How often do I renew a cosmetologist license in Maine?
Annually October 31st.
How to Get a Cosmetologist License in Maine (2026)
Quick answer
A license is required to practice cosmetology in Maine.
Required hours
1,500 school hours over at least nine months, or 2,500 trainee hours over at least 18 months.
Exam
Pass an approved examination.
Renewal
Annually October 31st.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
How do I get this license?
Check the licensing authority
Board
Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Director
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
means the Director of the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation within the department.
Official sourceOfficial agency page
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing - Licensing
Official sourceCheck your qualifications
Required hours
1,500 school hours over at least nine months, or 2,500 trainee hours over at least 18 months.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Has satisfactorily completed a course of instruction in cosmetology of 1,500 hours in not less than 9 months in a school licensed by the director or has experience in the practice of cosmetology as a trainee of 2,500 hours distributed over a period of at least 18 months
Official sourceExam
Pass an approved examination.
Prepare your application
Apply with the agency
Reciprocity
The director may license an applicant who proves licensure in another US jurisdiction if no statutory denial grounds exist. Foreign licenses require standards considered equivalent or higher.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The director may issue a license to any applicant who presents proof of being licensed to practice by another state or other jurisdiction of the United States as long as no cause exists for denial of a license under section 14236‑A. The director may grant a license to any applicant who presents proof of being licensed in another country that maintains professional standards considered by the director to be equivalent to or higher than those set forth in this chapter
Official sourceConfirm your next step with the agency
Review the official instructions for your situation before applying.
Open the official agency page
What else should I know?
Agency guidance
A license is required to practice cosmetology in Maine.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
A person may not practice cosmetology, barber hair styling, hair design, nail technology or aesthetics or act as a trainee in this State unless that person has first obtained a license as provided in this chapter.Official source
Agency guidance
Annual renewal fee: $20.
When do I renew, and is CE required?
Renewal
Annually October 31st.
License term in years
Annual renewal fee $20.00
Have a license or permit? Use the expiration date printed on it to set up your calendar and reminders.
What does it cost?
Confirm the charges and conditions for your application with the official agency.
What are the common questions?
Which official sources support this guide?
Official sources and verification (10)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
Board
Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Director
Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Director
means the Director of the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation within the department.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Official agency page
https://www1.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/barbering-cosmetology-licensing/licensing
Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing - LicensingOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / Required hours
1,500 school hours over at least nine months, or 2,500 trainee hours over at least 18 months.
1,500 school hours over at least nine months, or 2,500 trainee hours over at least 18 months.
Has satisfactorily completed a course of instruction in cosmetology of 1,500 hours in not less than 9 months in a school licensed by the director or has experience in the practice of cosmetology as a trainee of 2,500 hours distributed over a period of at least 18 monthsOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / Exam
Pass an approved examination.
Pass an approved examination.
Has passed an approved examination.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Reciprocity
The director may license an applicant who proves licensure in another US jurisdiction if no statutory denial grounds exist. Foreign licenses require standards considered equivalent or higher.
The director may license an applicant who proves licensure in another US jurisdiction if no statutory denial grounds exist. Foreign licenses require standards considered equivalent or higher.
The director may issue a license to any applicant who presents proof of being licensed to practice by another state or other jurisdiction of the United States as long as no cause exists for denial of a license under section 14236‑A. The director may grant a license to any applicant who presents proof of being licensed in another country that maintains professional standards considered by the director to be equivalent to or higher than those set forth in this chapterOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidance
A license is required to practice cosmetology in Maine.
A license is required to practice cosmetology in Maine.
A person may not practice cosmetology, barber hair styling, hair design, nail technology or aesthetics or act as a trainee in this State unless that person has first obtained a license as provided in this chapter.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidance
Annual renewal fee: $20.
Annual renewal fee: $20.
Annual renewal fee $20.00Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Apply with the agency
https://www1.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/barbering-cosmetology-licensing/licensing
Cosmetology Apply Renew nowOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
License term in years
Annual renewal fee $20.00
1
Annual renewal fee $20.00Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Renewal
Annually October 31st.
Annually October 31st. Applies to: Cosmetologist license
Annually October 31st.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Not yet verified: license fee, continuing education — see the official agency.
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What should I explore next?
Cosmetologist in neighboring states
Neighboring states use Census adjacency data, including water and point boundaries.
Related licenses in Maine
Last verified Oct 25, 2026.
Official sources (3)
Not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official agency before filing.