Verify a Maryland Cosmetology License Before You Trust the Credential
Use Maryland Labor’s free public query to find an active cosmetologist, senior cosmetologist, hairstylist, esthetician, nail technician, blow-dry stylist, lash technician or licensed salon.
The lookup, renewal login and disciplinary-action records are separate tools. Start with public verification, then use the correct official system for renewal, CE, enforcement history or account problems.
Maryland Cosmetology License Lookup: Direct Answer
Open the Maryland Cosmetologists Public Query and search by personal name, personal location, salon name, salon location or registration number. The government lookup is free.
The query searches active licenses and does not include disciplinary actions. If you need an expired or historical record, or need enforcement history, use the separate Board route explained below.
Four Maryland Licensing Changes That Matter in 2026
Active records only
The cosmetology public query is specifically an active-license search. Do not treat a missing result as proof that a person was never licensed.
6 CE hours now required
Covered licenses renewing from January 1, 2026 forward must meet Maryland’s new continuing-education rules.
Domestic violence awareness
Original applicants and renewing covered licensees must complete the approved one-hour training requirement.
Temporary lash license
Maryland launched a Temporary Eyelash Extension Technician License on April 1, 2026 for qualifying lash-only practitioners.
Choose the Exact Maryland License Task
Maryland License Search Helper
This on-page helper is private and static. It does not query Maryland records or transmit the information you select.
Maryland’s Five Official Cosmetology Search Options
The current public query gives you five different ways to locate an active cosmetology record. Choose the narrowest method based on information you actually know.
| Search | What to enter | Best use | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Name | Whole or partial last name; optional city. | You know the practitioner’s name. | Start without the city when spelling or location is uncertain. |
| Personal Location | City or ZIP code. | Finding active practitioners by home-location data. | Enter only one location field. |
| Salon Name | At least three characters of the business name; city optional. | Checking a known salon. | Use the licensed business name, not only a social-media brand. |
| Salon Location | City or ZIP code. | Finding salons in a particular area. | Enter either city or ZIP, not both. |
| Registration Number | Main license registration number. | Most precise match when you have the credential. | Leave off a dash-and-two-digit suffix. |
Maryland Cosmetology License Lookup by Name
The public query accepts a whole or partial surname, making it useful when you know the practitioner’s name but not the exact spelling or registration number.
Open Personal Name Search
Use the cosmetology-specific search rather than a general Google result or private directory.
Enter the legal last name
A whole or partial surname is accepted.
Leave city blank initially
City is optional. Adding the wrong city can hide the correct record.
Try the previous legal surname
Marriage, divorce or another legal-name change may explain a missing result.
Match the category and registration number
Never assume a similar name alone identifies the correct license holder.
Maryland Cosmetology License Number Lookup
Locate the registration number
Use the credential, Board email, renewal record or other official document.
Remove the suffix when present
Search only the main registration number if the credential shows an extra dash and two digits.
Complete the government-page verification
Submit the number using the official Maryland form.
Match every returned field
Compare the name, category, expiration and registration number before relying on the result.
Search the Maryland Salon Separately From the Practitioner
A practitioner license and a salon permit answer different legal questions. Maryland provides separate business-name and business-location searches.
Use Business Name Search
- Enter at least three business-name characters.
- Add city only when useful.
- Compare the licensed name with the advertised business.
- Search every practitioner separately.
Use Business Location Search
- Use either city or ZIP code.
- Do not fill both fields.
- Compare every plausible salon record.
- Do not substitute an LLC search for the salon permit.
What the Maryland Lookup Result Actually Shows
Maryland’s current active-license results use a compact table. Knowing the actual fields prevents users from assuming the system contains information that it does not.
