StateLicensed

Barber License Requirements in Washington

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
1000 hrs
Upfront cost
$35
Exam
Washington Barber Written (Theory) Examination, Washington Barber Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology, Hair Design, Barbering, Esthetics, and Manicuring program

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 17 years old. DOL requires applicants to be at least 17 years old and to complete one of the two education options (school or apprenticeship). No general-education (diploma/GED) requirement is stated. No fingerprint background check is required; renewal applications include legal background questions with supporting documents if needed. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 1000 hours of training at a state-approved program. Two pathways per DOL: a minimum of 1,000 school hours in an approved barber program, or a minimum 2,000-hour approved barber apprenticeship program. All required hours must be completed (along with both exams) before applying for the license. [1]

  3. 3

    Washington Barber Written (Theory) Examination

    Pass the Washington Barber Written (Theory) Examination. State-approved written exam covering theory and Washington barbering law. Exam fees are paid directly to Prov and are not published on DOL's fee page, so fee is null. [1]

  4. 4

    Washington Barber Practical Examination

    Pass the Washington Barber Practical Examination. State-approved practical (skills) exam scheduled through Prov (provexam.com). Fee paid directly to Prov and not published on DOL's fee page, so fee is null. [1]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology, Hair Design, Barbering, Esthetics, and Manicuring program with the $35 application fee. [2]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Cosmetology, Hair Design, Barbering, Esthetics, and Manicuring program issues your Barber License for Washington.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [2] $35
License fee [2] None specified
Renewal fee [2] $66
Washington Barber Written (Theory) Examination [1] None specified
Washington Barber Practical Examination [1] None specified
Reciprocity application (out-of-state licensees) [2] $60
Late renewal [2] $131
License print fee [2] $5

DOL's fee page lists a $35 new-license fee for individual licenses (barber included) with no separate issuance fee, so license is null. On-time renewal is $66 and late renewal $131. Exam fees are paid directly to the exam vendor, Prov.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years.

Licenses renew every 2 years ($66 on time, $131 late) and may be renewed up to 120 days early. No continuing-education requirement exists for Washington barbers, so ceHours is null. A license expired more than one year is cancelled: the holder must reapply and pass the state-approved written and practical exams again.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Reciprocity ($60) requires an active license in good standing in another jurisdiction and proof of passing that jurisdiction's approved exam(s). Applications use DOL's combined License, Renewal, Reinstatement, or Reciprocity Application for cosmetology professions. No interstate barbering compact exists.

8 state-approved training providers in Washington — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $35
Total$35

Frequently asked questions

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

1,000 hours in an approved barber school program, or a minimum 2,000-hour approved barber apprenticeship.

Who administers Washington's barber exams?

Prov, Inc. administers the state-approved written and practical exams for the Department of Licensing (the testing vendor changed to Prov effective May 1, 2026). Exam fees are paid directly to Prov.

How much does a Washington barber license cost?

The new-license fee is $35, renewal is $66 every two years ($131 if late), and reciprocity applications cost $60. Exam fees are paid separately to Prov.

Does Washington require continuing education for barbers?

No — there is no continuing-education requirement. You renew every two years, and can renew up to 120 days before expiration.

Can I transfer an out-of-state barber license to Washington?

Yes — via reciprocity ($60) if you hold an active license in good standing in another jurisdiction and can show proof of passing that jurisdiction's approved exam(s).

Sources

  1. [1] dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/cosmetology/get-your-license-cosmetology — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/cosmetology/fees-cosmetologists — accessed 2026-07-11
  3. [3] dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/cosmetology/renew-or-reinstate-your-license-cosmetologists — accessed 2026-07-11