StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Maine

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
200 hrs
Upfront cost
$289
Exam
NIC Nail Technology Written Examination, NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 1 year
Issuing board
Maine Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Pass a criminal background check. Maine repealed minimum age and secondary education requirements for cosmetology/nail technology licensure via Public Law Chapter 373 (LD 1768) in 2019. A criminal history record check is required for all applicants. [4]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 200 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires completion of a course of instruction in nail technology of 200 hours in a licensed school, or 400 hours of experience as a trainee. [1]

  3. 3

    NIC Nail Technology Written Examination

    Pass the NIC Nail Technology Written Examination (fee: $99). computer-based [2]

  4. 4

    NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination

    Pass the NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination (fee: $149). hands-on [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Maine Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program with the $41 application fee. [3]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Maine Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program issues your Nail Technician for Maine.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $41
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $20
NIC Nail Technology Written Examination [2] $99
NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination [2] $149
Trainee License Application Fee [3] $31
Trainee License Renewal Fee [3] $10
Criminal History Records Check Fee [3] $21
Late Renewal Fee [3] $50

Initial application fee is $41. The license fee is included. Written exam is $99 and practical exam is $149 paid directly to Prov. Trainee application fee is $31, and criminal background check fee is $21.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 1 year. 0 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Individual practice licenses renew annually on October 31st. There are no continuing education requirements.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Maine allows licensure by endorsement for out-of-state license holders for a $41 fee.

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

Cost calculator

  • $41
  • $99
  • $149
Total$289

Frequently asked questions

Is my application confidential?

No. With the exception of Social Security Number, all application information is public. Contact information provided to the board is posted on our website.

Do I need a special license to go to people’s homes?

No. The program's law allows an individual who holds a current practice license to go to people’s homes and perform services within their scope of practice without an additional license. You may only perform services on individuals who reside within that home, which includes nursing homes and hospitals.

If I move to another state can I still keep my Maine license?

Yes. You may keep your Maine license while living out of state, provided you keep your physical and email addresses up-to-date to receive renewals and correspondence.

My license is about to expire and I haven’t received a renewal?

You may renew your license online, and you can also update your address and phone number while renewing.

Sources

  1. [1] maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/barbering-cosmetology-licensing/applications-forms — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/barbering-cosmetology-licensing/examinations — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/barbering-cosmetology-licensing/licensing/individual-licenses — accessed 2026-07-12
  4. [4] maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/barbering-cosmetology-licensing/home/laws-rules — accessed 2026-07-12