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Apply for Licensure by Endorsement (Reciprocal) - Cosmetologists

Applicants applying for licensure by endorsement must:

  1. Hold a current, active license in good standing from another U.S. state, territory, or jurisdiction with comparable licensing requirements. 
  2. The issuing licensing authority must send official license verification, including any disciplinary history, directly to the Maryland Board; documents submitted by applicants are not accepted.

Eligible applicants may receive a waiver of the theory and practical examinations, subject to Board approval.

Application Process

Step 1:

Contact the state where you originally trained and completed both the practical and theory exams, and request that a License Certification be sent directly to barbers.cos@maryland.gov
The certificate must include your full name and address, license type(s), original issue and expiration dates, exam language or use of an interpreter, and program clock hours.
If your original license has expired, you must also obtain certification from that state in addition to your currently active state.

Step 2:

After the certification is sent, email barbers.cos@maryland.gov with your full name, mailing address, license number, and the state you are transferring from. The Board will notify you by email once your certification is received and reviewed.
DO NOT submit an application until you have received confirmation from the board. All application fees are non-refundable. ONLY applicants who have completed Step 1 and received a confirmation email with instructions after completing Step 2 may proceed to complete a Licensure by Endorsement Application

If you are unsure if the board has received your certification, please contact barbers.cos@maryland.gov for an update.

Closed Maryland School Transcripts

If you attended a closed Maryland cosmetology school, contact the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) at 410-767-3300.
If you completed training through a Maryland public high school, contact the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) at 410-767-0100.
Once obtained, the official transcript must be emailed directly to barbers.cos@maryland.gov along with the applicant’s current mailing address.

Out-of-State Applicants (Not Yet Licensed)

Applicants who completed required training outside Maryland but are not yet licensed must have their education evaluated before being authorized to take the Maryland theory and practical exams.
The training institution must email the following to barbers.cos@maryland.gov:

  • Official academic records or transcripts with the school’s official seal (unofficial transcripts are not accepted)
  • Applicant’s email address
  • Applicant’s current mailing address

Approval letters will be sent via email. If the applicant has had a name change, proof of the name change must be included.

Applicants with foreign training (outside the United States)

All foreign-trained applicants must have their education evaluated before authorization for theory and practical testing in Maryland.
Submit the following to barbers.cos@maryland.gov: (Incomplete submissions will delay processing.)

  • Official academic records or transcripts sent directly from the institution (unofficial copies are not accepted)
  • Transcripts or records showing courses, hours/credits, and grades on official letterhead; include program descriptions if hours/credits are not listed
  • Diploma or degree certificate in the original language, or a written statement if no degree was earned
  • Certified, line-by-line English translations for all non-English documents
  • Current mailing address for approval and instructions (approval letters are sent by email)

If your name has changed, include proof of the name change. Incomplete submissions will delay processing.
For information on licensing requirements and examination refer to Statute §5–304 , COMAR 09.22.01.11