Barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, and other beauty professionals in Maryland must meet specific requirements to obtain or renew their professional licenses. Many professionals searching for Maryland barber license renewal requirements or cosmetology license renewal in Maryland need to complete domestic violence awareness training under HB1547. These requirements are set by the Maryland State Board of Barbers and the State Board of Cosmetologists.

According to the Maryland Department of Labor, all applicants for licensure and renewal must complete a one-hour domestic violence awareness training beginning January 1, 2026.

This page explains the current requirements and how professionals can complete the necessary training.

Source: Maryland Board of Barbers Licensing Information

Maryland Barber and Cosmetology License Renewal Overview

The Maryland State Board regulates licensing for barbers and cosmetologists to ensure professionals meet training and professional standards.

License renewal requirements generally include:

• Maintaining an active professional license
• Submitting a renewal application
• Paying applicable renewal fees
• Completing any required training established by Maryland law

Professionals should check renewal deadlines with the Maryland Department of Labor to ensure licenses remain active and in good standing.

New Domestic Violence Awareness Training Requirement

Under Maryland House Bill 1547 (HB1547), barbers and cosmetologists must complete domestic violence awareness training as part of licensing or license renewal.

This law was created to help professionals recognize signs that someone may be experiencing abuse and respond in a safe and supportive way.

Beauty professionals often build long-term relationships with their clients. Because of this trusted environment, they may be in a position to notice warning signs of abuse and help connect individuals with appropriate resources.

The training requirement helps ensure professionals understand:

• common signs of domestic violence
• how to respond safely if someone discloses abuse
• how to connect individuals with support services

Who Must Complete the Training

The domestic violence awareness training requirement applies to many licensed beauty professionals in Maryland, including:

• Barbers
• Cosmetologists
• Estheticians
• Nail technicians
• Beauty school students preparing for licensure

Individuals should confirm with the Maryland licensing board if they are unsure whether the requirement applies to their specific license.

How to Complete the Required Training

Many professionals choose to complete the required training through an online course, which allows them to learn at their own pace and receive a certificate of completion after finishing the training.

Online training typically includes:

• education about domestic violence and abuse
• recognizing warning signs
• guidance on responding safely
• information about available resources

After completing the training, participants receive a certificate of completion that can be kept for their professional records.

Complete the Maryland Domestic Violence Awareness Training Online

If you need to complete the Maryland Domestic Violence Awareness Training requirement, you can take the training online and receive your certificate after finishing the course.

The course is designed specifically for Maryland beauty professionals and includes practical guidance on recognizing and responding to domestic violence.

You can complete the Maryland Domestic Violence Awareness Training for Barbers and Cosmetologists online here.

You may also find these resources helpful:

• Maryland Domestic Violence Training Requirement Explained
• Do Barbers and Cosmetologists Need Domestic Violence Training in Maryland?