| Public field | What to verify | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Match the legal or Board-record name. | A similar name is not enough; compare registration number too. |
| City | Compare location when useful. | For a personal record, this may reflect home-location information rather than salon location. |
| State | Useful when a licensee resides outside Maryland. | Out-of-state residence does not by itself invalidate a Maryland active license. |
| ZIP | Use it to distinguish similar records. | Do not treat a personal ZIP as a salon permit address. |
| Expiration | Confirm the date is still current. | Recheck after renewal if the date is near. |
| Category | Confirm the actual license type. | Different categories have different scopes. |
| Reg. # | Match the unique registration number. | This is the strongest match when names are similar. |
Maryland Cosmetology License Not Found: Decision Path
| Problem | Likely cause | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Name returns nothing | Nickname, prior surname or incorrect city filter. | Search a partial legal surname without city. |
| Number returns nothing | Suffix included or digit entered incorrectly. | Remove the dash-and-two-digit suffix and recheck every digit. |
| Old license is missing | The cosmetology query is an active-license search. | Contact the Board for expired or historical information. |
| Person found, salon missing | Wrong facility name, another licensed entity or permit issue. | Use the separate salon-name and location searches. |
| Salon found, person missing | Wrong legal name or no matching active practitioner record. | Ask for the professional’s registration number. |
| Renewal payment made but old record remains | Processing, CE, reinstatement or another unresolved requirement. | Keep the receipt and contact the Board if the public result does not update. |
| Recently passed PSI | Passing exams does not itself issue the final license. | Wait for Board licensing instructions and complete the original-license step. |
| Looking for a barber | Maryland has a separate Board of Barbers licensing search. | Use the barber profession rather than the cosmetology query. |
How to Check Maryland Cosmetology Disciplinary Actions
The license lookup and disciplinary records are separate. Verify the identity first, then check the Board’s enforcement page.
Search the active license
Record the exact name, category and registration number.
Open Disciplinary Actions
Maryland publishes Board disciplinary-action records separately by year and month.
Match the identity carefully
A common name should never be enough to attribute an enforcement action to someone.
Ask the Board when necessary
Use direct Board assistance when historical or disciplinary information is not clear online.
Maryland Cosmetology License Renewal Online in 2026
Maryland individual cosmetology licenses are issued for two years. The current practitioner renewal fee is $28.
Published two-year practitioner renewal fee.
The online system automatically adds a $28 reinstatement fee when applicable.
Renewal extends the practitioner credential for another two-year period.
Before you start renewal
- Find your Maryland Labor registration number.
- Verify the public record and current expiration.
- Complete the six-hour CE requirement when applicable.
- Complete the one-time domestic violence awareness training when required.
- Make sure your email address is current.
- If employed at a Maryland salon/shop, get the salon/shop permit registration number.
- If completing an employer renewal form, have the workers’ compensation policy number and insurance-company name available.
Online renewal workflow
Open the official renewal application
Use Maryland Labor’s cosmetology renewal login—not the public license lookup.
Select the exact license type
Do not accidentally renew a different credential when you hold multiple Maryland licenses.
Enter your registration number
Use it exactly as required by the renewal application.
Use your personal password
Old Maryland Labor-assigned PINs are no longer valid for the current password-management system.
Complete the renewal questions
Verify contact, salon affiliation and other required information before payment.
Review the payment amount
An expired license can automatically receive the additional reinstatement fee.
Save confirmation
Keep the transaction record and renewal confirmation.
Download the PDF license
Watch your email and retrieve the updated credential while the PDF link remains available.
Search the public record again
Confirm the new expiration in the active-license query.
Maryland Cosmetology CE Requirements Beginning in 2026
Covered Board of Cosmetologists licensees must complete six hours of approved continuing education during the current two-year license term and before renewal.
2 hours
Use approved health, safety, welfare, sanitation and/or Board laws and regulations content.
4 hours
Approved electives can include business, cosmetology, esthetics, nail techniques and product knowledge within the license scope.
Licenses covered by the current CE FAQ
- Cosmetologist.
- Senior Cosmetologist.
- Limited Blow Dry Stylist.
- Limited Esthetician.
- Limited Hair Stylist.
- Limited Nail Technician.
CE rules that prevent common renewal mistakes
| Question | Maryland answer | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| When must CE be taken? | Within the current two-year license term and before renewal. | Do not rely on an older certificate from a prior term. |
| Can I use an unapproved provider? | No. | Confirm the provider before paying. |
| Can I use more than one provider? | Yes. | Combine qualifying approved courses as needed. |
| Must courses be in my county? | No. | Use any approved location or qualifying virtual option. |
| Can courses be online? | Approved courses may be virtual or in person. | Verify the specific provider/course approval. |
| What if I hold two covered licenses? | Six hours are required for each license. | Do not assume one six-hour set automatically satisfies both. |
| I live outside Maryland | The requirement still applies. | Plan approved CE before renewal. |
| Grandfather exemption? | No. | Long-time licensure does not waive the current requirement. |
| Military exemption? | No CE exemption under the current Board FAQ. | Complete qualifying CE if maintaining the active license. |
| Do extra hours carry forward? | No additional credit beyond the required six. | Plan courses around the current renewal term. |
You do not need one four-hour elective class
Option 1
One approved four-hour elective course.
Option 2
Two approved two-hour elective courses.
