Barber License Renewal: CE Hours, Fees & Late Penalties by State
Earning your barber license is a major milestone — but keeping it active requires timely renewals. Every state has its own renewal cycle, fees, and continuing education rules. This guide breaks down barber license renewal requirements across all 51 states in our database so you can stay compliant and avoid costly late penalties.
All data below is pulled from our verified state databases. Click any state to see its full renewal details and sources.
Renewal Overview
51
States Tracked
11
Require CE
$20
Lowest Renewal Fee
$69
Avg. Renewal Fee
Complete Renewal Comparison Table
The table below shows renewal requirements for all 51 states, sorted by renewal cycle length. Click any state for full details.
| State | Renewal Cycle | Renewal Fee | CE Required | CE Hours | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | Annual (based on original licensure date) | $25/year | No | — | N/A |
| Louisiana | Annual (by birthday) | $25/year | No | — | N/A |
| New Mexico | Annual renewal; licenses renew in birthday month | $50 | No | — | N/A |
| Arkansas | Yearly between July 1 and September 1 | $50.00 | No | — | $25.00 penalty for renewal after September 1 |
| Kansas | Annual (quarter depends on last name initial: A-C,M-O = Q1; D-F,P-R = Q2; G-I,S-U = Q3; J-L,V-Z = Q4) | $80/year | No | — | N/A |
| Kentucky | Annual, expiring July 1 | $50 | No | — | $25 |
| North Carolina | 1 year (annual — expires May 31) | $50.00 | No | — | Assessed automatically after May 31 deadline |
| North Dakota | 1 year (annual — expires June 30/July 1) | $100 | Yes | 6 hrs | N/A |
| West Virginia | Annual, due January 1st | $35 | Yes | 4 hrs | $10/month (not to exceed $205 for Individual Licenses) |
| Wyoming | 1 year (annual) | $75 | No | — | Late fee set by board rule |
| Alabama | 2 years; barbers renew in even-numbered years during birth month | $100.00 | No | — | $54.00 |
| Alaska | 2 years (expires Aug 31 of odd-numbered years) | $180 | No | — | N/A |
| Arizona | 2 years (expires on birthday) | $30 | No | — | N/A |
| California | 2 years | $50 | No | — | $25 |
| Connecticut | 2 years | $100 | No | — | N/A |
| Delaware | 2 years (expires March 31 of even-numbered years) | Set per cycle (check current schedule) | No | — | N/A |
| District of Columbia | 2 years; all barber licenses expire September 30 of odd-numbered years | $115 | Yes | 6 hrs | N/A |
| Florida | 2 years; licenses expire July 31st every even year | $63.75 | Yes | 2 hrs | N/A |
| Georgia | 2 years (expires Dec 31 of even-numbered years) | $50 | Yes | 5 hrs | $100 |
| Illinois | 2 years (expires July 31 of odd-numbered years) | $50 | No | — | N/A |
| Iowa | 2 years (expires June 30 of even-numbered years) | $60 | Yes | 6 hrs | N/A |
| Maryland | 2 years | $50 | Yes | 1 hrs | N/A |
| Massachusetts | 2 years (expires Dec 31 of odd-numbered years) | $40 (Apprentice) / $78 (Master) | No | — | $57 |
| Michigan | 2 years (expires September 30) | $60 | No | — | N/A |
| Mississippi | 2 years | $50 | No | — | $50 |
| Missouri | 2 years (expires September 30, odd-numbered years) | $30 | No | — | N/A |
| Montana | Biennial; Regular renewal: Jan 2 – Mar 1; Late renewal online for 45 days until April 15 | $80 | No | — | $80 |
| Nebraska | 2 years | $120 | No | — | N/A |
| Nevada | 2 years (expires May 1, even-numbered years) | $60 | No | — | $50 |
| New Hampshire | 2 years (odd-numbered years, by last day of birth month) | $55.00 | No | — | $55.00 (Reinstatement Fee) |
| New Jersey | 2 years (even-numbered years) | $60 (per renewal cycle) | No | — | N/A |
| Ohio | 2 years; barber licenses renew by August 31 of even-numbered years | $65 (effective after June 30, 2025) | Yes | 4 hrs | N/A |
| Oklahoma | 2 years (eff. Nov 2025; previously annual) | $80 | No | — | N/A |
| Oregon | 2 years (inactive date is the last day of the month, two years from the date of issuance) | $65 | No | — | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | 2 years (expires April 30, even-numbered years) | $160 | No | — | N/A |
| Rhode Island | 2 years (expires September 30) | $25 | No | — | N/A |
| South Carolina | 2 years | $125 | No | — | N/A |
| Tennessee | 2 years | $60 | No | — | N/A |
| Texas | 2 years | $55–$60 | Yes | 4 hrs | $75-$100 |
| Utah | 2 years (expires September 30, odd-numbered years) | $52 | No | — | N/A |
| Vermont | Up to 2 years per OPR schedule | $130 | Yes | 24 hrs | N/A |
