StateLicensed

Barber License Requirements in District of Columbia

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
1500 hrs
Upfront cost
$267
Exam
Barber Written Examination, Barber Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing)

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Meet the eligibility requirements set by the issuing board. No minimum age or education prerequisite for barber licensure is stated on the Board's licensing page, and no fingerprint/criminal-history background check is listed among application requirements — minAge left null rather than assumed. Applicants must submit an official school transcript and formal education certificate documenting their 1,500 training hours. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 1500 hours of training at a state-approved program. 1,500 hours at an approved barber school, documented with an official school transcript and formal education certificate. The Board also recognizes completing the required hours under a recognized apprenticeship program sponsor. A DC-licensed cosmetologist can qualify for the barber license with at least 500 hours of barber training. A separate Barber Manager license tier requires 2,000 school hours + 6 months work experience, or 1,500 school hours + 2 years continuous work experience. [1]

  3. 3

    Barber Written Examination

    Pass the Barber Written Examination (fee: $92). Scheduled online at provexam.com or by phone; the $92 exam fee is paid directly to Prov when scheduling. [1]

  4. 4

    Barber Practical Examination

    Pass the Barber Practical Examination. All barber applicants must take a practical exam (only Braiders, Master Estheticians, Managers and Owners are exempt). No separate practical exam fee is published on the Board's page, so the fee is null rather than guessed. [1]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing) with the $65 application fee. [1]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing) issues your Barber License for District of Columbia.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [1] $65
License fee [1] $110
Renewal fee [1] $110
Barber Written Examination [1] $92
Barber Practical Examination [1] None specified
Late renewal penalty (added to renewal fee) [1] $50
Reinstatement (total) [1] $210

Initial licensure costs $175 total ($65 application + $110 license fee). Operator renewal is $110 per two-year cycle.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 6 continuing education hours required per cycle.

All DC barber licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years regardless of issuance date. Renewal requires 6 continuing-education credits per two-year cycle — 2 hours in health, safety and/or welfare subjects plus 4 hours of general electives — from a Board-approved provider (DC Municipal Regulations Ch. 37, §§3730-3731). First-time license renewals are exempt from the CE requirement.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

No interstate compact covers barbering. DC offers licensure by endorsement (exam waiver) for barbers licensed in another state: upload a copy of the current out-of-state license and have the state board where you are licensed send a Letter of Certification directly to the DC Board.

Cost calculator

  • $65
  • $110
  • $92
Total$267

Frequently asked questions

How many training hours does DC require for a barber license?

1,500 hours at an approved barber school (or the equivalent under a recognized apprenticeship sponsor). A DC-licensed cosmetologist can cross over with 500 hours of barber training.

Who administers the DC barber exam?

Prov, Inc. administers the written exam ($92, paid to Prov when scheduling); the practical exam is held at Bennett Career Institute in Northeast DC.

When do DC barber licenses expire?

All barber licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years, regardless of when they were issued. Renewal costs $110.

Does DC require continuing education for barbers?

Yes — 6 CE credits per two-year cycle (2 hours in health/safety/welfare plus 4 elective hours) from a Board-approved provider. First-time renewals are exempt.

Can an out-of-state barber get a DC license without retesting?

Yes, by endorsement: submit a copy of your current out-of-state license and have your state board send a Letter of Certification directly to the DC Board.

Sources

  1. [1] dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-barber-and-cosmetology — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] dlcp.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dlcp/page_content/attachments/Barber%20and%20Cosmetology%20CE%20Requirements_0.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11