LicenseFig
Official sources · retrieved 2026-08-20

Barber License Reciprocity by State (2026)

No state reciprocity notes for Barber are published in our dataset yet. For every state below, the honest answer is "check both state boards" — reciprocity rules are set state-by-state and change often.

Provides hair cutting, shaving and grooming services. Separate state license from cosmetology. A reciprocity note means a license from a listed state is accepted, usually still with an application, fee and background check. When no note exists, verify directly.

Requirements by state →
StateReciprocity noteVerify with
Alabamacheck both state boardsAlabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
Alaskacheck both state boardsAlaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
Arizonacheck both state boardsArizona State Board of Cosmetology — Barbering
Arkansascheck both state boardsArkansas State Board of Cosmetology — Barbering
Californiacheck both state boardsCalifornia Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Coloradocheck both state boardsColorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure
Connecticutcheck both state boardsConnecticut Department of Public Health — Barbering and Cosmetology
Delawarecheck both state boardsDelaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
District of Columbiacheck both state boardsDC Board of Cosmetology — Barbering
Floridacheck both state boardsFlorida Department of Business and Professional Regulation — Board of Barbering
Georgiacheck both state boardsGeorgia State Board of Barbering
Hawaiicheck both state boardsHawaii Board of Cosmetology — Barbering
Idahocheck both state boardsIdaho Board of Occupational Licenses — Barbering
Illinoischeck both state boardsIllinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Barber
Indianacheck both state boardsIndiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Iowacheck both state boardsIowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences — Barbering
Kansascheck both state boardsboard site pending
Kentuckycheck both state boardsboard site pending
Louisianacheck both state boardsLouisiana State Board of Cosmetology — Barbering
Mainecheck both state boardsMaine Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Marylandcheck both state boardsMaryland Board of Barbers
Massachusettscheck both state boardsMassachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering
Michigancheck both state boardsMichigan Bureau of Professional Licensing — Board of Barber Examiners
Minnesotacheck both state boardsMinnesota Board of Barber and Cosmetologist Examiners
Mississippicheck both state boardsMississippi State Board of Cosmetology — Barbering
Missouricheck both state boardsMissouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Montanacheck both state boardsMontana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Nebraskacheck both state boardsNebraska Department of Health and Human Services — Barbering
Nevadacheck both state boardsNevada State Board of Cosmetology — Barbering
New Hampshirecheck both state boardsNew Hampshire Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
New Jerseycheck both state boardsNew Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — Barbering
New Mexicocheck both state boardsNew Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
New Yorkcheck both state boardsNew York Department of State — Barbering
North Carolinacheck both state boardsNorth Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners — Barbering
North Dakotacheck both state boardsboard site pending
Ohiocheck both state boardsOhio State Cosmetology Board — Barbering
Oklahomacheck both state boardsboard site pending
Oregoncheck both state boardsOregon Board of Cosmetology — Barbering
Pennsylvaniacheck both state boardsPennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners
Rhode Islandcheck both state boardsRhode Island Board of Hairdressers, Cosmetology and Barbering
South Carolinacheck both state boardsSouth Carolina Board of Barbering
South Dakotacheck both state boardsSouth Dakota Cosmetology Commission — Barbering
Tennesseecheck both state boardsTennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Texascheck both state boardsTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Utahcheck both state boardsUtah Division of Professional Licensing — Barber/Cosmetology
Vermontcheck both state boardsVermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Virginiacheck both state boardsVirginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
Washingtoncheck both state boardsWashington State Department of Licensing — Barbering
West Virginiacheck both state boardsWest Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Wisconsincheck both state boardsWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services — Barbering
Wyomingcheck both state boardsboard site pending

Frequently asked questions

Can I transfer my Barber license to another state?

Reciprocity for Barber licenses is decided state-by-state and no state notes are published in our dataset yet. Contact both state boards — your current one and your destination — to confirm whether your license transfers, requires an exam, or needs extra education.

What does reciprocity mean for a license?

Reciprocity lets an already-licensed professional from one state qualify for a license in another state without repeating the full education and exam process. Some states have formal agreements; others require a state-specific exam or extra coursework even when they accept your license.

Why do some states say "check both state boards"?

State reciprocity tables are not consistently published in machine-readable form. When a state has not published an official note in our verified sources, we point you to both boards rather than guess. That is the safest answer for a decision that can affect your eligibility to work.

Does holding a license in one state guarantee a license in another?

No. Every state sets its own licensing law. Even in states with reciprocity, you typically still file an application, pay a fee, pass a background check and sometimes pass a state-specific exam. Always confirm directly with the destination state board.

Plan your move with Barber data

Reciprocity rules change frequently and are set by each state legislature and board. “Check both state boards” means the note is not published in our dataset — it is not a negative answer. Always verify with both boards before relocating (data retrieved 2026-08-20).