Washington licenses barbers through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), Cosmetology Program. You need a Washington barber license to legally perform hair cutting, trimming, shaving, and beard grooming services for compensation anywhere in Washington state. Unlike most states, Washington does not have a separate barber board — the DOL administers all cosmetology-related licenses directly.
Washington requires 1,000 hours of approved training (or an apprenticeship) plus written and practical NIC exams administered through D.L. Roope Administrations. The license application fee is $35. Most people complete the full process in 7 to 10 months through a school program. Here is exactly how to do it.
Washington Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), Cosmetology Program |
| Statutory Authority | RCW Chapter 18.16; WAC Chapter 308-20 |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | Not specified by statute (schools typically require a high school diploma or GED) |
| Training Hours Required | 1,000 hours at a DOL-licensed school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 2,000 on-the-job training hours + 144 related supplemental instruction hours |
| State Board Exam | NIC written exam + NIC practical exam (administered by D.L. Roope Administrations) |
| Passing Score | 75 (scaled score on both exams) |
| Exam Fees | Written: ~$180 | Practical: ~$114 (paid to D.L. Roope) |
| License Application Fee | $35 (paid to DOL) |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$329 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $66 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | SecureAccess Washington (SAW) Portal |
Recent Changes to Washington Barber Licensing
HB 1874: Textured Hair Training (Effective March 1, 2026): Washington now requires all barber school curricula to include training on the care, styling, and treatment of textured hair. The training covers techniques for cutting, styling, and chemically treating textured hair; products and tools designed for textured hair; best practices for hair health and scalp care; and cultural competency and historical education. Schools must submit updated curricula with their first renewal after March 1, 2026.
HB 1017: Expedited Exam Eligibility (Effective July 23, 2023): Barber students may now sit for their licensing exams within 100 hours of completing the required training hours, rather than waiting until all hours are finished. The license itself is not issued until all hours are complete, but this change reduces the gap between finishing school and taking exams.
Professional License Review Act (2025-2026): The DOL is conducting a 10-year review of cosmetology licensing, including barber licenses. Virtual listening sessions were held in December 2025 and a report to the legislature is due August 31, 2026. This review may result in changes to training hours, fees, or other requirements.
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Under RCW 18.16.100, you must be at least 17 years old to obtain a Washington barber license. The statute does not mandate a high school diploma or GED, although individual schools may require one for enrollment. There is no citizenship or residency requirement.
Washington does not automatically disqualify applicants based on criminal history. If you have a criminal conviction and want to determine your eligibility before enrolling in school, you can submit a Professional License Criminal Conviction Screening Request through the DOL. This pre-screening gives you a preliminary determination before you invest in training.
If you are deciding between a barber license and a cosmetology license, note that Washington barbers cannot perform chemical services such as hair coloring or permanent waving. Cosmetologists (1,600 hours) and hair designers (1,400 hours) have broader scopes of practice. For a full comparison, see our barber vs. cosmetology license guide.
Step 2: Complete 1,000 Hours at a DOL-Licensed School
You must complete 1,000 clock hours of instruction at a cosmetology school licensed by the Washington DOL. Under WAC 308-20-080(3), the barbering curriculum must include:
- Theory of barbering practice
- Shampooing and hair analysis
- Hair cutting and trimming with various tools (shears, clippers, razors)
- Styling and finishing techniques
- Facial hair services (shaving, mustache and beard design)
- Artificial hair application
- Workstation disinfection and sanitation
- Disease and disorder recognition
- Safety protocols
- First aid specific to barbering
- Textured hair care, styling, and treatment (required as of March 1, 2026)
Not all training may be completed on mannequins — hands-on practice with clients is required. Schools must maintain instructor-to-student ratios of no more than 20 students per instructor. Up to 50% of approved coursework may be delivered through an approved electronic learning environment (WAC 308-20-010(9)), though practical skills must be completed in person.
