Maryland Cosmetology License: School, Apprenticeship, Exam & Renewal
To become a Maryland cosmetologist, you generally must be at least 17, have completed the 9th grade or GED, complete either 1,500 hours of approved cosmetology school or the registered apprenticeship route, meet Maryland’s training requirements, pass the required PSI theory and practical examinations, and complete the final Board licensing process.
Maryland’s rules changed materially in 2026. Continuing education is now required for covered renewals, domestic-violence-awareness training applies to original applicants and renewing licensees, and Maryland now has a separate eyelash-extension technician licensing pathway.
Maryland Cosmetology License Requirements: Quick Answer
The standard cosmetologist route is either 1,500 hours of approved school training or 24 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon. Applicants must meet the age and education requirements, complete Maryland’s required domestic-violence-awareness course, qualify for testing, pass both the PSI theory and practical examinations, and complete the final licensing transaction.
Maryland License Route Helper
This helper does not access the Maryland licensing system or submit an application. Choose your situation to identify the best starting route.
Maryland Cosmetology License Types
| Credential | Main qualification route | Current original fee |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 approved school hours or 24-month registered apprenticeship. | $28 |
| Senior Cosmetologist | Active Maryland cosmetologist license for at least two years plus senior theory examination. | $28 |
| Limited Hairstylist | 1,200 approved school hours or 15-month registered apprenticeship. | $28 |
| Limited Esthetician | 600 approved school hours or 12-month registered apprenticeship. | $28 |
| Limited Nail Technician | 250 approved school hours or 8-month registered apprenticeship. | $28 |
| Limited Blow Dry Stylist | At least 350 approved school hours. | $28 |
| Apprentice Cosmetologist | Approved sponsorship and apprentice permit. | $11 |
| Salon permit | Facility requirements, zoning approval and Board process. | $225 |
How to Get a Maryland Cosmetology License
Meet the age and education requirements
You must generally be at least 17 years old and have completed at least the 9th grade or hold a GED.
Choose school or apprenticeship
Complete 1,500 approved cosmetology-school hours or Maryland’s qualifying 24-month registered cosmetology apprenticeship.
Complete domestic violence awareness training
Maryland requires a one-hour course from a Department-approved provider for original cosmetology applicants.
Apply for PSI examination eligibility
Use PSI’s current automated electronic application. Standard exam applications are no longer processed through the old mail, fax or email route.
Pass theory and practical examinations
A standard cosmetologist applicant must successfully pass both examination portions before Maryland can issue the credential.
Wait for Board licensing instructions
PSI sends passed results to Maryland. The Board says licensing instructions normally arrive by email approximately 10 working days after both portions are passed.
Complete the final license transaction
Follow the Board’s email instructions, pay the nonrefundable licensing fee and complete any remaining application requirements.
Download and verify the issued license
Save the electronic license promptly, add the required current photograph, and confirm the issued credential in Maryland’s public licensing system.
Maryland Cosmetology School Route: 1,500 Hours
Maryland’s standard school route requires at least 1,500 hours of cosmetology training in an approved program. Private cosmetology schools are regulated through the Maryland Higher Education Commission, while public-school programs involve the Maryland State Department of Education.
Verify school approval
Do not assume a beauty program qualifies for Maryland licensing merely because it offers cosmetology classes.
Keep official training records
Your education record becomes important for Maryland testing and can also matter later if another jurisdiction requests training verification.
Closed school records
If a former Maryland school has closed, the Board’s reciprocity guidance directs applicants to the appropriate education authority for available records.
Maryland Cosmetology Apprenticeship: 24 Months
The Maryland cosmetologist apprentice route requires two years of training at a minimum of 20 hours per week. A cosmetologist apprentice must be sponsored by a Senior Cosmetologist.
Senior Cosmetologist required
The cosmetologist apprenticeship must use an eligible Senior Cosmetologist sponsor.
At least 20 hours weekly
The Board requires the apprenticeship to meet its training-period and weekly-hour requirements.
Monthly sponsor reporting
The sponsor is responsible for submitting monthly apprentice-training certifications to the Board.
How the apprentice permit starts
- The sponsor and apprentice complete the Board’s apprentice/sponsor information process.
- The apprentice submits the online permit application.
- The Board provides the current self-paced orientation material after the sponsor information is received.
- After approval, the apprentice receives the permit and may begin the registered apprenticeship.
