Maryland State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

Maryland Board of Cosmetology License Information

Last Updated: December 27, 2012

In order to obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics or nail technology in the state of Maryland, students must complete the requirements listed below from the Maryland State Board of Cosmetology. When getting a Maryland cosmetology license or other beauty practitioner certification, you must attend a licensed school and complete the state of Maryland's minimum required training hours and then take the state's cosmetology board exams. After finishing your training, you are required to pass a licensing exam issued by the Maryland State Board of Cosmetology. Once you pass this exam, you will receive your Maryland cosmetology license shortly thereafter. You're now able to work in the state of Maryland. Keep in mind, even though Maryland may not require continuing education hours to renew licenses, you may wish to consider taking cosmetology continuing education hours in Maryland annually to stay current on the latest trends. For specific questions, please contact the MD Board of Cosmetology directly for more information.

Maryland allows applicants to take the cosmetology board exams in the English language only. If you take the practical and written theory exams together the cost is $80, but if they're taken separately they're $50 each.

Find Maryland beauty schools that can help you obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology and other beauty professions in the State of Maryland.

Maryland Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

• COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1500 Hours / 24 Months Apprenticeship
• BARBER LICENSE: 1200 Hours / 2250 Hours Apprenticeship
• ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 600 Hours / 12 Months Apprenticeship
• NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 250 Hours / 8 Months Apprenticeship
• ELECTROLOGIST LICENSE: 600 Hours
• COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Senior Cosmetology License
• PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST LICENSE: Call 847-635-1330
• MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 500 Hours for Practitioner OR 500 Hours + 60 College Hours for Therapist

Maryland Cosmetology License Renewal

Maryland requires you to renew your license every two years on the expiration date of your license. The cost to renew your license is $25, or $50 if you are a salon owner. Currently, Maryland does not require CEUs to renew licenses, but continuing education hours are always recommended to stay current in the industry.

Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in Maryland

Maryland offers licensure by endorsement if the licensee's home state has similar training hour requirements and board exams. Applicants for licensure by endorsement who wish to transfer their cosmetology license to Maryland must provide certification that your license was obtained under the same standards, is in good standing, is current and is eligible for licensure by endorsement.

MD State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

Maryland Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
500 N. Calvert Street, Room 201
Baltimore, MD 21202 
Phone Number: 410-230-6320
Fax Number: 410-333-6763
E-mail Address: cos@dllr.state.md.us

The Maryland State Board of Cosmetology can help you with replacing a lost cosmetology license, updating change of name or change of address information, and acquiring out-of-state and other useful forms, as well as answer additional questions about obtaining a Maryland state cosmetology license.

Cosmetology Licensing Information for Other Nearby States:

• Pennsylvania
• Washington, D.C.
• Delaware
• West Virginia
• Virginia