Maryland Board of Cosmetologists: Choose the Right License, Renewal or Board Service
The formal agency name is the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists. It regulates cosmetology professionals, apprentices and salons, sets health and safety standards, approves qualifying licensing routes and investigates violations within its authority.
Use this independent guide for license lookup, first-time licensing, renewal, 2026 continuing education, PSI exams, reciprocity, salon permits, lash licensing, complaints and current Board contact information.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Maryland Cosmetology Rules That Matter Most in 2026
Maryland personal cosmetology credentials are generally issued for two years. Covered licensees renewing from January 1, 2026 must satisfy the state’s six-hour continuing-education requirement during the applicable renewal term, and covered original applicants and renewing licensees must also complete the state-required one-hour domestic violence awareness training through an approved provider.
The ordinary renewal fee for a cosmetologist, senior cosmetologist, limited hairstylist, limited esthetician, limited nail technician or blow-dry stylist is currently $28. An expired personal credential receives an additional $28 reinstatement assessment, producing the listed $56 late amount.
board-of-cosmetology.org is an independent informational website. It is not the Maryland Department of Labor, Maryland Board of Cosmetologists, PSI or an official licensing portal.
Choose the Maryland Cosmetology Task You Need
Maryland Board Task Helper
This tool does not access Maryland licensing records. It simply points you to the correct official route.
Check an active license
Use Maryland’s free Cosmetologists Public Query. Search the practitioner and salon separately when both records matter.
Get a first credential
Identify the exact license type, complete the approved education or apprenticeship route, finish required training and complete the applicable examination process.
Renew for another two-year term
Check the expiration date, complete applicable CE and domestic-violence training, then use Maryland’s official electronic renewal system.
Move an out-of-state license
Maryland uses licensure by endorsement. The prior licensing authority must send official verification directly to the Maryland Board.
Open or renew a salon
A practitioner license does not replace a salon permit. A new owner, location or suite can require a new salon application.
Check discipline or file a complaint
Maryland’s public license query does not display disciplinary actions. Use the Board’s separate discipline and complaint resources.
What the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists Regulates
The Maryland Board qualifies and licenses individuals seeking cosmetology credentials, issues permits to business entities through which cosmetology is practiced, sets health and safety standards for salons and trade-school activity within its jurisdiction, and investigates complaints involving regulated or unlicensed cosmetology practice.
Individual credentials
- Cosmetologist.
- Senior cosmetologist.
- Limited hairstylist.
- Limited blow-dry stylist.
- Limited esthetician.
- Limited nail technician.
- Apprentice categories.
- Eyelash Extension Technician.
Businesses and regulatory functions
- Full-service salon permits.
- Limited-service salon permits.
- Mobile salon licensing.
- Health and sanitation standards.
- Approved licensing education routes.
- Complaints and disciplinary actions.
- License certification and reciprocity review.
Maryland Cosmetology License Lookup
Maryland’s Cosmetologists Public Query is an active-license search. It supports searches by individual name, individual location, salon name, salon location and license registration number.
Choose the correct search type
Search for a person when checking an individual practitioner. Search by salon name or location when checking the business permit.
Use the registration number when available
A registration number provides a stronger match than relying on a similar name alone.
Confirm the license category
Check whether the result identifies the person as a cosmetologist, senior cosmetologist, limited practitioner, apprentice, lash technician or another regulated category.
Review the current expiration and status
The public query is intended for active records. A missing result does not by itself prove that a person was never licensed.
Check discipline separately
Maryland states that disciplinary actions are not included in the cosmetology public-query results.