Most full-time programs take 6 to 8 months to complete. Part-time schedules extend the timeline to 9 to 12 months.
Apprenticeship Pathway
Washington offers a barber apprenticeship as an alternative to school-based training. This pathway requires 2,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) plus 144 hours of related supplemental instruction (RSI). Apprentices train in approved salons under direct supervision of journey-level trainers who have held a current barber license for at least 3 consecutive years.
The apprenticeship salon must be certified by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council and the DOL. Apprentices earn wages during training and cannot be charged for the training itself. Monthly reports documenting hours and activities must be signed by the trainer and submitted to the DOL. For more information, contact the Department of Labor & Industries at 360-902-5320 or email apprentice@lni.wa.gov.
Crossover Training
Per RCW 18.16.100(2), if you already hold a Washington cosmetology, hair designer, or other cosmetology-related license, you may qualify for a barber license by completing a crossover training course and passing the barber examination, rather than completing the full 1,000-hour curriculum. Contact the DOL at 360-664-6651 for specific crossover hour requirements.
Washington’s 1,000-hour barber requirement is near the national average. See how all states compare in our barber license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Exams
After completing your training hours (or within 100 hours of completion per HB 1017), you must pass both a written exam and a practical exam. Washington uses the National-Interstate Council (NIC) examinations administered by D.L. Roope Administrations — not PSI, which many other states use.
How to register:
- Register for exams online at dlroope.com and pay with a credit card, or mail a paper application with a check
- An electronic registration fee applies for online applications
- Schedule your exams at an approved testing location — written exams are administered at ISO Quality Testing (IQT) centers, and practical exams are held in Fife, Spokane, and Yakima
- View available testing dates at isoqualitytesting.com
Written exam: The computerized written exam is 90 minutes and covers barbering theory, scientific concepts, safety and sanitation, Washington laws and rules, and professional practices. A passing scaled score of 75 is required.
Practical exam: The hands-on practical exam tests your barbering skills including cutting, trimming, shaving, and styling techniques. The exam takes approximately 3 hours. You must bring your own mannequin and supplies as specified in the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB). Only disinfecting wipes are permitted — spray disinfectants are not allowed. Practical exams are held in Fife, Spokane, and Yakima.
Exam fees: The written exam fee is approximately $180 and the practical exam fee is approximately $114, paid directly to D.L. Roope.
Retake policy: If you fail either exam, you may retake only the portion you failed. You may test no more than once per day (per WAC 308-20-122). Retake fees apply. To reschedule or cancel without forfeiting your fee, notify D.L. Roope at least three business days before your scheduled exam date.
Score validity: Examination results expire 3 years from the test date. Results older than 3 years cannot be used toward initial licensure (per WAC 308-20-120).
Step 4: Apply for Your Washington Barber License
Once you have passed both exams and completed all required training hours, apply for your barber license through one of two methods:
- Online (recommended): Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW) and complete the barber license application. Online applications are processed faster.
- By mail: Complete the Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Barber, Manicurist, Esthetician, or Master Esthetician License Application form (available on the DOL forms page) and mail it with a check or money order for $35 payable to Department of Licensing.
License application fee: $35. Online payments accepted via Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.
Mail applications to: Cosmetology Program, Department of Licensing, PO Box 3856, Seattle, WA 98124-3856.
Washington Barber License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| NIC Written Exam | ~$180 [VERIFY] | D.L. Roope Administrations |
| NIC Practical Exam | ~$114 [VERIFY] | D.L. Roope Administrations |
| License Application | $35 | DOL |
| Estimated Total Initial Cost | ~$329 [VERIFY] | |
| Biennial Renewal | $66 | DOL |
| Late Renewal Penalty | $131 (renewal + late fee) | DOL |
| Reciprocity Application | $60 | DOL |
| License Print Fee | $5 | DOL |
All DOL fees are established by WAC 308-20-210 and are subject to change. View the current DOL fee schedule for the most up-to-date amounts.