Option 3
Four approved one-hour elective courses.
Who sends the certificate?
Most approved providers
The provider is responsible for reporting course completion. Current Board instructions give providers 14 days to upload course information.
Milady certificates
Milady uses the Board’s separate licensee-submission process. Follow the current instructions and provide the required downloadable certificate link.
One-Time Domestic Violence Awareness Training
Beginning January 1, 2026, Maryland requires qualifying original applicants and renewing Board of Cosmetologists licensees to complete an approved one-hour domestic violence awareness course.
Use a Maryland Department-approved provider.
The Board describes this as a one-time licensing requirement.
The requirement became effective January 1, 2026.
Covered cosmetology license types
- Senior Cosmetologist.
- Cosmetologist.
- Limited Hairstylist.
- Limited Esthetician.
- Limited Nail Technician.
- Limited Blow-Dry Stylist.
Certificate submission
- Keep your completion certificate.
- Use your full legal licensing name.
- Include license type and registration number when applicable.
- Follow the domestic-violence certificate submission instructions.
- Do not upload this certificate through the ordinary Milady CE upload route.
After Renewal: Download Your Maryland PDF License Before the Link Expires
Maryland stopped automatically mailing individual licenses in March 2024 when an email address is on file. New and renewed individual licenses are generally delivered through a PDF-access email.
Email notification
Use the email link to access the licensing portal and retrieve the released PDF license.
60-day access
The Board says PDF access remains active for 60 days. After that, contact the Board to reactivate access.
Duplicate is free
Maryland currently charges no fee for a duplicate cosmetology license.
Do not forget the current photograph
New Maryland Temporary Eyelash Extension Technician License for 2026
Maryland launched a temporary lash-only credential on April 1, 2026 while the permanent eyelash extension technician training and examination system is being implemented.
Current fee in Maryland regulation.
The temporary license is issued for one year.
Temporary-license applications must be submitted on or before December 31, 2026.
The Board says the permanent route will require approved 100-hour training plus state testing.
Who should consider the temporary license?
Lash-only technician
A person providing eyelash extension services who does not already hold a Maryland cosmetologist or esthetician license should review the temporary license.
Cosmetologist or esthetician
The Board says those existing license holders may continue providing eyelash extension services under their current qualifying license.
Temporary-license restrictions
- Applicant must be at least 17.
- Applicant must have completed ninth grade or equivalent.
- Services must be performed in a salon or barbershop holding an active Board permit.
- The temporary credential is limited to eyelash extension services.
- Health and safety regulations still apply.
- The temporary license may normally be renewed only once and only under the regulatory conditions.
Maryland Cosmetology Fees: Current Planning Table
Maryland states that Board fees are nonrefundable and may change through law or regulation. Use the amount displayed by the current official application when paying.
| Credential | Original | Renewal | Late / reinstatement planning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Cosmetologist | $28 | $28 | $56 listed |
| Cosmetologist | $28 | $28 | $56 listed |
| Limited Hair Stylist | $28 | $28 | $56 listed |
| Limited Nail Technician | $28 | $28 | $56 listed |
| Limited Esthetician | $28 | $28 | $56 listed |
| Limited Blow Dry Stylist | $28 | $28 | $56 listed |
| Temporary Eyelash Extension Technician | $11 | $11 | Temporary license may be renewed only once under qualifying conditions. |
| Cosmetologist Apprentice | $11 | $11 | Apprentice renewal limits apply. |
| Limited-Service Salon | $225 | $56 | $112 within 45 days; higher reopening cost after 45 days. |
| Full-Service Salon | $225 | $56 | $112 within 45 days; higher reopening cost after 45 days. |
| Duplicate license | — | — | No current duplicate-license charge. |
Maryland Cosmetology License Types and Training Routes
Searchers often choose the wrong category because Maryland separates full cosmetology from several limited licenses.
| License | School route | Apprentice route | Key qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | At least 24 months; Board rules cap ordinary program at 36 months | Age 17+ and ninth grade/GED for full licensure. |
| Limited Hair Stylist | 1,200 hours | 15 months | Age 17+ and ninth grade/GED. |
| Limited Blow Dry Stylist | 350 hours | Use current Board route | Age 17+ and ninth grade/GED. |
| Limited Esthetician | 600 hours | 12–24 months under current rule | Age 17+ and ninth grade/GED. |
| Limited Nail Technician | 250 hours | 8–12 months under current rule | Age 17+ and ninth grade/GED. |
| Senior Cosmetologist | Not an entry-level program | Not the qualifying route | Active cosmetologist for at least 2 years plus Senior Cosmetologist theory exam. |
| Temporary Eyelash Extension Technician | Training/exam temporarily waived for the temporary license | Permanent apprenticeship begins under the future standard route | Temporary 2026 rules apply. |
Maryland Cosmetology Apprenticeship Details Most Guides Skip
A cosmetologist apprentice registration is a training credential—not an unrestricted cosmetology license.