Maryland Cosmetology License Categories
| Maryland credential | Main qualification route | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500-hour approved school program or 24-month registered apprenticeship. | Broad cosmetology credential. |
| Limited Hairstylist | 1,200 hours of approved instruction or 15-month apprenticeship. | Limited to the hairstylist scope. |
| Limited Blow-Dry Stylist | At least 350 hours of approved instruction. | Separate limited credential. |
| Limited Esthetician | 600-hour approved program or 12-month apprenticeship. | Use Maryland’s current esthetics scope guidance. |
| Limited Nail Technician | 250-hour approved program or 8-month apprenticeship. | Separate nail-services credential. |
| Senior Cosmetologist | At least two years as a licensed Maryland cosmetologist plus the senior examination requirement. | Not the same application as an initial cosmetologist license. |
| Eyelash Extension Technician | Permanent licensing route now uses approved 100-hour training plus the required examination process. | For lash-only practice when a broader qualifying license is not held. |
| Salon permit | Separate business application and zoning documentation. | Does not replace individual practitioner licenses. |
How to Get a Maryland Cosmetology License
For the ordinary cosmetologist route, Maryland currently requires an applicant to be at least 17 years old, have completed the ninth grade or GED, complete the required approved training or registered apprenticeship, complete the one-hour domestic violence awareness requirement and pass the required licensing examinations.
Choose the exact credential
Decide whether you need a cosmetologist, limited hairstylist, limited esthetician, limited nail technician, blow-dry stylist, lash technician or another Board credential.
Meet age and education requirements
For the established cosmetology and limited-practice categories, Maryland generally requires applicants to be at least 17 and to have completed the ninth grade or GED.
Complete approved school or apprenticeship training
Use the hours or apprenticeship term that applies to the exact credential. Confirm that the education provider or apprenticeship route is accepted before beginning training.
Complete required domestic violence awareness training
Covered original applicants must use a Maryland-approved provider and retain proof of completion.
Complete the PSI application process when an examination is required
Maryland currently uses PSI for cosmetology examination services. Standard PSI applications are submitted electronically.
Pass the required examination components
Ordinary cosmetologist, esthetician and nail-technician candidates must pass the required theory and practical examinations. Senior cosmetologist candidates use a separate theory examination route.
Complete final licensing and verify the issued credential
Passing an examination does not replace final Board issuance. Follow Maryland’s licensing instructions, save the PDF license and confirm the active public record.
Maryland Cosmetology School and Apprenticeship Requirements
| Credential | School route | Apprenticeship route |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | 24 months in a licensed beauty salon |
| Limited Hairstylist | 1,200 hours | 15 months |
| Limited Blow-Dry Stylist | 350 hours | No apprenticeship route listed on the current requirement page |
| Limited Esthetician | 600 hours | 12 months |
| Limited Nail Technician | 250 hours | 8 months |
| Eyelash Extension Technician | 100-hour approved program for the permanent credential | Use current lash-license instructions |
Maryland Cosmetology Exams and PSI Fees
PSI Services provides examination services for the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists. Since March 31, 2025, PSI no longer processes the standard application through mail, fax or email; applicants use the online application process.
| Exam | Current fee | Maryland requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist – Theory + Practical | $77 | Both components required for ordinary cosmetologist licensure. |
| Cosmetologist – Theory only | $47 | Used when only that component is needed. |
| Cosmetologist – Practical only | $47 | Used when only that component is needed. |
| Limited Esthetician – Theory + Practical | $77 | Current Board examination fee. |
| Limited Nail Technician – Theory + Practical | $77 | Current Board examination fee. |
| Senior Cosmetologist – Theory | $47 | Applicant must already satisfy the senior-license eligibility route. |
Failed one part?
Maryland currently states that candidates may retest on an unlimited basis. However, required passing testing scores must be successfully completed within two years of each other to remain valid for Board licensing.
Senior cosmetologist
Applicants need an active Maryland cosmetologist license held for at least two years, then request Board approval and follow the examination instructions supplied for the senior cosmetologist theory examination.
Maryland Cosmetology License Renewal
Maryland individual cosmetology licenses use a two-year term rather than one statewide expiration date. Check the expiration shown on your own license record and complete all requirements inside the applicable renewal term.
