Get the Right Maryland Beauty License Without Missing a 2026 Rule
Use this guide to get a Maryland cosmetology license, choose school or apprenticeship, prepare for PSI testing, renew with the new continuing-education rules, verify an active credential, transfer an out-of-state license or open a licensed salon.
Board-of-Cosmetology.org is an independent information website, not the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists. Maryland Labor, the Board, PSI and current Maryland law control applications, payments, examination eligibility and legal license status.
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Maryland Cosmetology Changes That Matter in 2026
Covered cosmetology credentials now require approved continuing education every two years as a condition of renewal.
Original applicants and renewing covered licensees must complete approved domestic violence awareness training.
A temporary eyelash extension technician license launched April 1, 2026 for qualifying lash-only professionals.
Standard PSI examination applications are electronic; ordinary mail, fax and email applications are no longer accepted.
Choose the Correct Maryland Cosmetology Credential
Maryland separates full cosmetology from several limited practice categories. Paying for training that leads to the wrong credential can be an expensive mistake.
| Credential | Main qualification | Best for | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 approved school hours or 24-month apprenticeship | Broad cosmetology practice | Regular full Maryland cosmetology credential. |
| Senior Cosmetologist | Active cosmetologist for 2+ years + senior theory exam | Experienced cosmetologists and apprenticeship sponsorship | Not an entry-level training program. |
| Limited Hair Stylist | 1,200 school hours or 15-month apprenticeship | Hair-focused practice | Scope is narrower than full cosmetology. |
| Limited Blow Dry Stylist | 350 approved school hours | Blow-dry styling services | Does not automatically authorize full cosmetology services. |
| Limited Esthetician | 600 hours or qualifying apprenticeship | Esthetic services | Scope differs from full cosmetology. |
| Limited Nail Technician | 250 hours or qualifying apprenticeship | Nail services | Separate scope and sanitation rules apply. |
| Temporary Eyelash Extension Technician | 2026 transition application | Lash-only workers without existing qualifying cosmetology/esthetics license | Temporary transition credential with specific deadlines. |
How to Get a Maryland Cosmetology License
For a standard cosmetologist license, complete the eligibility, education, examination and final licensing steps in the correct order.
Meet the basic eligibility requirements
A cosmetologist applicant must generally be at least 17 years old and have completed at least the 9th grade or GED.
Choose approved school or apprenticeship
Complete either 1,500 hours through an approved cosmetology school or Maryland’s registered 24-month cosmetologist apprenticeship.
Complete domestic violence awareness training
Use a Department-approved provider and keep the completion certificate.
Apply for PSI examination eligibility
Use PSI’s current electronic application process. Do not mail, fax or email the standard application.
Pass theory and practical examinations
Ordinary cosmetologist applicants must pass both portions before Maryland can issue the license.
Wait for Board licensing instructions
After passing both portions, PSI sends the results to Maryland. The Board says licensing instructions generally arrive by email in approximately 10 working days.
Complete the original license transaction
Follow the Maryland email instructions, pay the current nonrefundable licensing fee and complete the final application.
Download and verify the issued license
Save the PDF credential, add the required current photograph and confirm the active record through Maryland’s public query.
Maryland Cosmetology Training Hours and School Checks
| License path | Approved school training | Registered apprentice route |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | 24 months |
| Limited Hair Stylist | 1,200 hours | 15 months |
| Limited Blow Dry Stylist | 350 hours | Use current Board route |
| Limited Esthetician | 600 hours | 12 months |
| Limited Nail Technician | 250 hours | 8 months |
- Confirm the school/location is approved before paying tuition.
- Confirm the exact credential the program prepares you to obtain.
- Ask how completed hours are documented and sent for examination eligibility.
- Read tuition, kit, attendance, withdrawal and refund policies before signing.
- Keep copies of enrollment agreements, transcripts and hour records.
Maryland Cosmetology Apprenticeship: Exact 2026 Route
Maryland apprenticeships are registered training programs. Ordinary salon employment does not automatically become credit toward licensure.
| Apprenticeship | Training duration | Minimum weekly training | Sponsor | Renewal rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 2 years | 20 hours/week | Senior Cosmetologist only | One timely 2-year renewal allowed |
| Hair Stylist | 15 months | 20 hours/week | Senior Cosmetologist or qualifying Limited Hairstylist | No renewal |
| Esthetician | 1 year | 20 hours/week | Senior Cosmetologist or qualifying Limited Esthetician | One timely 1-year renewal |
| Nail Technician | 8 months | 20 hours/week | Senior Cosmetologist or qualifying Limited Nail Technician | No renewal |
Find the correct sponsor
A cosmetologist apprentice must be sponsored by a Maryland Senior Cosmetologist.
