Cosmetology License Renewal in Maryland (2026)

Cosmetology license renewal in Maryland is handled by the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor), which requires Cosmetologists to renew every 24 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Maryland Cosmetology renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	A cosmetologist license is issued for a two-year term and must be renewed before its expiration date. The Board mails renewal information roughly 60 days before expiration; if expired, a reinstatement (late) fee applies on top of the renewal fee.
CE hours required	6 hours
Renewal fee	$28.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor)

Go to the official Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor). automated research workflow (official maryland cosmetology board), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for Cosmetologys in Maryland

Maryland law now requires six hours of Board-approved continuing education as a condition of cosmetologist license renewal. Approved providers were permitted to begin offering courses effective June 1, 2024, and the date by which licensees must come into compliance is January 1, 2026. The renewal page does not specify mandated subject-matter topics.

Need approved hours? Compare Maryland Cosmetology CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your Cosmetology license in Maryland

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor) portal.
Complete the required 6 CE hours.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: Cosmetologist is Category 08 on the Board's fee schedule (renewal $28, late $56). Note the renewal page states a reinstatement fee of $28 for an expired license, while the official fee schedule lists the Category 08 late fee as $56; the $56 figure is the published late/reinstatement amount on the fee table. As of March 1, 2024, the Board no longer mails paper licenses; renewed licenses are issued as PDFs by email, so licensees must keep a current email address on file. The CE requirement is newly phased in (compliance deadline January 1, 2026) and applies to renewals; no specific CE-tracking vendor (e.g., CE Broker) is named on the official pages.

Cosmetology license renewal in Maryland: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my Cosmetology license in Maryland?

Maryland Cosmetology licenses renew every 24 months. A cosmetologist license is issued for a two-year term and must be renewed before its expiration date. The Board mails renewal information roughly 60 days before expiration; if expired, a reinstatement (late) fee applies on top of the renewal fee.

How many CE hours are required to renew an Cosmetology license in Maryland?

Approximately 6 continuing-education hours per cycle. Maryland law now requires six hours of Board-approved continuing education as a condition of cosmetologist license renewal. Approved providers were permitted to begin offering courses effective June 1, 2024, and the date by which licensees must come into compliance is January 1, 2026. The renewal page does not specify mandated subject-matter topics. Confirm the current requirement with the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor).

Can I renew my Maryland Cosmetology license online?

Yes — Maryland offers online renewal through the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor). Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Maryland Cosmetology license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $56 may apply. Contact the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Cosmetologist renewal