Check the current license record
Verify the credential type, registration number and expiration in the public query before paying.
Complete applicable six-hour CE
Covered licensees renewing from January 1, 2026 forward must complete six approved continuing-education hours during the renewal term.
Complete the one-time domestic violence training requirement
Use a Department-approved provider and retain proof as instructed by Maryland.
Prepare your electronic licensing information
Use the correct license category and registration number. Employers may need the workers’ compensation policy number and insurance-company name.
Review the fee before payment
The standard covered personal renewal fee is $28. If the credential has expired, Maryland automatically assesses an additional $28 reinstatement fee.
Save the confirmation and PDF license
Maryland no longer automatically mails paper personal licenses when an email address is on file. Check the email associated with the licensing record for the PDF-license delivery process.
Verify the updated public status
After processing, return to the public query and make sure the record reflects the expected active expiration date.
Maryland Cosmetology Continuing Education in 2026
Effective January 1, 2026, covered Maryland cosmetology licensees must complete six hours of approved continuing education as a condition of renewal. The hours must be completed during the applicable two-year renewal term.
Six-hour CE structure
2 hours total
Approved content may address health, safety, welfare, sanitation and/or Board laws and regulations within Maryland’s current requirements.
4 hours total
Electives can include approved business, cosmetology, esthetics, nail-technique or product-knowledge content within the license scope.
Who needs the six hours?
- Cosmetologist.
- Senior cosmetologist.
- Limited blow-dry stylist.
- Limited esthetician.
- Limited hairstylist.
- Limited nail technician.
Who reports your CE?
Most approved providers
The provider reports completed course hours directly to the Board and is expected to upload the information within 14 days. If credit is missing after that period, contact the provider first.
Milady Training exception
The current Maryland instructions state that licensees using qualifying Milady Training certificates submit those certificates through the Board’s specified document-upload process.
Review the current Maryland continuing-education requirements before buying or completing a course.
One-Hour Domestic Violence Awareness Training
Maryland’s current rule requires covered original applicants and renewing licensees to complete a one-hour domestic violence awareness training course through a Department-approved provider. Maryland describes this as a one-time training requirement.
Covered licenses
- Senior cosmetologist.
- Cosmetologist.
- Limited hairstylist.
- Limited esthetician.
- Limited nail technician.
- Limited blow-dry stylist.
Keep your proof
Use an approved provider, keep the completion certificate and follow the Board’s current certificate-submission instructions. Training from an unapproved provider is not accepted for this requirement.
Maryland Cosmetology License and Salon Fees
Maryland states that licensing fees are nonrefundable and may change through law or regulation. Verify the live application before payment.
| Credential | Original | Renewal | Late / expired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Cosmetologist | $28 | $28 | $56 |
| Cosmetologist | $28 | $28 | $56 |
| Limited Hairstylist | $28 | $28 | $56 |
| Limited Nail Technician | $28 | $28 | $56 |
| Limited Esthetician | $28 | $28 | $56 |
| Blow-Dry Stylist | $28 | $28 | $56 |
| Apprentice categories | $11 | $11 where renewal is available | Check current Board instructions |
| Full-Service Salon | $225 | $56 | $112; after 45 days the published amount is $225 |
| Limited-Service Salon | $225 | $56 | $112; after 45 days the published amount is $225 |
Exam fees are separate from license fees. Current PSI-linked Maryland exam fees are shown in the examination section above.
Maryland Cosmetology License Reciprocity and Endorsement
Maryland describes its out-of-state route as licensure by endorsement. Applicants must hold a current active license in good standing from another U.S. state, territory or jurisdiction with comparable licensing requirements for the standard endorsement review.
Request official license certification
The issuing licensing authority must send official verification directly to Maryland. Maryland states that applicant-submitted copies are not accepted as the required licensing-authority verification.
Include the required history
The certification should contain identifying information, license type, issue and expiration dates, examination information and program clock hours as required by Maryland.