Complete sponsor registration
The sponsor must complete the required sponsor JotForm before the online permit application can be processed.
Apply for the permit to practice
Do not begin counting informal salon hours as an approved apprenticeship before the proper permit and sponsor relationship are in place.
Report training monthly
Sponsors certify apprentice training using Maryland’s monthly reporting system.
Maryland Cosmetology PSI Exam: A Better 2026 Plan
Maryland’s current test-taker material allows some students to take theory before finishing all 1,500 school hours, but practical eligibility comes later.
A cosmetology school student may apply for the theory portion after completing 1,380 approved training hours.
Full approved training must be completed before the practical examination.
Current Maryland cosmetologist theory plus practical examination fee.
Current theory-only or practical-only fee.
| Your situation | Training requirement | Document point |
|---|---|---|
| Theory only | 1,380 cosmetology school hours | School training portion of the eligibility form must be completed as required. |
| Practical after passing early theory | 1,500 hours | School director/instructor documents completion and notarizes as instructed. |
| Theory + practical together | 1,500 hours | Completed school training verification is required. |
| Out-of-state candidate | Depends on Maryland eligibility review | Get the Board’s eligibility letter before scheduling Maryland examinations. |
Important PSI rules
- Standard applications are submitted through PSI’s automated online application.
- Mail, fax and email are no longer accepted for ordinary PSI applications.
- Maryland recommends first-time candidates apply for both theory and practical when eligible.
- PSI examination eligibility does not expire under the current Board guidance.
- If you fail, Maryland currently permits unlimited retesting.
- The examination fee is separate from Maryland’s $28 license fee.
- After passing the required portions, allow about 10 working days for Maryland licensing instructions.
Maryland Domestic Violence Awareness Training
Beginning January 1, 2026, covered original applicants and renewing licensees must complete a one-hour approved domestic violence awareness course.
The course must come from a Maryland Department-approved provider.
The Board describes the training as a one-time requirement rather than a biennial repeat course.
Current Board guidance allows the approved course to satisfy one hour of required welfare-topic CE.
Who is covered?
- Senior Cosmetologist
- Cosmetologist
- Limited Hairstylist
- Limited Esthetician
- Limited Nail Technician
- Limited Blow-Dry Stylist
Maryland Cosmetology License Renewal in 2026
Maryland individual cosmetology licenses are issued for two years. Your actual expiration date—not a statewide calendar date—controls when you must renew.
Verify the license and expiration
Use Maryland’s active-license query and confirm the license type, registration number and current expiration.
Complete the six required CE hours
For covered renewals from January 1, 2026 forward, complete two required-topic hours and four elective hours within the license term.
Complete the one-time domestic violence course
If you have not already satisfied the requirement, complete the approved course before renewal.
Check that CE reporting has reached Maryland
Do not wait until the final renewal day to discover that provider-reported hours are missing.
Update email and personal information
Maryland uses email for PDF license delivery. Fix an outdated email or legal name before it causes correspondence or identity problems.
Complete the online renewal
The current personal cosmetologist renewal fee is $28. All Board fees are nonrefundable.
Handle reinstatement if already expired
An expired individual credential receives an additional $28 reinstatement assessment, bringing the current total to $56.
Download and verify the renewed license
Save the PDF promptly, then search the active public record again to confirm the new expiration date.
Maryland Cosmetology Continuing Education: Exact 6-Hour Split
Approved content may cover health, safety, welfare, sanitation and/or Board laws and regulations.
Approved electives may include business, cosmetology practice, esthetics, nail techniques and product knowledge within the license scope.
| Question | Maryland’s current rule | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Can I take six hours of required-topic courses? | No. | Complete 2 required-topic hours plus 4 elective hours. |
| Can I use any CE company? | No. | Use a Board-approved provider. |
| I hold two covered Maryland licenses. | Six hours are required per license. | Do not assume one six-hour package covers both credentials. |
| I live outside Maryland. | CE still applies. | Complete Maryland’s requirement to keep the Maryland license active. |
| I have been licensed for many years. | No grandfather exemption. | Covered active renewals still require CE. |
| I am serving in the military. | No general military CE exemption. | Follow the Board’s current CE requirement if maintaining the license. |
| I completed more than six hours. | Only the required six are credited. | Do not plan on excess hours carrying forward automatically. |
| Must CE be in my county? | No. | Use any approved provider/location or approved online option. |
How Maryland CE Reporting Actually Works
This is one of the most important 2026 renewal details because completing a course and having the Board receive usable proof are separate steps.