License Renewal
Washington barber licenses expire every two years. The renewal window opens 120 days before your expiration date.
- Renew online through SecureAccess Washington or by mail
- Pay the $66 renewal fee
- No continuing education is required
Washington does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. You simply pay the renewal fee and complete the online renewal attestation.
Late renewal: If you renew after your expiration date, you must pay the $66 renewal fee plus a $65 late renewal penalty ($131 total).
Expired licenses: If your license remains unrenewed for more than one year after expiration, it is cancelled. You must reapply as a new applicant, pass both the written and practical exams again, and pay current license fees.
Inactive status: Licensees in good standing may request inactive status by submitting a notarized request and paying the duplicate license fee. Inactive status can be extended in 2-year increments for a maximum of 6 consecutive years. Failure to renew or extend results in cancellation (per RCW 18.16.290).
Transferring an Out-of-State Barber License to Washington
Washington offers license reciprocity for barbers licensed in other states, territories, or foreign countries under RCW 18.16.130 and WAC 308-20-115. To qualify, you must hold a current, active barber license in good standing and have obtained your original license by passing both a practical and written examination.
Reciprocity application process:
- Contact the state that originally issued your license and request that they send a certification of your active license directly to the Washington DOL
- Complete the barber license application form and check the “reciprocity” box
- Submit the application with a $60 reciprocity fee to the DOL by mail or online through SecureAccess Washington
No additional training required: Washington does not require reciprocity applicants to complete additional training hours if they hold a current license in good standing and passed approved exams.
If your home state used a different exam: The DOL director determines whether your state’s examination qualifies. Contact the DOL at 360-664-6626 to confirm before applying.
If you obtained your original license without exams: If you were licensed through a grandfather clause or a pathway that did not include written and practical exams, you may need to pass the Washington NIC exams before licensure. The DOL evaluates each reciprocity application individually.
If you are considering transferring to other states, see our barber license guides for California, Texas, and Arizona.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Washington provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants under RCW 18.340:
Expedited Processing: The DOL must issue barber licenses within 30 days of receiving a completed application from military spouses relocating to Washington due to military orders.
Temporary License Option: Military spouses who hold an active barber license in another state may receive a temporary license valid for at least 180 days while completing any Washington-specific requirements. Applicants must affirm no pending investigations or disciplinary actions.
Military Training Credit: Under RCW 18.16.300, the DOL recognizes military training and experience toward barber licensing requirements. If you received barbering training through the military, contact the DOL at 360-664-6626 to determine how your training applies.
SCRA License Portability: Under the 2023 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), military spouses with professional licenses may practice in their new state of residence under certain conditions. Each military branch reimburses spouses up to $1,000 for relocation-related licensing costs.
VA Education Benefits: Military veterans may qualify for fee reimbursement through VA education benefits for barber training programs.
What Can You Do with a Washington Barber License?
Under RCW 18.16.020, a Washington barber license authorizes you to perform the following services:
- Hair cutting, trimming, and tapering
- Shampooing and hair analysis
- Hair arranging, dressing, curling, and styling
- Shaving of the face and neck
- Mustache and beard design and grooming
- Artificial hair application
Important scope limitation: A Washington barber license does not authorize chemical services such as hair coloring, bleaching, permanent waving, or chemical relaxing. This is a significant difference from many other states where barbers can perform chemical services. If you want to offer chemical hair services, you need a cosmetology license (1,600 hours) or a hair designer license (1,400 hours).
Barbers in Washington must work in a licensed establishment. If you want to open your own barbershop, you need a separate salon/shop license from the DOL ($121 application fee).
