Maryland licenses estheticians through the Board of Cosmetologists, which operates under the Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The official license title is Limited Esthetician. You need a Maryland esthetician license to perform facials, skincare treatments, waxing, makeup application, eyelash extensions, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Maryland requires 600 hours of approved training (or 12 months as a registered apprentice) plus written and practical exams administered through PSI Services. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $105. Most people complete the full process in 5 to 8 months. Here is exactly how to get your Maryland esthetician license.
Recent Legislation Affecting Maryland Esthetician Licensing
HB 1600: Continuing Education Requirement (Effective January 1, 2026): Maryland now requires estheticians to complete 6 hours of approved continuing education per renewal cycle. Two hours must cover health, safety, welfare, sanitation, or Board laws and regulations. The remaining 4 hours are electives within the esthetician scope of practice.
HB 1547: Domestic Violence Awareness Training (Effective January 1, 2026): All applicants for initial licensure and license renewal must complete a one-hour domestic violence awareness training. This is a one-time requirement.
HB 1223: Limited Eyelash Extension License (2025): Maryland authorized a new limited license specifically for eyelash extension technicians. As of January 1, 2026, individuals must hold a cosmetologist license, an esthetician license, or the new limited eyelash extension license to provide eyelash services. This means estheticians can continue performing eyelash extensions under their existing license.
Maryland Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Limited Esthetician |
| Governing Agency | Board of Cosmetologists, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor |
| Statutory Authority | Business Occupations and Professions Article, Title 5; COMAR Title 9, Subtitle 22 |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old (16 for apprenticeship) |
| Education Prerequisite | 9th grade completion or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours at an approved cosmetology school OR 12 months as a registered apprentice |
| Licensing Exam | Written (theory) + Practical exams (PSI Services) |
| Exam Fee | Both exams: $77 | Individual exam: $47 each |
| License Application Fee | $28 |
| Total Initial Cost (state fees) | Approximately $105 (excluding tuition) |
| License Term | 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $28 |
| Continuing Education | 6 hours per renewal cycle (effective January 1, 2026) |
| Apply Online | Maryland Electronic Licensing System |
| Board Website | labor.maryland.gov/license/cos |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To pursue an esthetician license in Maryland, you must be at least 17 years old and have completed 9th grade or a GED equivalent. Apprentices may begin at age 16. Effective January 1, 2026, all initial applicants must also complete a one-hour domestic violence awareness training (one-time requirement per HB 1547).
Maryland does not automatically disqualify applicants based on criminal history. The Board evaluates each application on a case-by-case basis.
Step 2: Complete Your Education
You must complete at least 600 hours of esthetics training at a cosmetology school approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) or the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) in consultation with the Board. Maryland does not specify a detailed hour breakdown by subject as some states do, but the curriculum must cover all aspects of esthetics practice.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 6 months. Part-time students should expect 6 to 10 months depending on the school’s schedule.
Apprenticeship Alternative (12 Months): Maryland offers a 12-month apprenticeship pathway in a licensed beauty salon. Apprentices must train under a Senior Cosmetologist or a Licensed Esthetician with at least 2 years of experience, maintain at least 20 hours per week of training, and submit monthly training reports to the Board. The apprentice license fee is $11, and one 1-year renewal is permitted if renewed on time.
At 600 hours, Maryland’s requirement is average nationally. See where all states fall in our esthetician hours by state comparison chart.
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exams
After completing your 600 hours or apprenticeship, you must pass both a written (theory) exam and a practical exam administered by PSI Services.
How to register: Create an account at the PSI test-taker webpage and submit your application online. As of March 31, 2025, PSI no longer accepts applications by mail, fax, or email. The exam fee is $77 for both exams combined, or $47 for each exam individually. PSI registrars are available at (855) 898-0714.
Written (theory) exam: Computer-based, covering esthetics theory, safety, sanitation, infection control, skin science, anatomy, and Maryland laws and rules.
Practical exam: Hands-on demonstration of esthetician skills including facial treatments, skin care techniques, and waxing.
Passing score: 70% on each exam
Retake policy: Unlimited retakes allowed with no expiration on eligibility. However, both exam scores must be passed within two years of each other to be considered valid by the Board.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
After passing both exams, apply for your esthetician license through the Maryland Electronic Licensing System. The license application fee is $28. Processing typically takes 1 to 30 business days.
As of March 1, 2024, the Board no longer mails paper licenses. You will receive a PDF license via email and must print it yourself. You must affix a current photo to your license. You must be affiliated with a licensed salon to perform services.
Board correspondence: Maryland Board of Cosmetologists, 100 S. Charles Street, Tower I, Baltimore, MD 21201. Phone: (410) 230-6190. Email: barbers.cos@maryland.gov.
License Renewal
Maryland esthetician licenses must be renewed every two years. The Board mails renewal information approximately 60 days before expiration. The renewal fee is $28.
Continuing education (effective January 1, 2026): You must complete 6 hours of approved continuing education per renewal cycle before your license expires. At least 2 hours must cover health, safety, welfare, sanitation, or Board laws and regulations. The remaining 4 hours may be elective topics within the esthetician scope of practice. Approved CE providers include MHEC-approved private career schools, accredited colleges and universities, and cosmetology textbook publishers.