| Virginia | 2 years (by last day of month of issuance) | $105 | No | — | N/A |
| Washington | 2 years | $66 | No | — | $131 |
| Wisconsin | 2 years (March 31 of odd-numbered years) | $82 | Yes | 4 hrs | $25 |
| Indiana | 4 years | $40.00 | No | — | N/A |
| New York | 4 years | $40 | No | — | $10 |
| South Dakota | Annual (expires June 30) | $75 | No | — | $15 restoration fee + $12 per expired year + annual license fee |
| Colorado | Barber licenses expire March 31 of even-numbered years | $40 | No | — | $15 |
| Hawaii | Renew by December 31 of every odd-numbered year | $146.00 (active status) | No | — | N/A |
| Maine | Annually October 31st | $20.00 annually | No | — | $50.00 |
| Minnesota | Annual (expires December 31) | $77/year (Apprentice) / $88/year (Master) | No | — | N/A |
Renewal Cycles by State
States renew barber licenses on different schedules. Here is how states group by renewal cycle length:
Annual (based on original licensure date) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
Annual (by birthday) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
Annual renewal; licenses renew in birthday month Renewal Cycle (1 state)
Yearly between July 1 and September 1 Renewal Cycle (1 state)
Annual (quarter depends on last name initial: A-C,M-O = Q1; D-F,P-R = Q2; G-I,S-U = Q3; J-L,V-Z = Q4) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
Annual, expiring July 1 Renewal Cycle (1 state)
1 year (annual — expires May 31) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
1 year (annual — expires June 30/July 1) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
Annual, due January 1st Renewal Cycle (1 state)
1 year (annual) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years; barbers renew in even-numbered years during birth month Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (expires Aug 31 of odd-numbered years) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (expires on birthday) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years Renewal Cycle (9 states)
2 years (expires March 31 of even-numbered years) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years; all barber licenses expire September 30 of odd-numbered years Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years; licenses expire July 31st every even year Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (expires Dec 31 of even-numbered years) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (expires July 31 of odd-numbered years) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (expires June 30 of even-numbered years) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (expires Dec 31 of odd-numbered years) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (expires September 30) Renewal Cycle (2 states)
Biennial; Regular renewal: Jan 2 – Mar 1; Late renewal online for 45 days until April 15 Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (expires May 1, even-numbered years) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (odd-numbered years, by last day of birth month) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (even-numbered years) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years; barber licenses renew by August 31 of even-numbered years Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (eff. Nov 2025; previously annual) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (inactive date is the last day of the month, two years from the date of issuance) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (expires April 30, even-numbered years) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
Up to 2 years per OPR schedule Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (by last day of month of issuance) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
2 years (March 31 of odd-numbered years) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
Annual (expires June 30) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
Barber licenses expire March 31 of even-numbered years Renewal Cycle (1 state)
Renew by December 31 of every odd-numbered year Renewal Cycle (1 state)
Annually October 31st Renewal Cycle (1 state)
Annual (expires December 31) Renewal Cycle (1 state)
Continuing Education Requirements
11 of 51 states require continuing education (CE) to renew a barber license. The remaining 40 states require only the renewal fee — no additional education.
