Apply for Licensure by Endorsement (Reciprocal) - Cosmetologists

Applicants seeking licensure by endorsement must meet the following requirements:

Active License: Hold a current, active professional license in good standing issued by another U.S. state, territory, or jurisdiction. The license must be comparable in scope and requirements to the license being applied for.
Verification of Licensure: Request that the issuing licensing authority submit an official certification of licensure (also known as license verification) directly to the Maryland Board. This certification must confirm the status of the license and include any relevant disciplinary history.

Certification documents are only considered valid if they are sent directly from the issuing state board to the Maryland Board.

Applicants who meet these requirements may be granted a waiver of the theory and practical examinations, subject to approval by the Board.

Application Process

Step 1:
Contact the state where you originally trained and took both the practical and theory exams. Request that a License Certification be sent directly to the Maryland Board:
Barbers.cos@maryland.gov.

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

If your original license (the state where you tested) 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.

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

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

Note Applicants who have completed Step 1 and have received instruction after completing Step 2 may Apply for Licensure by Endorsement

Application fees are non-refundable.

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

States Requiring Six (6) Months of Work Experience

Acceptable proof: Notarized letter from a former employer or tax documentation.
Maryland work experience will not be accepted.

Alaska (Estheticians - if tested before December 7,2020)
Maine (Nail Technicians)
Massachusetts (Cosmetologist, Estheticians, Nail Technicians)
New Jersey (Cosmetologists)
New York (Cosmetologists)
Ohio (Nail Technicians)
Pennsylvania (Cosmetologist, Nail Technician, Estheticians) Note: If tested after November 24, 2014, must take MD exams.
Tennessee (Cosmetologists)
Texas (Cosmetologists if tested after 2020)
Virginia (Nail Technicians, Cosmetologist and barbers who tested after 9/1/2024)

States That Do Not Qualify for Reciprocity

Applicants from the following states must take the Maryland theory and practical exams:

Alaska (If tested after December 7, 2020)
California (If tested after Jan 1, 2022)
Connecticut
Florida
Hawaii
Illinois
Iowa
Missouri (Cosmetologists)
Nebraska
Pennsylvania (If tested after November 24, 2014)
South Dakota

Additional Information

Applicants with foreign training (Outside of the U.S)

All foreign-trained applicants must have their education transcripts evaluated before being authorized for theory and practical testing in Maryland.

For evaluation, please submit to Barbers.cos@maryland.gov :

Original academic records/ Official Transcript (no unofficial transcripts) from your institution—contact them directly for copies.

Transcripts, mark sheets, exam certificates, or academic records showing detailed courses, hours/credits, and grades, on official letterhead with signatures and seals. If hours/credits aren’t listed, include program descriptions.

Diplomas or degree certificates in the original language, indicating completion. If no degree was earned, please state so in writing.
Certified English translations of all documents not originally in English, typed and matching the original line-by-line.
Provide your current mailing address for the approval letter and instructions.
Note: Letters of approval will be sent via email.

Be certain that all required documents are included, as missing materials will delay the evaluation process.

If the applicant has had a name change, proof of the name change must also be submitted with the required documents.

For information on licensing requirements and examination refer to Statute §5–304 , COMAR 09.22.01.11

Out of State applications (Not Yet Licensed):

Applicants who have completed the required training but are not licensed yet and wishes to test in Maryland, their education transcripts must be evaluated before authorization can be granted for the theory and practical exams.

The institution must email the following to Barbers.cos@maryland.gov:

Original academic records / Official transcript (Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted, Transcripts must have the school's official seal.) The applicant’s email address
The applicant’s current mailing address

Note: Letters of approval will be sent via email.

If the applicant has had a name change, proof of the name change must also be submitted with the required documents.

What should I do if I attended a Maryland Cosmetology school that has closed?

If you attended a closed Maryland Cosmetology School, contact the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) at 410-767-3300 for your transcript.
If you completed cosmetology 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.

If the applicant has had a name change, proof of the name change must also be submitted with the required documents.