- The sponsor continues the required monthly training certifications.
Maryland Domestic Violence Awareness Training Requirement
Beginning in 2026, original applicants and renewing licensees in covered Maryland cosmetology categories must complete a one-hour domestic violence awareness course from a Department-approved provider.
Keep the completion certificate
Maryland directs applicants and licensees to retain proof of completion. The Board’s current training page also provides a submission process when proof must be sent to the Board.
Maryland Cosmetology PSI Exam: Theory and Practical
PSI provides examination services for the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists. Effective March 31, 2025, standard applications are submitted through the PSI automated application instead of mail, fax or email.
| Exam | Current fee | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist practical + theory | $77 | Standard first-time cosmetologist licensing route. |
| Cosmetologist practical only | $47 | Used when only the practical portion must be taken or retaken. |
| Cosmetologist theory only | $47 | Used when only the theory portion must be taken or retaken. |
| Senior Cosmetologist theory | $47 | Senior cosmetologist applicants take the theory examination. |
Important exam rules
- Maryland recommends first-time test takers apply for both theory and practical examinations.
- PSI sends an eligibility email after approval.
- If an application is deficient, PSI places it on hold and sends instructions for correcting missing items.
- Maryland states there is no expiration to examination eligibility.
- Failed examination portions may be retaken.
- Theory and practical passing scores must be achieved within two years of each other to remain valid for Board licensing.
What Happens After You Pass the Maryland Cosmetology Exam?
Passing PSI is not the final license itself. After you pass both required portions, PSI sends your results to Maryland and the Board begins the licensing-instruction step.
PSI sends passed results to Maryland
You do not need to treat a passing-score sheet as the issued cosmetology license.
Watch your email
The Board states that licensing instructions are generally sent approximately 10 working days after both examination portions are passed.
Follow the licensing email
Use the registration number and instructions supplied by Maryland to complete the final licensing process.
Contact the Board if the email does not arrive
Maryland instructs applicants who have waited more than 10 working days to contact the Board with their full name and copies of the PSI score reports.
Maryland Cosmetology License Fees
| Credential or transaction | Current fee |
|---|---|
| Cosmetologist original license | $28 |
| Cosmetologist renewal | $28 |
| Expired cosmetologist renewal / late total | $56 |
| Senior Cosmetologist original / renewal | $28 |
| Limited Hairstylist original / renewal | $28 |
| Limited Esthetician original / renewal | $28 |
| Limited Nail Technician original / renewal | $28 |
| Limited Blow Dry Stylist original / renewal | $28 |
| Cosmetologist apprentice permit | $11 |
| Full-service or limited-service salon original permit | $225 |
| Salon renewal | $56 |
| Salon renewal less than 45 days late | $112 |
| Salon more than 45 days late / new-permit level | $225 |
| Duplicate license | No charge |
Maryland states that Board fees are nonrefundable. Always confirm the live transaction before paying because fees can change through law or regulation.
Maryland Cosmetology License Renewal in 2026
Maryland cosmetology licenses are issued for a two-year period. The current individual cosmetologist renewal fee is $28. If the license is already expired, Maryland automatically assesses an additional $28 reinstatement fee.
Check the exact expiration date
Do not assume every Maryland cosmetologist renews on the same calendar date.
Complete required CE before renewal
For a covered expiration on or after January 1, 2026, finish the required six approved CE hours within the applicable license term.
Complete domestic violence awareness training
Renewing cosmetologists are also subject to Maryland’s one-hour approved domestic-violence-awareness training requirement.
Use Maryland’s online renewal system
Enter the registration number as directed and use the account credentials associated with the license.
Download the renewed PDF license
Maryland no longer automatically mails individual paper licenses when an email address is on file.
Verify the new expiration
After processing, check the public licensing record and confirm that the expected status and expiration date are displayed.
Maryland Cosmetology Continuing Education: 6 Hours
Beginning January 1, 2026, covered Maryland cosmetology licensees must complete six hours of approved continuing education as a condition of renewal.
2 hours
The two required hours may address health, safety, welfare, sanitation and/or Board laws and regulations under Maryland’s current program.
4 hours
Electives may cover topics such as business, cosmetology practice, esthetics, nail techniques and product knowledge within the license scope.
Who must complete the six hours?