Approved providers other than Milady are responsible for sending course completion information to the Board.
Maryland states that providers should upload completion information within 14 days of course completion.
Milady certificates use the special Board submission process described on Maryland’s CE page.
Save every completion certificate
Do this even when the provider is responsible for reporting.
Allow the provider reporting period
If ordinary provider-reported CE is still missing after 14 days, Maryland directs the licensee to contact the provider first rather than immediately contacting the Board.
Use the special Milady route only when applicable
Do not upload certificates from every other provider through the Milady submission route.
Allow processing time
Maryland notes that documents submitted through its portal can require approximately 14 business days for processing.
Maryland Cosmetology Fees for 2026
The Maryland Board increased fees in 2024. Pages showing the older $25 practitioner fee are outdated.
| Credential / transaction | Original | Renewal | Late / reinstatement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | $28 | $28 | $56 total |
| Senior Cosmetologist | $28 | $28 | $56 total |
| Limited Hair Stylist | $28 | $28 | $56 total |
| Limited Nail Technician | $28 | $28 | $56 total |
| Limited Esthetician | $28 | $28 | $56 total |
| Blow Dry Stylist | $28 | $28 | $56 total |
| Cosmetologist Apprentice | $11 | $11 | Use current apprentice instructions |
| Full / Limited Service Salon | $225 | $56 | $112 under 45 days late; $225 after 45 days |
Maryland Individual Licenses Are Delivered as PDF Files
Since March 1, 2024, Maryland has generally stopped automatically mailing individual cosmetology licenses when an email address is available.
Use the Board’s email link and your licensing credentials to retrieve the released license.
The PDF remains available to view and print for 60 days before Board reactivation is required.
Maryland currently charges no fee for a duplicate cosmetology license.
- Keep the email address on file current.
- Check spam after issuance or renewal.
- Download the PDF before 60-day access expires.
- Save a local copy in addition to printing it.
- Affix the required current photograph.
Maryland Cosmetology License Lookup and Verification
Maryland’s cosmetology public query is an active-license search. That means a missing old or expired record does not prove the person was never licensed.
Search by person
Use a whole or partial last name. Start without an optional city when you are unsure of location.
Search by registration number
This is usually the strongest match. If the credential has a dash followed by a two-digit suffix, Maryland’s lookup instructs users not to enter that suffix.
Search the salon separately
A practitioner’s personal license and a salon permit answer different legal questions.
For a deeper search-by-name, registration-number, salon and no-result workflow, use our Maryland cosmetology license lookup guide.
Transfer an Out-of-State Cosmetology License to Maryland
Maryland endorsement is not simply “upload my old license.” The issuing licensing authority must send official certification directly to Maryland.
Confirm you hold a current active license in good standing
Maryland compares the existing jurisdiction’s licensing requirements with Maryland’s requirements.
Request certification from the original training/licensing state
The certification must include identifying information, license type, original issue and expiration dates, exam-language information and program clock hours.
If your original license expired, obtain both certifications
Maryland may require certification from the original licensing state and the state where your current active license is held.
Email your identifying information to Maryland
Follow the current endorsement page and include your full name, mailing address, license number and transferring state.
Wait for Maryland’s review
The Board determines whether training/exams are sufficiently comparable, whether more documentation is needed and whether Maryland examinations are required.
Pay only after the Board tells you to proceed
Maryland explicitly warns endorsement applicants not to submit the nonrefundable application before receiving confirmation from the Board.
State-specific endorsement rules can change your path
Maryland’s current endorsement page identifies some licenses from Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and other states as requiring additional experience documentation in certain circumstances. It also identifies applicants from several states—including Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa and certain California, Alaska and Pennsylvania candidates—as requiring Maryland theory and practical examinations.
Use the live Maryland list for your exact state and license type rather than assuming another person’s reciprocity outcome will apply to you.
Foreign Training and Out-of-State Education Without a License
Foreign-educated applicant
If you are not currently licensed in the United States or a U.S. territory, Maryland requires foreign high-school and cosmetology education to be evaluated before theory/practical exam approval.
The Board currently requires an evaluation through a NACES-accredited agency.
Trained in another U.S. state but not licensed
The school must send official academic records or transcripts directly to Maryland. Unofficial copies are not accepted.
The Board reviews the training before issuing examination eligibility.
Maryland Senior Cosmetologist License
The Senior Cosmetologist credential is a career-progression license and is particularly important for cosmetologist apprenticeship sponsorship.
Hold an active Maryland cosmetologist license for at least two years.
