from your out-of-state school to an Indiana beauty culture school, complete any remaining required hours, then apply by examination.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Indiana provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants through the PLA’s Military Experience program. Benefits include expedited application processing, potential fee waivers, and acceptance of military training toward licensing requirements where applicable.
Military spouses who hold a valid barber license from another state may qualify for expedited reciprocity processing. Contact the PLA directly at (317) 234-3031 or visit the PLA Military Experience page for specific accommodations.
What Can You Do with an Indiana Barber License?
An Indiana barber license authorizes you to perform all hair cutting, trimming, and tapering services, shaving and beard grooming (including straight razor shaves), shampooing and scalp treatments, hair coloring and chemical services, and styling and finishing services.
Barbers in Indiana must work in a licensed barbershop or beauty culture establishment. If you want to open your own shop, you will need a separate salon/shop license from the PLA. Mobile services are also permitted, but the mobile unit must be registered with the PLA.
Barber vs Cosmetologist scope in Indiana: Both licenses require 1,500 hours. The primary difference is that barbering emphasizes razor shaving and men’s grooming, while cosmetology includes skincare and nail services. If you want the broadest scope of practice, a cosmetology license covers more services. If you want to focus on traditional barbershop services including straight razor shaves, the barber license is the appropriate credential.
Indiana Barber Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), barbers nationwide earn a median hourly wage of $18.73 ($38,960 annually). The lowest 10% earn less than $13.35 per hour, while the highest 10% earn more than $37.71 per hour.
In Indiana specifically, barbers earn an average of approximately $32,120 per year ($15.44 per hour) according to state-level data, with the top 10% earning around $47,630 or more. Actual earnings vary significantly by location, experience level, and clientele. Barbers in metropolitan areas like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville typically earn more than those in rural areas.
Tips can significantly increase a barber’s income, often adding 15% to 25% on top of base pay. Many experienced barbers work as independent contractors through booth rental arrangements, which can increase earning potential for those with an established client base.
Employment for barbers is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Indiana specifically shows strong projected growth of 18% for barber careers, well above the national average.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Indiana?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 14 months. A full-time 1,500-hour training program typically takes 10 to 12 months. After graduating, allow 2 to 4 weeks for exam scheduling and license processing. Part-time students may take 18 to 24 months to complete their training hours.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Indiana?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $84: a $44 exam fee paid to PSI and a $40 application fee paid to the PLA. Tuition at Indiana barber schools typically ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 depending on the program.
Does Indiana require a practical exam for barbers?
Indiana requires a written exam through PSI for initial licensure. Some sources indicate a practical exam may also be required. Contact the PLA directly to confirm current exam requirements, as these can change. If you are transferring from a state that did not require a practical exam, you may need to pass one in Indiana.
Does Indiana require continuing education to renew a barber license?
No. Indiana does not require any continuing education hours for barber license renewal. You simply pay the $40 renewal fee every four years. This is one of the simplest renewal processes in the country.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Indiana?
Yes, through reciprocity. Your original state must have substantially equivalent requirements (1,500 hours and exams with 70% passing scores). If your state required fewer hours, you may qualify based on a combination of education hours plus licensed work experience (1 year = 100 hours credit, minimum 1,000 hours education). You must provide official license verification from your current state.
Does Indiana offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbering?
Traditional apprenticeships are not available in Indiana. However, Indiana does accept Department of Labor registered apprenticeship programs. If you completed such a program, you can provide your apprentice number and certificate of completion with your application.
What is the difference between a barber and a cosmetologist in Indiana?
Both licenses require 1,500 hours in Indiana. Barbers specialize in hair cutting, shaving, and beard grooming, with emphasis on men’s services. Cosmetologists are trained in hair, skin, and nails, covering a broader scope including facials and nail services. If you want to offer straight razor shaves and focus on traditional barbershop services, get a barber license. If you want maximum flexibility, a cosmetology license covers more services.
How do I check the status of my Indiana barber license?
Use the free Search and Verify tool on the Indiana PLA website. You can look up any licensed barber by name or license number to confirm their license status and expiration date.
For a comparison of barber licensing requirements across all states, including training hours, exam formats, fees, and reciprocity rules, see our complete barber license guide.
Official Resources
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA)
State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Indiana Government Center South, Room W072
402 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 234-3031
Fax: (317) 233-4236
Email: pla12@pla.in.gov
Website: in.gov/pla/professions/cosmetology-and-barber-home
Apply for a Barber License:
MyLicense Indiana Portal
Licensing Requirements and Forms:
PLA Cosmetology & Barber Licensing Information
Exam Information (PSI Testing):
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin – Indiana
License Verification:
Indiana License Search and Verify
Military Experience Accommodations:
PLA Military Experience