- Cosmetologists
- Senior Cosmetologists
- Limited Blow Dry Stylists
- Limited Estheticians
- Limited Hairstylists
- Limited Nail Technicians
Important CE administration details
- Use a Maryland-approved CE provider.
- You may use more than one approved provider.
- You do not have to take courses in your county of residence.
- If you hold more than one covered license, Maryland says six hours are required for each license.
- Extra hours above the required six are not carried forward as additional renewal credit.
- Most approved providers report completion to the Board directly.
- Maryland says providers generally must upload course information within 14 days of completion.
Maryland Cosmetology Licenses Are Delivered as PDF Files
Since March 1, 2024, Maryland generally sends individual cosmetology licenses electronically when an email address is on file rather than automatically mailing a paper license.
Email notification
Maryland emails notice that the newly issued or renewed license is ready to retrieve.
60-day print window
The Board states that access to view and print the PDF remains active for 60 days unless the Board later reactivates access.
No current fee
Maryland’s current duplicate-license page states that duplicate licenses are available without a duplicate-license charge.
Maryland Cosmetology Reciprocity / Licensure by Endorsement
If you already hold an active cosmetology license in another U.S. jurisdiction, Maryland evaluates whether that jurisdiction’s requirements are sufficiently comparable for licensure by endorsement.
Request direct license certification
The issuing licensing authority must send official certification directly to Maryland. Applicant-submitted copies are not accepted as the required official certification.
Include the required licensing history
The certification must include information such as license type, issue and expiration dates, examination information and training clock hours.
Send Maryland your applicant details
After requesting certification, follow the Board’s instructions for identifying yourself and the state from which the license is being transferred.
Wait for Maryland’s review
Do not submit the final endorsement application until the Board confirms that the certification has been reviewed and provides next-step instructions.
Complete extra testing if Maryland requires it
If the source jurisdiction’s requirements are not considered sufficiently equivalent, Maryland may require additional theory and practical examination steps.
The current Maryland endorsement application fee for cosmetologist and several related personal credentials is $28.
Foreign Training and Out-of-State Education Without a License
Credential evaluation required
Foreign-educated applicants who are not already licensed in the United States or a U.S. territory must have applicable education evaluated through a NACES-accredited agency before Maryland approves the examination route.
Training must be evaluated
If you completed training outside Maryland but have not yet been licensed, the training institution must send the required official academic records directly for Maryland review.
Maryland Senior Cosmetologist License
To qualify for a Maryland Senior Cosmetologist license, you must hold an active Maryland cosmetologist license and have been licensed for at least two years.
- Request the senior cosmetologist approval letter from the Board.
- Include your full name, registration number and current mailing address.
- Follow the approval letter’s examination-registration instructions.
- Pass the Senior Cosmetologist theory examination.
- The current senior theory exam fee is $47.
- The current Senior Cosmetologist original-license fee is $28.
Maryland Eyelash Extension Technician License: 2026 Update
Maryland’s eyelash-extension licensing program changed substantially in 2026. A temporary credential launched April 1, and Maryland has since announced that the permanent Eyelash Extension Technician licensing and examination process is now available.
2026 transition credential
The temporary license was created for people already providing lash-extension services who did not hold a cosmetologist or esthetician license. It allows work in a Board-permitted salon or barbershop subject to the transition rules.
100-hour approved program
The permanent route requires completion of an approved 100-hour Eyelash Extension Technician program followed by the required licensing examination process.
How to Open a Maryland Cosmetology Salon
A cosmetologist license and a salon permit are separate credentials. Maryland instructs owners not to submit a new salon application until the establishment is ready to open and the required local zoning documentation is available.
Prepare the exact salon location
Maryland requires zoning documentation showing that the address is approved for cosmetology-related services.
Complete the salon application
Choose the correct ownership route and submit the application with the current $225 original salon-permit fee.
Wait for the shop opening letter
The Board’s licensing FAQ states that the opening letter serves as the temporary authority to begin operating after the required initial steps are completed.
Complete the Board inspection
An inspector checks equipment, sanitation, safety and facility layout. Corrections may require another inspection.
Receive the final salon permit
After the inspector reports that requirements have been met, the Board completes the salon-licensing process.
Maryland Cosmetology License Lookup
After issuance or renewal, verify the credential using Maryland’s public licensing query. The lookup is especially useful before employment, booth rental, service booking or salon compliance decisions.