Maryland’s original-license page describes a 100-question senior cosmetologist theory examination.
Current published PSI theory examination fee for Senior Cosmetologist.
Before registering for the senior exam, request the Board approval letter using your full name, registration number and current mailing address as instructed on Maryland’s examination page.
Maryland Eyelash Extension Technician License: 2026 Transition
Maryland launched the temporary lash-only credential on April 1, 2026 while permanent training and examination requirements are being implemented.
Current application fee for the temporary lash technician license.
The temporary credential is issued for one year.
Maryland says the temporary license may be renewed once for one additional year.
A lash-only worker who does not obtain the temporary license by December 31, 2026 must stop until the standard requirements are met.
Temporary license holder rules
- Provide only the authorized eyelash extension services.
- Work in a salon or barbershop holding an active Maryland Board permit.
- Follow Board health and safety requirements.
- Obtain a separate facility permit if operating your own establishment.
Maryland Cosmetology Salon Permit: Opening, Moving and Renewing
A personal cosmetology license does not replace the permit for the facility where regulated services are offered.
Confirm zoning for the exact address
Maryland requires documentation from the local zoning authority showing the address is approved for cosmetology-related use.
Finish preparing the establishment
The Board expressly says not to apply when the establishment is not ready to open.
Apply for the correct ownership type
Maryland provides separate online routes for sole proprietor/partnership and corporate salon permits.
Pay the $225 original permit fee
The full-service and limited-service original shop fees are currently $225.
Follow Board opening and inspection instructions
Do not assume payment alone means the salon can legally begin operating.
Salon permits renew every two years.
Current published late-renewal amount.
The Board’s current fee table returns the late amount to $225 after 45 days.
Home salon rule
A home-based salon must be separated from living quarters and have a separate bathroom and separate entrance, in addition to the other applicable salon requirements.
Mobile salon
Maryland also provides a separate Original Mobile Salon License route. Do not use the ordinary fixed-location salon application when your business model is a mobile salon.
Change Name, Replace a License or Send Certification
These administrative tasks are easy to confuse with renewal even though they use different Maryland services.
| Task | Current fee | What Maryland requires |
|---|---|---|
| Individual name change | $0 | Provide appropriate legal documentation such as a court document or marriage license. |
| Individual address/email change | $0 | Licensees are responsible for keeping mailing and email information current. |
| Duplicate license | $0 | Request the duplicate through Maryland’s individual/business duplicate service. |
| Maryland certification sent to another state | $0 | Use Maryland’s license-certification service when another board requires formal verification. |
Special Maryland Licensing Situations
Military spouse temporary work permit
Maryland’s licensing FAQ states that a qualifying spouse of a military member may qualify for a temporary work permit while the application is being processed.
Call the Board at 410-230-6190 for the current eligibility/document route rather than assuming ordinary applicants receive temporary practice authority.
Microblading / permanent makeup
The Board’s current FAQ says Maryland does not issue a cosmetology license specifically for microblading or permanent makeup and that cosmetic tattooing is prohibited in salons.
Reporting unlicensed activity
The Board encourages written reports of unlicensed activity. Verify the license first so you do not report the wrong person because of a name or category mismatch.
Before reporting unlicensed practice
- Search the person’s current Maryland license.
- Search the salon permit separately.
- Save the date, business name and location.
- Keep screenshots, advertisements, receipts or messages relevant to the activity.
- Describe the service performed rather than making unsupported legal conclusions.
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists Phone and Contact Routes
Using the task-specific contact can save time compared with sending every question to the general Board inbox.
| Task | Contact | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| General assistance | 410-230-6190 | Application, renewal, license status and general Board questions. |
| Apprenticeship | 410-230-6255 | Sponsor and apprentice questions. |
| Continuing education | 410-230-6216 | 2026 CE questions and provider-related guidance. |
| Reciprocity / license verification | 410-230-6195 | Moving a credential into or out of Maryland. |
| Salon permit | 410-230-6194 | Salon/shop applications and permits. |
| General email | barbers.cos@maryland.gov | Written licensing and Board questions. |
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
100 S. Charles Street, Tower I
Baltimore, MD 21201
Fax: 410-962-8483
Before calling
- Full legal name.
- Maryland registration number if already licensed.
- Exact credential type.
- Expiration date.
- Date a payment, application, certificate or transcript was submitted.
- Exact error, deficiency or email wording.
- Name of school, sponsor, PSI exam or outside licensing jurisdiction involved.
Useful contact script
Official Maryland Links for the Final Action
This guide explains the process so you can identify the correct route first. Use the official pages below for the live application, payment, examination, current provider list or license verification.