Late renewal: A $56 late fee is automatically assessed if your license has expired. If you fail to renew, you cannot legally practice.
Transferring Your License to Maryland
Maryland offers licensure by endorsement for estheticians licensed in other states. Eligible applicants may receive a waiver of the theory and practical examinations, subject to Board approval.
Requirements:
- Hold a current, active license in good standing from another U.S. state
- Have comparable licensing requirements to Maryland’s 600-hour standard
- Have your original state send official license verification directly to the Board at barbers.cos@maryland.gov
Process:
- Request your original licensing state send certification directly to the Maryland Board, including your full name, address, license type(s), dates, exam details, and program hours
- Email the Board at barbers.cos@maryland.gov with your name, address, license number, and transferring state
- Wait for Board confirmation before submitting your application and payment (all fees are nonrefundable)
Foreign-trained applicants: You must submit official transcripts with certified English translations and diploma/degree certificates for education evaluation.
Military Service Members and Spouses
Maryland provides licensing accommodations for military-connected individuals:
Expedited Processing: Maryland law requires the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing to issue licenses to military veterans and families within 60 days of receiving completed applications.
Temporary Work Permits: Military spouses who hold a license from another state may qualify for a temporary work permit while completing Maryland licensing requirements. Contact the Board at 410-230-6190 or barbers.cos@maryland.gov.
Eligible applicants: Veterans with honorable discharge, active-duty service members assigned to Maryland, spouses of service members or veterans, and surviving spouses. Required documentation includes DD Form 214 (veterans), military orders (active duty), or marriage certificate plus military documentation (spouses).
SCRA License Portability (2023): Under the amended Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, military spouses who relocate to Maryland may use their existing out-of-state license under certain conditions.
Scope of Practice
A Maryland esthetician license authorizes you to perform skin care services including facials, makeup application, waxing, eyelash extensions, and skin treatments using approved products and devices. The scope covers beautification of the face, neck, arms, and upper body.
Eyelash extensions: Estheticians may perform eyelash extensions under their existing license. Under the new HB 1223 (effective January 1, 2026), eyelash services require either a cosmetologist, esthetician, or the new limited eyelash extension technician license.
Limitations:
- Microblading/permanent makeup: The Board does not license microblading or permanent makeup. Cosmetic tattooing is prohibited in salons in Maryland
- Salon affiliation required: You must be affiliated with a licensed salon to perform services
- Hair and nail services: An esthetician license does not authorize you to perform hair services or nail services. For a broader scope of practice, consider a cosmetology license, which covers skin, hair, and nails
Maryland Esthetician License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written (Theory) Exam | $47 | PSI Services |
| Practical Exam | $47 | PSI Services |
| Both Exams (combined) | $77 | PSI Services |
| License Application | $28 | Board of Cosmetologists |
| Total Initial Cost | $105 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $28 | Board of Cosmetologists |
| Late Renewal | $56 | Board of Cosmetologists |
| Apprentice License | $11 | Board of Cosmetologists |
All fees are nonrefundable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in Maryland?
You need 600 hours of esthetics training at an approved cosmetology school. Alternatively, you can complete a 12-month apprenticeship in a licensed salon. Full-time students typically complete the school program in 4 to 6 months.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Maryland?
State fees total approximately $105: $77 for both exams paid to PSI Services and $28 for the license application paid to the Board. If you take exams separately, each costs $47 ($94 total). These costs do not include school tuition.
How often do I need to renew my esthetician license in Maryland?
Every two years. The renewal fee is $28. Effective January 1, 2026, you must also complete 6 hours of approved continuing education per renewal cycle.
Can I transfer my esthetician license from another state to Maryland?
Yes, through endorsement. You must hold a current, active license in good standing with comparable requirements to Maryland’s 600-hour standard. Your original state must send official verification directly to the Board. Eligible applicants may receive an exam waiver.
Can Maryland estheticians perform eyelash extensions?
Yes. Estheticians may perform eyelash extensions under their existing license. As of January 1, 2026, Maryland requires either a cosmetologist, esthetician, or limited eyelash extension technician license for eyelash services.
Does Maryland offer an apprenticeship pathway for estheticians?
Yes. Maryland offers a 12-month apprenticeship in a licensed beauty salon under a Senior Cosmetologist or a Licensed Esthetician with at least 2 years of experience. You must train at least 20 hours per week and submit monthly reports. The apprentice license costs $11.
Can I do microblading with a Maryland esthetician license?
No. The Board does not issue a license for microblading or permanent makeup. Cosmetic tattooing is prohibited in salons in Maryland.
For a comparison of esthetician licensing requirements across all states, including training hours, exam formats, fees, and reciprocity rules, see our complete esthetician licensing guide.
Official Resources
- Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (official website)
- Online License Application (Electronic Licensing System)
- Forms and Fee Schedule
- Endorsement (Reciprocity) Information
- Continuing Education Information
- Apprenticeship Information
- PSI Services (exam registration) | Phone: (855) 898-0714
- Board Contact: Maryland Board of Cosmetologists | 100 S. Charles Street, Tower I, Baltimore, MD 21201 | Phone: (410) 230-6190 | Email: barbers.cos@maryland.gov