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Apply for Licensure by Endorsement - Barbers

Important:
Do not apply for licensure until the Maryland Board has confirmed receipt of Step 2 below.

All application fees are non-refundable.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for licensure by endorsement in Maryland, applicants must:

  • Hold a current barber license from another U.S. state.
  • Provide certification that their license is in good standing and was issued under standards equivalent to those required in Maryland.
  • Submit proof of notarized work experience (requirements may vary by state).

Applicants meeting these requirements may be granted a waiver of the theory and practical examinations.

Note: Certifications documents are only valid if sent directly from the issuing state board to the Maryland Board.

Application process

Step 1:
Contact the state where you originally trained and took both the practical and theory exams. Request that a certification of licensure be sent directly to the Maryland Board. Your certification letter must include:
  • Your full name and address
  • License type(s) (if more than one was obtained)
  • Original license issue and expiration dates
  • Language of exam or use of an interpreter
  • Program clock hours
Step 2:
Once you have confirmation that the certification has been sent, email the following to: Barbers.cos@maryland.gov.
  • Your full name
  • Mailing address
  • License number
  • State you are transferring from

After the Maryland Board receives your certification, they will review your qualifications. If you are eligible, you will receive instructions on how to proceed with the online application for licensure.

Once your certification is received, the Board will notify you via email regarding your eligibility.

Note: If your original license (from the state where you tested) is expired, you must still obtain certification from that state in addition to the state where your license is currently active. This means two certifications are required.

License Term

Licenses are valid for a two-year period from the date of issuance.

Additional Instructions

Applicants from Foreign Countries:

All Foreign Country applicants must pass both the theory and practical exams in Maryland. Please email the following to Barbers.cos@maryland.gov

  • An original copy of your transcript
  • A translated version if not in English
Note: A transcript must show detailed clock hours and topics covered. A diploma or certificate of completion is not acceptable.
  • Your current mailing address

Out of State applications (Not Yet Licensed):

If you have completed cosmetology schooling but are not licensed in your state, and wish to test in Maryland, email the following to: Barbers.cos@maryland.gov

  • An original official transcript (must have school seal)
  • Your mailing address

If your Maryland Barber School is Closed:

  • If you attended a closed Maryland Barber School, contact the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) at 410-767-3300 for your transcript.
  • If you completed a barbering program through a Maryland Public High School, contact the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) at 410-767-0100.

Email your transcipt and mailing address to Barbers.cos@maryland.gov.

States That Do Not Qualify for Endorsement

Applicants from the following states must take both the Maryland theory and practical exams in Maryland
No exceptions.:
  • Alaska
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • New Jersey (does not issue a Barber license)
  • New York