Services that do NOT require a barber license in Washington:
- Threading services using only thread for hair removal
- Braiding, weaving, or locking hair without applying dyes or chemicals that alter hair color or structure
Related License Options in Washington
| License Type | School Hours | Apprenticeship (OJT + RSI) | Key Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | 1,000 hours | 2,000 + 144 hours | Hair cutting, styling, shaving, beard design (no chemicals) |
| Hair Designer | 1,400 hours | 2,000 + 144 hours | Hair services including chemicals (no skin, nails, or shaving) |
| Cosmetologist | 1,600 hours | 3,000 + 244 hours | Hair (including chemicals), limited skin, limited nails |
| Manicurist | 600 hours | 2,000 + 144 hours | Full nail services including artificial nails |
| Esthetician | 750 hours | 2,000 + 144 hours | Skin care, hair removal, lash/brow services |
Washington Barber Salary and Career Outlook
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, barbers in Washington typically earn above the national median due to the state’s higher cost of living and minimum wage. The Seattle-Tacoma metro area and resort communities tend to offer the highest wages. Tips typically add 15-25% to base earnings, so actual take-home pay is often higher than reported figures. Barbershop owners and experienced barbers with established clienteles typically earn considerably more than median rates.
Employment for barbers is projected to grow steadily. Washington’s accessible licensing requirements and strong demand for barbering services, particularly in the Puget Sound region, make it a favorable state for starting a barbering career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a barber license in Washington?
Most people complete the process in 7 to 10 months. A full-time 1,000-hour training program typically takes 6 to 8 months. The apprenticeship pathway (2,000 OJT hours plus 144 RSI hours) takes approximately 12 to 18 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 6 weeks depending on whether you apply online or by mail.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in Washington?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $329: roughly $294 in exam fees paid to D.L. Roope Administrations, and a $35 application fee paid to the DOL. Exam fees should be confirmed directly with D.L. Roope at 1-888-375-2020, as they are not publicly listed on their website.
Does Washington require continuing education for barbers?
No. Washington does not require continuing education for barber license renewal. You renew every two years by paying the $66 renewal fee with no CE hours needed.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Washington?
Yes, through the reciprocity process ($60 fee). You must hold a current, active barber license in good standing from another state and provide proof of passing an approved examination. Washington does not require additional training hours for reciprocity applicants. Contact the DOL at 360-664-6626 to confirm your exam qualifies before applying.
Can Washington barbers do hair coloring or chemical services?
No. A Washington barber license does not authorize chemical services such as hair coloring, bleaching, permanent waving, or chemical relaxing. If you want to offer chemical services, you need a cosmetology license (1,600 hours) or a hair designer license (1,400 hours). This is a significant difference from many other states where barbers can perform chemical services.
Does Washington offer an apprenticeship pathway for barbering?
Yes. Washington offers a barber apprenticeship as an alternative to school. It requires 2,000 hours of on-the-job training in an approved salon plus 144 hours of related supplemental instruction. Apprentices earn wages during training and are supervised by journey-level trainers with at least 3 years of licensed experience. The salon must be approved by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
What is the difference between a barber and a cosmetologist in Washington?
Washington barbers (1,000 school hours) can perform hair cutting, styling, shaving, and beard grooming but cannot do chemical services. Cosmetologists (1,600 school hours) can perform hair services including chemical services, plus limited skin and nail services. If you want to offer straight razor shaves and focus on traditional barbershop services, get a barber license. If you want chemical services or a broader scope, a cosmetology license is the better choice.
How do I check the status of my Washington barber license?
Use the license verification tool on the SecureAccess Washington portal. You can search for any licensed professional by name or license number.
For a comparison of barber licensing requirements across all states, see our complete barber license guide.
Official Resources
- Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology Program (official website)
- Online License Application and Renewal (SecureAccess Washington portal)
- D.L. Roope Administrations — Washington Exam Information (exam registration — call 1-888-375-2020)
- DOL Cosmetology Fee Schedule
- Application Forms
- Washington Cosmetology Laws and Rules (RCW 18.16, WAC 308-20)
- Contact: DOL Cosmetology Program | 360-664-6626 | DOLCosmo@dol.wa.gov
- Mailing Address: Cosmetology Program, Department of Licensing, PO Box 3856, Seattle, WA 98124-3856