Montana licenses barbers through the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists under the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Business Standards Division. You need a Montana barber license to perform hair cutting, shaving, and chemical hair services for compensation.
Montana requires 1,100 training hours for a full barber license plus NIC exams administered by Prov. Montana also offers a Barber-Nonchemical license at 900 hours for those who want to perform cutting and shaving only. A new 2025 law (HB 336) added apprenticeship pathways. No CE is required. Total initial cost is approximately $249. Here is exactly how to get your Montana barber license.
Montana Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (DLI, Business Standards Division) |
| Statutory Authority | MCA Title 37, Chapter 31; ARM Title 24, Chapter 121 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 1,100 hours (Barber) or 900 hours (Barber-Nonchemical) |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 2,200 hours for Barber (effective October 1, 2025 under HB 336) |
| Exam Required | NIC Written + Practical (Prov) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fees | ~$169 (Prov) |
| Application/License Fee | $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$249 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (January 2 – March 1) |
| Renewal Fee | $80 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | Montana eBiz Licensing Portal |
| Board Website | boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/barber-and-cosmetologists |
Education & Training Requirements
Montana offers two barber license tiers:
- Barber (1,100 hours): Full-scope license covering hair cutting, trimming, shaving, beard grooming, shampooing, styling, and chemical hair services (coloring, perming, relaxing).
- Barber-Nonchemical (900 hours): Hair cutting, trimming, shaving, beard grooming, shampooing, and styling — no chemical services.
Both programs must be completed at a licensed barber school. Full-time students typically complete the barber program in 7 to 10 months and the barber-nonchemical program in 6 to 8 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: 2,200 hours under a licensed barber for the full barber license (2:1 ratio to school hours). This pathway was established by HB 336 (effective October 1, 2025). Apprentices must register with the board before beginning training.
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, product chemistry, and Montana laws.
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills including haircutting, shaving, and styling.
Passing score: 75%. Register at Prov.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 1,100 hours of barber training (or 900 hours for Barber-Nonchemical)
- Register for NIC exams through Prov (~$169 total)
- Pass the written and practical exams
- Apply through the Montana eBiz portal ($80 application fee)
Total: approximately $249.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Montana barber licenses renew biennially. The renewal window is January 2 through March 1. Renewal fee: $80. No continuing education required. Late renewals incur additional fees. Licenses that lapse beyond the renewal period may require reinstatement.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Montana does not have formal reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state barbers apply through a credentialing process. You must provide proof of current licensure in good standing, documentation of training hours meeting Montana’s 1,100-hour requirement (or 900 for Barber-Nonchemical), and may need to pass NIC exams if not previously taken.
Military Provisions
Montana issues provisional licenses to military members and spouses holding valid licenses from other states under MCA 37-1-145 and 37-1-147. Military training and experience may be credited toward licensing qualifications. Active-duty members stationed in Montana and their spouses receive expedited processing.
Recent Legislative Changes
HB 336 (2025, effective October 1, 2025): Established apprenticeship pathways for all license types, including a 2,200-hour barber apprenticeship under a licensed barber.
HB 246 (2025): Expanded pathways for out-of-state licensed professionals to obtain Montana licensure, streamlining the credentialing process.
HB 353 (2023): Exempted hair braiding from cosmetology and barbering licensure requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need for a barber license in Montana?
1,100 hours for a full barber license or 900 hours for a Barber-Nonchemical license. A 2,200-hour apprenticeship for the full barber license is available starting October 1, 2025.
What is the difference between a Barber and Barber-Nonchemical license in Montana?
A Barber license (1,100 hours) allows hair cutting, shaving, grooming, and chemical services like coloring and perming. A Barber-Nonchemical license (900 hours) covers cutting, shaving, and grooming only — no chemical services.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Montana?
Approximately $249 total: ~$169 in exam fees (paid to Prov) and $80 in application fees (paid to the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists).
Does Montana require continuing education for barbers?
No. Montana does not require CE for barber license renewal.
Can a Montana barber do hair coloring?
Only with a full Barber license (1,100 hours). The Barber-Nonchemical license (900 hours) does not include chemical services. You could also obtain a Cosmetologist license (1,500 hours) for the broadest scope of practice.
Official Resources
- Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (official website)
- Montana eBiz Licensing Portal (online application)
- Prov Exam Registration
- Board Contact: (406) 444-6880 | DLIBSDHELP@MT.GOV
- Address: 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59620 (PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513)