Cosmetologist apprentice
- At least 20 training hours per week.
- At least 24 months of training.
- No more than 36 months under the ordinary program.
- Complete the Board-approved apprenticeship curriculum.
- One senior cosmetologist directly trains one cosmetologist apprentice.
Sponsor and reporting duties
- Sponsor must complete the required Board orientation before supervising an apprentice for the first time.
- Sponsor must provide required theory and practical training.
- Monthly progress reports must be filed with the Board.
- Training credit can be lost when required reports are submitted too late.
- Board must be notified if apprenticeship is discontinued.
Maryland PSI Cosmetology Exam: 2026 PDF Audit
Maryland’s current 29-page Cosmetology Test Taker Guide is effective February 26, 2026. It contains important eligibility and test-day rules not visible on short licensing pages.
Current combined cosmetology examination fee.
Current theory-only or practical-only fee.
Both required passing scores must be earned within two years of each other.
When can a cosmetology student test?
| Exam choice | Training required | 2026 PSI rule |
|---|---|---|
| Theory only | 1,380 hours | A student may take theory before completing the full 1,500-hour program. |
| Practical only | 1,500 hours | Full approved training must be completed. |
| Theory + practical | 1,500 hours | Full program required before combined testing. |
PSI application rules
- Applications are submitted through PSI’s online processing system.
- Mail, fax and emailed applications are no longer accepted for the ordinary process.
- Use an existing PSI account if you have tested with PSI before.
- Do not create duplicate test-taker accounts.
- If an application is deficient, PSI places it on hold and emails instructions.
- There is no expiration to examination eligibility.
- Failed portions may be retaken on an unlimited basis, subject to current PSI rules and fees.
- Exam-payment validity is one year from payment under the current guide.
Out-of-state exam warning
Test-day checklist from the 2026 guide
- Arrive about 30 minutes before the scheduled test.
- Register under the legal first and last name shown on government-issued identification.
- Bring valid, non-expired signature-bearing identification.
- Name mismatch can prevent admission and cause fee forfeiture.
- Cancel or reschedule at least two days before the appointment to avoid forfeiting the fee under the current guide.
- Leaving voicemail does not count as canceling; follow PSI’s live cancellation procedure.
- A military ID cannot be used for admission to an online test; the PSI guide directs those candidates to a physical test center.
After passing both portions
PSI sends results to Maryland. The Board says licensing instructions normally arrive by email in approximately 10 working days after both required portions are passed.
Free Public Lookup vs Official License Certification
Public verification and interstate certification are not the same service.
| Service | Use it for | Current charge |
|---|---|---|
| Public cosmetology query | Consumer, employer, salon or personal active-license verification. | Free |
| Maryland certification sent to another state | Formal interstate license-verification request. | Maryland currently states there is no charge. |
Moving a license into Maryland?
For licensure by endorsement, Maryland requires a current active license in good standing from a qualifying U.S. jurisdiction with comparable requirements. The issuing licensing authority—not the applicant—must send official verification including disciplinary history directly to Maryland.
Client, Employer and Salon Verification Checklists
Client
- Search the legal practitioner name.
- Confirm the category fits the service.
- Check the expiration date.
- Search the salon separately.
- Review disciplinary actions separately when needed.
Employer
- Verify the registration number.
- Match the legal name.
- Confirm active status through the active-license query.
- Record the expiration date.
- Recheck after renewal.
License holder
- Confirm the current expiration.
- Complete qualifying CE.
- Verify domestic violence training status.
- Update email and contact data.
- Save the renewed PDF before access expires.
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists Contact Help
| Contact route | Current information | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Board general assistance | 410-230-6190 | License, renewal, application and Board questions. |
| Public-query assistance | 410-230-6231 | Questions about performing the public lookup or its results. |
| Toll-free | 1-888-218-5925 | Licensing and public-query assistance. |
| General email | barbers.cos@maryland.gov | General Board correspondence. |
| CE Coordinator | 410-230-6216 | Continuing-education questions. |
| Reciprocity / verification | 410-230-6195 | Moving a license into or out of Maryland. |
| Salon inquiries | 410-230-6194 | Salon/shop permit questions. |
| Office | 100 S. Charles Street, Tower I, Baltimore, MD 21201 | In-person help is by appointment; walk-in assistance is not offered. |
Useful message when lookup and renewal do not match
Official Maryland Links for the Final Action
Use these government and official testing pages only after identifying the task you actually need.
