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Apply for Licensure by Endorsement - Barbers

All fees are nonrefundable.

Requirements

Candidates must:

  1. Possess a current license in another state;
  2. Provide certification that their license is in good standing and was obtained under the same standards as required in Maryland; and
  3. Possess two years’ notarized work experience. (Varies per state)

Candidates who meet the requirements are eligible for a waiver of the examination requirement by endorsement (reciprocity).

Certifications are only valid when the state board sends them directly to the Maryland Board.

Application process

  • STEP 1: Contact the original state where you have trained and taken an examination (practical and theory), and request that a certification of your licensure be sent to the Maryland Board. Ensure your current address is on the certification.
  • STEP 2: After you have confirmed that the certification will be sent, e-mail your mailing address and contact number to Barbers.cos@maryland.gov. Once your certification is received, the Board will notify you by email, whether you qualify. If you qualify, the letter and/or email will contain instructions on how to apply for your Maryland license.

Note: If the license where you originally took your exams has expired you will still need your original state to provide a certification. Along with the state where your license is currently active. (Two certifications would be required)

License Period

Two-year period from the date of issuance.

Additional Information

Foreign Country:

All Foreign Country applicants MUST pass a theory and practical exam to obtain licensure in Maryland. If your licensing credentials are from a foreign country (out of the USA), please email the following to barbers.cos@maryland.gov
  • An original copy of your original transcript.
  • A translated copy (if not in English). A transcript is defined as a detailed document showing the clock hours and covered topics that you acquired at your barbering school.

    A certificate of completion (diploma) will NOT be accepted.
  • Your current mailing address

Out of State applicants:

If you have completed your schooling hours and are NOT licensed in the state you have tested in, and would like to sit for your exams in Maryland please provide the following:
  • An original copy of your official transcripts with seal.
  • Your mailing address

This information may be emailed to Barbers.cos@maryland.gov

If your Maryland School is closed…

If you attended a Maryland Barber School and it has since closed down, you may contact the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) at 410-767-3300 for a copy of your transcripts. If you attended a Public High School, and have completed Barbering courses, please contact Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) at 410-767-0100 for a copy of your official transcripts. This information should be emailed along with your mailing address to Barbers.cos@maryland.gov.

Below are the states that do not qualify and will have to take examinations in Maryland. (NO exceptions)

  1. Alaska
  2. California
  3. Connecticut
  4. Hawaii
  5. Florida
  6. New Jersey (no Barber license)
  7. New York