What You Need to Know Before Starting
New York does not have a reciprocal agreement with Delaware for barber licenses, which means you cannot straightforward transfer your Delaware license and start working. Instead, you will need to meet New York's specific requirements, which may include passing the New York barber exam, completing additional training hours, or both, depending on your work history and how long you have held your Delaware license.
The New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services oversees barber licensing. Before you begin any process, contact them directly at 518-474-4429 or visit their website to confirm current requirements — these rules change periodically, and what applied last year may not explore now.
Key Takeaways
- New York requires you to pass the New York barber written exam and practical exam; your Delaware license alone does not waive either test.
- You must have completed at least 1,000 hours of barber training in an approved school or apprenticeship to sit for the New York exam.
- If your Delaware license shows fewer than 1,000 hours, you will need to complete additional classroom or apprenticeship hours in New York before you can test.
- The practical exam is administered by a third-party testing vendor and must be scheduled in advance; written exam dates are set by the state.
- Once you pass both exams, you submit your process to the Division of Licensing Services along with your Delaware license documentation and proof of training hours.
Step 1: Verify Your Delaware Training Hours and Get Official Documentation
Contact the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DNREC) and request an official transcript or letter stating the exact number of barber training hours on your Delaware license. This document must come directly from Delaware — a copy of your license card is not sufficient for New York.
If your Delaware record shows 1,000 hours or more, you meet New York's minimum training requirement and can move to Step 2. If it shows fewer than 1,000 hours, you will need to complete the shortfall in New York before you can sit for the exam. New York recognizes out-of-state training hours, but you must document them officially.
Step 2: Determine Whether You Need Additional Training Hours in New York
If your Delaware documentation shows fewer than 1,000 hours, you must complete additional barber training in New York. You can do this through an approved barber school or a registered apprenticeship program. The New York Division of Licensing Services maintains a list of approved schools on its website.
Barber schools in New York typically charge tuition per credit hour or per program. Apprenticeships are usually unpaid or low-paid positions at a barbershop under a licensed barber's supervision. Both routes count toward the 1,000-hour requirement. Once you complete the additional hours, request an official transcript from the school or apprenticeship program showing the hours completed.
Step 3: Register for and Pass the New York Written Exam
The New York barber written exam tests knowledge of sanitation, safety, state law, and barbering techniques. The exam is offered year-round at testing centers across New York. You do not need to have completed all 1,000 hours before taking the written exam — you only need to have completed them before you sit for the practical exam.
To register for the written exam, contact the Division of Licensing Services or visit their website for the current testing vendor's information. You will pay an exam fee (the amount varies and should be confirmed with the testing vendor). Bring a photo ID and your registration confirmation. The exam is typically multiple-choice and takes two to three hours.
Step 4: Register for and Pass the New York Practical Exam
The practical exam tests your ability to perform actual barber services — haircuts, shaves, and sanitation procedures — under observation. You must have completed your full 1,000 hours of training before you sit for this exam. The practical exam is administered by a third-party vendor, not the state directly.
After you pass the written exam, contact the testing vendor to schedule your practical exam. You will need to bring your own tools and supplies (clippers, razors, combs, and a model or mannequin head, depending on what the vendor requires). The practical exam fee is separate from the written exam fee. Bring your written exam passing score documentation and a photo ID.
Step 5: Submit Your License process to New York
Once you have passed both the written and practical exams, you are ready to submit your process for a New York barber license. You will need to gather the following documents:
- Completed process form (available from the Division of Licensing Services website)
- Official transcript or letter from Delaware showing your barber training hours
- Official transcript from any New York barber school or apprenticeship program, if you completed additional hours
- Proof of passing both the written and practical exams
- Copy of your Delaware barber license
- Proof of identity (driver's license or passport)
- process fee (amount set by New York; confirm current fee with the Division)
Submit your process by mail or in person to the Division of Licensing Services. Processing typically takes four to eight weeks. You will receive written confirmation of your process status. Do not begin working as a barber in New York until you receive your official New York license.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent error is assuming your Delaware license hours will automatically count without official documentation. New York requires a formal transcript from Delaware, not just your license card. Request this document early — it can take two to three weeks for Delaware to issue it.
Another common mistake is scheduling the practical exam before you have completed all 1,000 hours. New York will not let you sit for the practical if your training hours are incomplete, even if you have passed the written exam. Confirm your total hours with your school or apprenticeship program before you register.
Do not pay for exam registration or process fees through any website other than the official New York Division of Licensing Services or the state-approved testing vendor. Scams targeting out-of-state license holders are common. Verify all contact information and websites directly with the Division before sending money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a barber in New York while my process is being processed?
No. You must have your official New York barber license in hand before you work. Working without a license is illegal and can result in fines and criminal charges. Some barbershops may hire you as an apprentice while you complete requirements, but you cannot perform services independently or accept payment for barber work.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
If you already have 1,000 hours documented in Delaware, the process typically takes three to six months: one to two months to get your Delaware transcript, one to two months to study and schedule exams, one to two weeks to take both exams, and four to eight weeks for the state to process your process. If you need additional training hours in New York, add two to six months depending on the school or apprenticeship program.
What if I fail the practical exam on my first attempt?
You can retake the practical exam. Contact the testing vendor to schedule your next attempt. You will pay the exam fee again. Most candidates who fail the first time pass on the second attempt after additional practice. Your written exam passing score remains valid while you prepare to retake the practical.
Do I need to renew my Delaware license while I am explore for a New York license?
Check your Delaware license expiration date. If it expires before you receive your New York license, you may want to renew it in Delaware to maintain continuous licensure, though it is not required to transfer. Once you receive your New York license, you do not need to maintain your Delaware license unless you plan to work in Delaware again.
What if New York requires more than 1,000 hours of training?
New York's current requirement is 1,000 hours, but regulations can change. When you contact the Division of Licensing Services, confirm the exact hour requirement in effect at the time you are explore. If the requirement has increased, you will need to complete the additional hours before you can sit for the practical exam.