Original License
Final Maryland application after satisfying eligibility and exam requirements.
Original license instructionsRenewal
Current individual license renewal requirements and electronic delivery details.
Maryland renewalContinuing Education
Six-hour requirement, provider reporting and certificate instructions.
Maryland CE rulesForms and Fees
Confirm personal, apprentice and salon charges before paying.
Current Board fee tableHelpful guides on this website
For a much deeper active-license search workflow, use our Maryland Cosmetology License Lookup guide. For wider state-by-state licensing comparisons, see our Cosmetology License guide and Board of Barbering and Cosmetology guide.
Maryland Cosmetology License FAQs
How do I get a Maryland cosmetology license in 2026?
For the standard cosmetologist route, generally be at least 17 and have completed ninth grade or a GED, complete 1,500 approved school hours or the 24-month registered apprenticeship, complete the one-time approved domestic violence awareness training, pass Maryland’s required PSI theory and practical exams, then complete the Maryland original-license application.
How many cosmetology school hours does Maryland require?
Maryland requires at least 1,500 approved training hours for the regular cosmetologist school route. The registered cosmetologist apprenticeship alternative is two years with at least 20 hours of training per week.
Can I take the Maryland cosmetology theory exam before 1,500 hours?
Yes. The current Maryland cosmetology test-taker guide allows a school student to apply for the theory examination after completing 1,380 hours. Practical-only or combined theory/practical testing requires 1,500 hours.
How much is the Maryland cosmetology exam?
The current PSI fee is $77 for cosmetology theory and practical together. Theory only and practical only are currently $47 each. These charges are separate from the $28 Maryland license fee.
How much is Maryland cosmetology license renewal?
The regular two-year personal renewal fee is $28. If the credential is already expired, Maryland automatically assesses an additional $28 reinstatement fee, making the current total $56.
Does Maryland require cosmetology continuing education in 2026?
Yes. Covered cosmetology credentials renewing from January 1, 2026 forward require six approved CE hours during the applicable two-year term: two required-topic hours and four elective hours.
Does Maryland domestic violence training add a seventh CE hour?
Not necessarily. It is a separate one-time licensing requirement, but current Board guidance allows the approved one-hour domestic violence awareness course to satisfy one hour of the required welfare-topic CE when properly applied.
How do I verify a Maryland cosmetology license?
Use Maryland Labor’s free Cosmetologists Public Query. Search an active record by personal name, personal location, salon name, salon location or registration number. The public cosmetology query does not include disciplinary actions.
Can I transfer an out-of-state cosmetology license to Maryland?
Possibly. Maryland requires a current active license in good standing from a qualifying jurisdiction and official certification sent directly by the licensing authority. Training, examinations and in some cases work experience are reviewed before Maryland tells you whether an exam waiver or additional testing applies.
Can I provide eyelash extensions in Maryland in 2026?
Existing qualifying Maryland cosmetologists and estheticians may provide eyelash extension services under their current scope. Lash-only practitioners without one of those licenses should review Maryland’s temporary eyelash extension technician license, which launched April 1, 2026 and has a December 31, 2026 transition deadline.
Final Maryland Cosmetology License Checklist
- Choose the correct license category before paying for training.
- For full cosmetology, verify the 1,500-hour school route or valid two-year apprenticeship.
- Complete the one-time approved domestic violence awareness training.
- Remember that theory may be available at 1,380 school hours, but practical requires 1,500.
- Use PSI’s electronic examination application.
- Budget separately for PSI testing and the Maryland license fee.
- Allow about 10 working days after passing both exams for Board licensing instructions.
- For covered renewals, complete two required-topic CE hours plus four elective hours.
- Use only Board-approved CE providers.
- Confirm provider-reported CE before the renewal deadline.
- Use the special Milady certificate route only for Milady courses.
- Download the PDF license during its 60-day access window.
- Affix the current photograph required by Maryland regulation.
- Verify the personal license and salon permit separately.
- For reciprocity, wait for Board confirmation before paying the nonrefundable application fee.
- For foreign education, follow the current NACES evaluation requirement when applicable.
- For an address or name change, use Maryland’s free update route.
- Do not pay for a duplicate license—Maryland currently charges no duplicate fee.
- Use the temporary lash route before the December 31, 2026 cutoff when applicable.
- Follow official Maryland records whenever an old article conflicts with a current Board page.
Independent information guide: Board-of-Cosmetology.org is not the Maryland Department of Labor, Maryland Board of Cosmetologists or PSI. Official Maryland statutes, regulations, agency records, application instructions and Board decisions control licensing eligibility and legal status.