Tell Maryland which state is transferring the record
Follow the Board’s current endorsement instructions so staff can match the incoming certification to your request.
Wait for equivalency review
If Maryland determines that training equivalency is sufficient, it provides further licensing instructions. If not, additional documents or Maryland theory and practical examinations may be required.
Complete the Maryland domestic violence requirement
Maryland’s endorsement instructions also identify the one-hour approved domestic violence awareness training requirement.
Maryland Salon Permit Requirements
Maryland separately licenses salons through full-service and limited-service permits. A practitioner’s individual license does not replace the business permit.
Have the establishment ready
The Board specifically tells applicants not to submit the original salon-permit application when the establishment is not ready to open.
Obtain approved use documentation
Maryland requires proof from the local zoning authority showing that the exact address is approved for cosmetology-related services.
New owner or location
A relocation to a different building, address or suite, or a new owner taking over, requires a new shop application under the Board’s current instructions.
Home-based salon
Maryland’s current salon application page says a home-based salon must be separate from the living quarters and have a separate bathroom and separate entrance. Other applicable requirements continue to apply.
Maryland Eyelash Extension Technician License in 2026
Maryland now has a dedicated Eyelash Extension Technician licensing path. The permanent license is currently available, and the Board states that applicants can begin by completing an approved 100-hour Eyelash Extension Technician training program followed by the required examination and licensing process.
100-hour training route
Maryland’s current permanent-license page lists Board-approved 100-hour programs and states that additional programs may continue to be reviewed and added.
Temporary transition license
The Board also launched a temporary lash-technician license in 2026 for qualifying practitioners during the transition to permanent licensing. Temporary-license holders must follow the specific temporary-license conditions and salon rules.
Maryland License Photo and PDF Delivery Rules
Current photo required
Maryland regulations require licensees and registrants to affix a current picture to their license. The Board warns that failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.
PDF license delivery
Since March 1, 2024, Maryland has not automatically mailed paper personal cosmetology licenses when an email address is on file. The Board delivers the license through its PDF-email process and says licensees need access to a printer.
How to File a Maryland Cosmetology Complaint
The Board accepts complaints against licensees and salons it regulates. Complaints must be typewritten and signed, and must include the complainant’s name and current address. Anonymous complaints are not accepted.
Confirm that the issue is within Board jurisdiction
The Board handles matters such as licensing violations, sanitation and health requirements, and violations of cosmetology laws and regulations.
Complete the current complaint form
Type the complaint and describe the events factually, including relevant dates, services, people and location.
Attach supporting evidence
Add relevant photographs, receipts, messages or other documentation that helps explain the alleged regulatory violation.
Sign and submit the complaint
Use the current email or mailing instructions on Maryland’s complaint page and keep a copy of the complete submission.
Keep the Board acknowledgment and case information
The Board reviews whether the matter falls within its jurisdiction and may assign the complaint for investigation.
Maryland Licensing Troubleshooting
| Problem | What may explain it | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| License does not appear in public search | The query is an active-license search, or the search criteria may not match the record. | Retry using the correct search type and registration number when available, then contact the Board if historical status matters. |
| Renewal total shows $56 | The license may already be expired and the additional $28 reinstatement fee was assessed. | Verify the expiration before paying. |
| CE hours are missing | The approved provider may still be within its reporting period. | Contact the provider first when the reporting window has passed. |
| Exam application is on hold | PSI may have identified missing or deficient documentation. | Use the deficiency email and submit the requested material through the instructed route. |
| Out-of-state application is delayed | Maryland may not have received the required direct certification from the prior licensing authority. | Confirm that the issuing authority sent the official certification directly to Maryland. |
| Salon application will not process | Zoning documentation may be missing or may not approve the exact address for cosmetology services. | Obtain corrected use-and-occupancy or zoning documentation from the applicable local authority. |
| Paper license did not arrive | Maryland normally uses PDF-email delivery for individual licenses with an email address on file. | Check the email account and spam folders, then contact the Board if the PDF needs to be resent. |
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists Contact Information
Board office
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists100 S. Charles Street, Tower I
Baltimore, MD 21201
In-person assistance is by appointment rather than walk-in service.
