Maine licenses barbers as Barber Hair Stylists through the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) under the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. Maine does not have a traditional barbering board — licensing is administered directly by the OPOR Director. You need a Maine Barber Hair Stylist license to perform hair cutting, trimming, and styling services for compensation.
Maine’s 2019 licensing overhaul (PL 2019 c. 373) eliminated the traditional full barber license and created the Barber Hair Stylist category — 800 hours with no chemical services. For barbers who want chemical services (coloring, perming), Maine offers the Hair Designer (1,200 hours) or Cosmetologist (1,500 hours) license instead. NIC exams are administered by Prov. No CE is required. Total initial cost is approximately $240. Here is exactly how to get your Maine barber license.
Maine Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Official License Title | Barber Hair Stylist |
| Governing Agency | OPOR (Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation) |
| Statutory Authority | Title 32, Chapter 126 (32 MRSA §14201 et seq.) |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in statute |
| Education Prerequisite | Not specified in statute |
| Training Hours Required | 800 hours at a licensed school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 1,600 hours |
| Scope of Practice | Hair cutting, trimming, shaving, styling — no chemical services |
| Exam Required | NIC Written + Practical (Prov) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fees | ~$190 (Prov) |
| Application/License Fees | ~$50 ($10 registration + $40 license) |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$240 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Annual (expires October 31) |
| Renewal Fee | $20 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | OPOR Barbering & Cosmetology |
| Board Website | maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing |
Recent Changes Affecting Maine Barber Licensing
PL 2019 c. 373 (effective September 2019): This major overhaul restructured all barbering licensing in Maine:
- Eliminated the traditional full Barber license — replaced with Barber Hair Stylist (800 hours, no chemical services)
- Created the Hair Designer license (1,200 hours) as a mid-level option that includes chemical services
- Eliminated the Board of Barbering — OPOR Director now administers licensing directly
- Repealed statutory minimum age and education prerequisites
- Established apprenticeship pathways at approximately 2x school hours
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 800 hours at a licensed barbering school. The Barber Hair Stylist curriculum covers hair cutting, trimming, tapering, shaving, beard grooming, shampooing, styling, and scalp treatments. Chemical services (coloring, perming, relaxing) are not within the Barber Hair Stylist scope.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 5 to 7 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: 1,600 hours under a licensed barber hair stylist, hair designer, or cosmetologist (2:1 ratio to school hours). Apprentices must register with OPOR before beginning.
Want chemical services? If you want to perform coloring, perming, or other chemical treatments, you need a Hair Designer license (1,200 hours) or Cosmetologist license (1,500 hours) instead.
For a comparison of barber licensing across all states, see our barber license guide and barber vs cosmetology comparison.
Exam Requirements
NIC Barber exams through Prov:
- Written Exam: Multiple-choice covering barbering theory, sanitation, anatomy, and Maine laws.
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills.
Passing score: 75%. Register at Prov.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 800 hours of barber training
- Register for NIC exams through Prov (~$190 total)
- Pass the written and practical exams
- Apply through OPOR ($10 registration + $40 license = $50)
Total: approximately $240.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Expires annually on October 31. Renewal fee: $20. No continuing education required. Late renewals incur additional fees. Lapsed licenses may require re-examination depending on the length of lapse.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Maine offers endorsement for barbers licensed in other states. Because Maine’s Barber Hair Stylist excludes chemical services, out-of-state barbers with full-scope licenses may be placed in the Barber Hair Stylist category or may qualify for a Hair Designer or Cosmetologist license depending on their training hours. You must provide proof of current licensure in good standing and documentation of training hours.
Military Provisions
Temporary license issued within 30 days for active-duty members or spouses holding a valid license from another state. Valid 180 days with one 180-day extension. Military training and experience credited toward licensing qualifications under Title 32, §14212.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maine still issue a traditional barber license?
No. Maine eliminated the full barber license in 2019. The current equivalent is the Barber Hair Stylist (800 hours), which covers cutting, shaving, and grooming but excludes chemical services. For chemical services, you need a Hair Designer (1,200 hours) or Cosmetologist (1,500 hours) license.
How many hours do I need for a barber license in Maine?
800 hours for a Barber Hair Stylist license, or a 1,600-hour apprenticeship. Full-time students complete training in about 5 to 7 months.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Maine?
Approximately $240 total: ~$190 in exam fees (paid to Prov) and ~$50 in application and license fees (paid to OPOR).
Can a Maine barber do hair coloring?
No. The Barber Hair Stylist license does not include chemical services. You need a Hair Designer (1,200 hours) or Cosmetologist (1,500 hours) license for coloring, perming, and other chemical treatments.
Does Maine require continuing education for barbers?
No. Maine does not require CE for any practitioner-level beauty license.
Official Resources
- Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) (official website)
- Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing
- Prov Exam Registration
- OPOR Contact: (207) 624-8603 | professionallicensing@maine.gov
- Address: 35 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333