Disciplinary Actions
Review enforcement records not included in license search.
Open Discipline RecordsRelated guides on this website
Use the U.S. cosmetology license guide for broader school, exam, renewal and interstate-license planning. The state barbering and cosmetology board guide helps locate the correct licensing authority when your question involves a different state or profession.
Maryland Cosmetology License Lookup FAQs
How do I look up a Maryland cosmetology license?
Use Maryland Labor’s Cosmetologists Public Query. You can search active licenses by personal name, personal location, salon name, salon location or registration number.
Is Maryland cosmetology license lookup free?
Yes. Maryland’s official public cosmetology query is free and does not require the license holder’s renewal password.
Can I search a Maryland cosmetology license by name?
Yes. The personal-name search accepts a whole or partial last name. City is optional and should normally be added only when you need to narrow multiple results.
Why can’t I find an expired Maryland cosmetology license?
The cosmetology public query is specifically an active-license search. Contact the Board when you need historical, expired or other non-active license information.
Does Maryland’s license lookup show disciplinary actions?
No. Maryland states that disciplinary actions are not included in the cosmetology public query. Use the Board’s separate disciplinary-action page.
How much does a Maryland cosmetology license cost to renew?
The current regular practitioner renewal fee is $28 for a two-year license. An expired license can receive an additional $28 reinstatement fee.
How many CE hours are required for Maryland cosmetology renewal in 2026?
Covered licenses require six approved hours during each two-year renewal term: two hours of required topics and four hours of approved elective topics.
Is domestic violence awareness training required for Maryland cosmetologists?
Yes. Beginning January 1, 2026, qualifying original applicants and renewing licensees must complete a one-hour approved domestic violence awareness training course. The Board describes it as a one-time requirement.
What is the Maryland temporary eyelash extension technician license?
Maryland launched a temporary lash-only license on April 1, 2026 for qualifying individuals who do not already hold a cosmetologist or esthetician license. The temporary license costs $11, lasts one year and must initially be applied for on or before December 31, 2026.
How do I get my Maryland license after renewal?
Maryland normally emails access to the renewed individual license PDF when an email address is on file. The Board says PDF access remains active for 60 days, so download and save the credential promptly.
Final Maryland License Verification & Renewal Checklist
- Use Maryland’s official cosmetology public query instead of paying a private lookup site.
- Remember that the cosmetology query searches active licenses.
- Search a whole or partial legal surname rather than a nickname.
- Use the registration number whenever possible for the most precise match.
- Remove a dash-and-two-digit suffix before a registration-number search.
- Understand that personal-location results use home-location information, not necessarily the workplace.
- Verify the salon separately from the practitioner.
- Check name, city, state, ZIP, expiration, category and registration number in the returned record.
- Use the separate disciplinary-action page because discipline is not part of the public query.
- Use Maryland’s private renewal login only for your own licensing account.
- Do not use an old Labor-assigned PIN; create or use the current personal password.
- Plan on the current $28 practitioner renewal fee.
- Expect an additional $28 reinstatement charge when the qualifying practitioner license is expired.
- Complete six hours of approved CE for covered renewals from January 1, 2026 forward.
- Complete two required-topic hours plus four elective hours.
- Verify the CE provider before paying.
- Complete six hours for each covered Maryland license you hold.
- Keep CE certificates because Maryland may audit renewal compliance.
- Complete the separate one-hour domestic violence awareness requirement when applicable.
- Keep the domestic violence certificate and follow its separate submission instructions.
- Download the renewed PDF license before its 60-day access window expires.
- Affix the current photograph required by COMAR.
- Use Maryland’s free duplicate-license service if a replacement is needed.
- For lash-only services, review the temporary 2026 eyelash technician license before December 31.
- For cosmetology exams, use the PSI guide effective February 26, 2026.
- Remember that theory may be taken at 1,380 school hours, while practical or combined testing requires 1,500 hours.
- Get Maryland approval before an out-of-state candidate takes an exam when approval is required.
- Save lookup, renewal, CE, exam and payment records.
Independent-site notice: board-of-cosmetology.org is not affiliated with the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists, Maryland Department of Labor or PSI. Official Maryland records, statutes, regulations and Board decisions control.