General contact
Phone: 410-230-6190
Fax: 410-962-8483
Email: barbers.cos@maryland.gov
Apprentice questions
Current Board contact page: 410-230-6255.
Continuing education
Current CE coordinator line: 410-230-6216.
Reciprocity & verification
Current Board contact page: 410-230-6195.
Salon permits
Current shop/salon inquiry line: 410-230-6194.
General assistance
Use 410-230-6190 for general Board questions.
Appointment hours
The Board’s contact and homepage currently display slightly different appointment windows. Use the live scheduler and your confirmation as the controlling appointment time.
Official Maryland Cosmetology Resources
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists FAQs
What is the official Maryland cosmetology board called?
The formal state agency name is the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists. It operates through the Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
What is the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists phone number?
The current general Board phone number is 410-230-6190. The Board lists separate staff lines for apprentices, CE, reciprocity and salon-permit questions.
How much does a Maryland cosmetology license cost to renew?
The current on-time renewal fee for a cosmetologist, senior cosmetologist, limited hairstylist, limited nail technician, limited esthetician or blow-dry stylist is $28. An expired personal license receives an additional $28 reinstatement assessment.
How many continuing-education hours are required in Maryland?
Covered Maryland cosmetology licenses require six approved hours during each two-year renewal term: two hours of required-topic education and four hours of approved electives.
Does Maryland require domestic violence awareness training?
Yes. Covered original applicants and renewing cosmetology licensees must complete a one-hour domestic violence awareness course through a Maryland-approved provider. The Board describes this as a one-time requirement.
How many hours are required for a Maryland cosmetology license?
The standard cosmetologist school route requires 1,500 hours. Maryland also provides a 24-month registered apprenticeship route in a licensed beauty salon.
Who gives the Maryland cosmetology state board exam?
PSI Services currently provides examination services for the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists. Standard cosmetologist applicants must satisfy the applicable theory and practical examination requirements.
Does Maryland license eyelash extension technicians?
Yes. Maryland now offers a permanent Eyelash Extension Technician license. The current permanent-license route requires an approved 100-hour training program followed by the required examination and licensing process.
Can I search an expired Maryland cosmetology license in the public query?
The public cosmetology query is described as an active-license search. If an expired or historical record is important, contact the Board rather than assuming a missing result means the person was never licensed.
Does the Maryland cosmetology license search show disciplinary actions?
No. Maryland specifically states that disciplinary actions are not included in its cosmetology public-query results. Use the Board’s separate disciplinary-action resource.
Can the Maryland Board order a salon to give me a refund?
The Board states that monetary disputes, refund requests, ordinary service dissatisfaction and awards for damages or injuries are outside its ordinary regulatory complaint jurisdiction.
Maryland Licensing Checklist
- Use the formal agency name: Maryland Board of Cosmetologists.
- Verify the personal license and salon permit separately.
- Remember that the public query searches active records and does not display discipline.
- Complete the exact school or apprenticeship route for your credential.
- Use PSI only after following the applicable Maryland examination process.
- Complete six approved CE hours when the 2026 renewal rule applies.
- Complete the one-time domestic violence awareness training when required.
- Check the $28 personal renewal fee and expiration before payment.
- Use direct licensing-authority verification for an endorsement application.
- Obtain a separate salon permit when operating a regulated establishment.
- Use the new permanent Maryland eyelash technician pathway when it applies.
- Verify the final active public record before relying on a credential.
This page is an independent guide. Maryland statutes, COMAR, Maryland Department of Labor records, Board decisions and current official application instructions control legal licensing requirements.