Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
The offices of the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists are open and serving our customers through our online licensing resources, via e-mail and telephone, and by limited in-person appointments. Please note, walk-in assistance is not available. We can be reached using our contacts page for e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of individual staff members; or
Use Labor’s Central Scheduling System to meet with a representative from one of our boards or commissions. Please select the type of appointment you need from our list of available in-person services using the drop-down menu on the scheduler. You will receive an e-mail confirming the date and time of your appointment.
Appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at our offices located at 100 S. Charles Street, Tower I, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early before your scheduled appointment time.
Please be advised that testing for does not take place at State Board administrative offices. Making an appointment is NOT for exams, you will be directed to PSI. Once you've registered for your exam, go to PSIEXAMS.COM to create an account and schedule your examination. For any and all issues that may occur pertaining to PSI, (General Questions, Concerns, Test Scores, Application Processing, Scheduling Issues, etc) e-mail Cosmetology@psionline.com or Barber@psionline.com. You may also call 1-800-367-1565 or 855-898-0714.
Welcome to our home page. The Maryland Board of Cosmetologists qualifies and licenses individuals seeking licensure and issues permits to business entities through which cosmetology is practiced. The Board also establishes health and safety standards for the operation of beauty salons and trade schools. We regulate the practice of cosmetology under the provisions of Business Occupations and Professions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, Title 5 and the Code of Maryland Regulations, Title 9, Subtitle 22. We investigate complaints against licensees, as well as complaints related to unlicensed practice. The Board may issue a reprimand, suspend or revoke a license or permit, and/or impose a fine.
We encourage you to report, in writing, any unlicensed activities. We need your help to ensure professionalism in the fields of barbering and cosmetology.
The Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 09.22.01.01 B (2) requires all licensees and registrants to affix a current picture to their licenses. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.
Please note: Business Occupations and Professions Article Section 5-605, Annotated Code of Maryland provides that you must be affiliated with a licensed salon or licensed barbershop to perform services.
News and Updates
PSI Testing Update
Effective 3/31/2025 PSI will no longer be processing applications via mail, fax or email. The application will be returned to you. You must submit the application online.
Please visit our Exams page for detailed information on applying electronically.
PSI registrars are available at (855) 898-0714, Monday through Friday between 7:30 am and 10:00 pm, and Saturday- Sunday between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm Eastern Time, to receive payment and to schedule your appointment for the examination. To schedule by phone, you need a valid credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover.)
Public Comment Period Open for Proposed Regulations – Senate Bill 1044 (2024)
The proposed regulations supporting Senate Bill 1044 (2024) in Maryland are now available for public comment on the Maryland Register.
Comments may be submitted to:
Nicole Fletcher, Executive Director
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
Department of Labor
100 S. Charles St., Tower I, Suite 9200
Baltimore, MD 21201
You may also submit comments via email at barbers.cos@maryland.gov.
The deadline for submitting comments is April 21, 2025. Please note that a public hearing has not been scheduled at this time.
Continuing Education
Provider Open Enrollment
The Provider Application open enrollment will begin on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, and it will end on Friday, May 30, 2025.
License Renewal
The State Legislature requires Licensees to complete six hours of approved continuing education as a condition of license renewal.
Effective June 1, 2024, Approved Providers can begin to offer continuing education courses.
Licensees can take courses now.
The effective date for licensees to come into compliance will be January 1, 2026.
For information about the Continuing Education requirements see COMAR 09.22.04.03, COMAR 09.22.04.02 (6), and Statute §5–205. (c) (2) .
Reciprocity Instructions/Qualifications
Proposed Regulations Currently Open for Public Comment
None at this time.
To register your comments with the Board, send your letter to the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists, 100 S. Charles Street, Tower I, Baltimore, Maryland 21201; e-mail barbers.cos@maryland.gov; or fax 410-962-8483.
Contact the Board
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
100 S. Charles Street, Tower I,
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
410-230-6190
Fax: 410-962-8483
e-mail: barbers.cos@maryland.gov