- Search the individual cosmetology credential separately from the salon permit.
- Use the registration number when available because it is the strongest identifier.
- Do not assume a missing expired record proves that the person was never licensed.
- Public license status and disciplinary history are separate questions.
For a search-focused workflow, use the site’s Maryland cosmetology license lookup guide.
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists Contact Information
| Contact | Current information | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Board | Maryland Board of Cosmetologists | Licensing, renewal, reciprocity and Board-specific questions. |
| Phone | 410-230-6190 | General Board assistance. |
| barbers.cos@maryland.gov | Board licensing and service questions. | |
| Address | 100 S. Charles Street, Tower I Baltimore, MD 21201 |
Board correspondence when official instructions require mail. |
| In-person service | Appointment required | The Board states that walk-in assistance is not available. |
| PSI phone | 855-898-0714 | Exam scheduling and PSI-related assistance. |
Maryland Cosmetology License FAQs
How old do you have to be to get a Maryland cosmetology license?
A Maryland cosmetologist applicant must generally be at least 17 years old and have completed at least the 9th grade or hold a GED.
How many cosmetology school hours does Maryland require?
The standard cosmetologist school route requires at least 1,500 hours in an approved cosmetology program.
Can I become a Maryland cosmetologist through apprenticeship?
Yes. Maryland’s cosmetologist apprenticeship route requires two years of training at a minimum of 20 hours per week under an eligible Senior Cosmetologist sponsor.
Does Maryland require a practical cosmetology exam?
Yes. A standard cosmetologist applicant must pass both the PSI theory and practical examinations. The current combined examination fee is $77.
How much does a Maryland cosmetology license cost?
The current original personal cosmetologist license fee is $28. Examination fees are separate.
How much is Maryland cosmetology license renewal?
The current personal cosmetologist renewal fee is $28. If the license is already expired, Maryland automatically assesses an additional $28 reinstatement fee, producing a current $56 total.
How many continuing education hours are required in Maryland?
Covered cosmetology licenses renewing on or after January 1, 2026 require six approved CE hours: two hours of required-topic content and four hours of electives.
Does Maryland require domestic violence training for cosmetologists?
Yes. Original applicants and renewing cosmetology licensees in covered categories must complete a one-hour domestic violence awareness course through a Maryland-approved provider.
How long does it take to receive Maryland licensing instructions after passing PSI?
The Board says licensing instructions are generally emailed approximately 10 working days after the required theory and practical examinations have both been passed.
How does Maryland cosmetology reciprocity work?
Maryland reviews official certification sent directly by the applicant’s licensing jurisdiction and determines whether the training and examination requirements are sufficiently equivalent. Some applicants qualify for exam waivers, while others must complete additional Maryland examinations or provide experience documentation.
Does Maryland mail paper cosmetology licenses?
Maryland generally sends individual licenses electronically when an email address is on file. The PDF print link remains available for 60 days unless the Board later reactivates access.
What is the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists phone number?
The Maryland Board of Cosmetologists lists 410-230-6190 as its Board phone number.
Maryland Cosmetology License Checklist
- Confirm you are at least 17 and meet the 9th-grade or GED requirement.
- Choose either 1,500 approved school hours or the qualifying 24-month cosmetologist apprenticeship.
- Complete Maryland’s required one-hour domestic violence awareness training through an approved provider.
- Apply through PSI’s current electronic examination process.
- Pass both the theory and practical examinations.
- Keep both passing scores within Maryland’s two-year validity relationship.
- Watch for the Board’s licensing email after PSI reports your results.
- Pay the current $28 personal-license fee.
- Download the PDF license promptly and affix the required current photograph.
- Verify the issued credential through Maryland’s public record.
- For renewal on or after January 1, 2026, complete the six-hour CE requirement before renewal.
- Use approved CE and domestic-violence-awareness providers.
- For out-of-state licensure, request direct official certification before submitting the Maryland endorsement application.
- For a salon, obtain the required zoning approval before starting the permit application.
- For lash-only work, use Maryland’s current temporary or permanent Eyelash Extension Technician licensing rules rather than older pre-2026 guidance.
Independent information notice: board-of-cosmetology.org is not the Maryland Department of Labor or Maryland Board of Cosmetologists. Official Maryland statutes, regulations, Board instructions, PSI requirements and live licensing records control.