What You Need to Do to Reinstate a Barber License
To reinstate a barber license, you must contact your state's barber board or cosmetology board, pay a reinstatement fee, and often complete continuing education hours or pass a practical exam—depending on how long your license has been inactive. The exact steps and costs vary significantly by state; some states allow reinstatement by mail or online, while others require you to appear in person or retake the full licensing exam if your license has been expired for more than a set period (commonly three to five years).
The first step is to determine your state's specific reinstatement rules and whether your license qualifies for the simpler reinstatement path or requires you to meet additional conditions. Most state barber boards post reinstatement procedures on their websites, and you can also call the board directly to confirm what documents and fees you need before you start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Reinstatement fees typically range from $50 to $300, but the exact amount depends on your state and how long your license has been expired.
- Many states require continuing education hours (often 8 to 16 hours) completed within a set timeframe before you can reinstate, even if your license expired recently.
- If your license has been inactive for more than three to five years, your state may require you to pass a practical exam or the full licensing exam instead of allowing straightforward reinstatement.
- You must contact your specific state's barber board to learn the exact reinstatement path for your situation, because rules differ widely by state and sometimes by how long the license has been expired.
How Long Your License Has Been Expired Determines Your Path
States divide reinstatement into two categories based on how long your license has been inactive. If your license expired recently—usually within one to three years—you may be able to reinstate by paying a fee and submitting a form, sometimes without taking additional exams or education. This is often called standard reinstatement or straightforward reinstatement.
If your license has been expired for longer than your state's threshold (commonly three to five years), you typically cannot use the straightforward reinstatement path. Instead, you may need to retake the practical exam, the written exam, or both. Some states require you to complete the full licensing process as if you were explore for the first time. You should contact your state barber board to confirm the exact cutoff date and what you must do if your license falls into the longer-expired category.
Continuing Education Requirements Before Reinstatement
Many states require you to complete continuing education (CE) hours before your reinstatement is approved, even if your license expired only recently. The number of hours varies—typically 8 to 16 hours—and must often be completed within a specific window, such as the 12 months before you submit your reinstatement request. Some states allow you to complete CE hours after you submit your reinstatement process but before the board approves it.
CE courses must be taken through providers approved by your state barber board. Common topics include sanitation and safety, bloodborne pathogens, and state-specific barbering laws. You will receive a certificate of completion from the course provider, which you must submit with your reinstatement process. If you are unsure which courses count toward reinstatement in your state, ask the barber board for a list of approved providers or course types.
Reinstatement Fees and What They Cover
Reinstatement fees are separate from renewal fees and cover the cost of processing your reinstatement process. Fees typically range from $50 to $300, depending on your state and the type of reinstatement you are pursuing. Some states charge a flat reinstatement fee; others charge different amounts based on whether you need to retake an exam or straightforward pay to reactivate your license.
You should confirm the exact fee amount with your state barber board before you submit your process, because fees can change and some boards require payment in a specific form (check, money order, credit card, or online payment). If your reinstatement is denied, you may lose the fee or receive only a partial refund, so verify that you meet the requirements before paying.
Documents and Forms You Will Need
Most states require you to submit a reinstatement process form (available from the barber board website), proof of identity, and proof of any continuing education you have completed. If you are reinstating after a longer lapse, you may also need to submit proof that you have passed the practical or written exam. Some states ask for a letter explaining why your license lapsed or confirming that you intend to practice barbering again.
Keep copies of everything you submit. If the board requests additional information or documents, having copies on hand speeds up the process. You can usually read forms and submit them by mail, email, or through an online portal, depending on your state's system. Call your state barber board to confirm which documents they need and whether they accept electronic or paper submissions.
Exam Requirements for Longer Lapses
If your license has been expired for more than your state's reinstatement window (often three to five years), you will likely need to pass a practical exam, a written exam, or both. The practical exam typically tests your ability to perform basic barbering tasks—haircuts, shaves, sanitation—under observation. The written exam covers state barbering laws, health and safety rules, and general barbering knowledge.
Some states allow you to retake only the practical exam if you can show that you have been working as a barber in another state or have maintained your skills. Others require the full exam battery. You must register for the exam through your state's testing vendor (often a third-party testing company) and pay an exam fee, which is separate from the reinstatement fee. Exam fees typically range from $100 to $300. Contact your state barber board to learn which exams you must take and how to register.
Step-by-Step Reinstatement Process
The order of steps matters, because some states require you to complete continuing education before you explore, while others allow you to explore first and complete education afterward. Here is the typical sequence:
- Contact your state barber board and confirm your license status and reinstatement requirements.
- If continuing education is required, enroll in and complete approved CE courses, and request certificates of completion.
- read or request the reinstatement process form from the barber board website or office.
- Complete the form, gather required documents (ID, CE certificates, exam results if applicable), and make copies.
- Pay the reinstatement fee using the method your state accepts.
- Submit your process and documents by the method your state specifies (mail, email, or online portal).
- Wait for the board to process your process—this typically takes two to six weeks.
- Once approved, you will receive a new license or a letter confirming reinstatement; some states issue licenses when ready, while others mail them.
If your state requires an exam for reinstatement, you may need to schedule and pass the exam before or after submitting your process, depending on state rules. Confirm the exact sequence with your barber board so you do not complete steps in the wrong order and delay your reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a barber while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally work as a barber with an expired or lapsed license, even if your reinstatement process is pending. Working without an active license can result in fines or legal action. You must wait until your reinstatement is approved and your license is reactivated before you resume work.
What if I let my license expire because I moved out of state?
If you worked as a barber in another state and want to reinstate in your original state, contact that state's barber board to ask whether you can use your out-of-state work history to waive the practical exam or reduce continuing education requirements. Some states offer reciprocity or credit for active practice elsewhere, but you must ask—the board will not offer it automatically.
Do I have to retake the written exam if my license expired more than five years ago?
It depends on your state. Some states require the full exam (written and practical) if your license has been expired for more than five years. Others allow you to retake only the practical exam or waive exams if you can show recent work history. Contact your state barber board to learn the exact rule for your situation.
How much does reinstatement cost in total?
Reinstatement costs vary by state. A straightforward reinstatement typically costs $50 to $300 in fees alone. If you need continuing education, add $100 to $500 depending on course length and provider. If you must retake an exam, add $100 to $300 for exam fees. Contact your state barber board for a complete cost estimate based on your specific reinstatement path.
Can I reinstate my license online?
Many states now allow you to submit reinstatement applications online through the barber board's website or licensing portal. However, some states still require paper applications by mail. A few states require you to appear in person or at a testing center if an exam is needed. Check your state barber board's website or call to confirm whether online reinstatement is available in your state.