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Apply for Licensure by Endorsement (Reciprocal) - Cosmetologists

All fees are nonrefundable.

Requirements

Candidates must:

  1. Possess a current license in another state; and
  2. Provide certification that their license is in good standing and was obtained under the same standards as required in Maryland.

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

Application process

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. 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 in writing if you qualify for Maryland licensure. If you qualify, the letter will contain instructions on how to apply for your Maryland license.

License Period

Two-year period from the date of issuance.

Additional Instructions

*Please note: If coming from out of the country, we will need a copy of your original transcripts and if not in English, we will need the translated copy as well. 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. Include your mailing address in your email for the qualification letter that will allow you to sit for the examination.

If you attended a Maryland Cosmetology School and it has since closed down since your training was completed, you may contact the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) at 410-767-3300 for a copy of your transcripts.

Below are the states that require Six (6) months of work experience with proof of A notarized letter from a former employer or a w-2 form.

  1. Alaska (Estheticians)
  2. Maine (Nail Technician)
  3. Massachusetts (Cosmetologist, Nail Technicians, and Estheticians)
  4. New Jersey (Cosmetologist)
  5. New York (Cosmetologist)
  6. Ohio (Nail Technicians)
  7. Oregon (Cosmetologist, Estheticians)
  8. Pennsylvania (Cosmetologist, Nail Technician, Esthetician) (If you took your examination in PA after 2014, you will have to take the Theory & Practical examination)
  9. Virginia (Nail Technicians)

Below are the states that DOES NOT qualify and will have to take the examinations in Maryland.
California
Connecticut
Hawaii
Florida
Illinois
Missouri
Nebraska