States Requiring CE (11)
6 hours every 2 years for all licensed barbers and instructors. Online courses accepted.
4 hours annually. 20+ years licensure: 3 hours sanitation every other year instead.
6 CE hours per renewal cycle: 2 hours sanitation/hygiene + 4 hours elective. First-time renewals are exempt.
2 hours per renewal cycle. Must include HIV/AIDS component. HIV/AIDS course must be completed within 2 years prior to application.
5 hours per renewal: 3 hours health/safety (TCSG-developed) + 2 hours elective (trade shows, industry trends, computer skills, business management, or related areas). CE Broker required as of Jan 1, 2026. First renewal exempt.
6 hours per renewal (one license): 4 hours discipline-specific + 2 hours Iowa laws/rules/infection control. First renewal after initial licensure is exempt from CE requirements.
1 hour domestic violence awareness training (one-time requirement, effective Jan 1, 2026 via HB 1547). Required for all initial and renewal applicants.
4 hours per biennial renewal: 1 hour Board Laws/Rules (ONLY available through the board directly) + 3 hours infection control/safety. Exemptions: age 65+, or 30+ years licensure.
4 hours (eff. Sept 1, 2025). Includes mandatory human trafficking prevention component.
24 hours per 2-year renewal — highest CE requirement for barbers nationally.
4 hours per biennial renewal.
States with No CE Requirement (40)
These states only require the renewal fee — no continuing education coursework:
Late Renewal Fees
Many states impose late fees if you miss your renewal deadline. 20 of 51 states in our database have explicit late renewal penalties. Renewing on time is the easiest way to avoid unnecessary costs.
States with Late Fees (20)
| State | Renewal Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $50.00 | $25.00 penalty for renewal after September 1 |
| Kentucky | $50 | $25 |
| North Carolina | $50.00 | Assessed automatically after May 31 deadline |
| West Virginia | $35 | $10/month (not to exceed $205 for Individual Licenses) |
| Wyoming | $75 | Late fee set by board rule |
| Alabama | $100.00 | $54.00 |
| California | $50 | $25 |
| Georgia | $50 | $100 |
| Massachusetts | $40 (Apprentice) / $78 (Master) | $57 |
| Mississippi | $50 | $50 |
| Montana | $80 | $80 |
| Nevada | $60 | $50 |
| New Hampshire | $55.00 | $55.00 (Reinstatement Fee) |
| Texas | $55–$60 | $75-$100 |
| Washington | $66 | $131 |
| Wisconsin | $82 | $25 |
| New York | $40 | $10 |
| South Dakota | $75 | $15 restoration fee + $12 per expired year + annual license fee |
| Colorado | $40 | $15 |
| Maine | $20.00 annually | $50.00 |
The remaining 31 states either do not publish a specific late fee or handle late renewals on a case-by-case basis. Contact your state board directly if you have missed your deadline.
Tips for Staying Current
- Stay up on health and sanitation. Many states include sanitation, bloodborne pathogens, or infection control topics as part of their renewal or CE requirements. Even if your state does not mandate formal CE, staying current on health and safety best practices protects both you and your clients.
- Renew your shop license too. If you own or manage a barbershop, remember that the shop license typically has its own separate renewal cycle and fee. Missing the shop license renewal can result in closure orders even if your personal barber license is current.
- Complete continuing education early. If your state requires CE, do not wait until the last week. Complete your hours well in advance and keep certificates on file — some states audit CE compliance at random.
- Set a calendar reminder. Mark your renewal deadline 60-90 days out so you have time to gather documents, complete any CE, and submit your application before the late fee kicks in.
- Renew online when possible. Most state boards now offer online renewal, which is faster and provides immediate confirmation. Check your state board's website for online options.
- Update your address promptly. If you move, notify your state board so renewal notices reach you. A missed notice is one of the most common reasons barbers accidentally let their license lapse.
Next Steps
Find your state in the table above and click through for full renewal details. Also explore our other barber licensing guides:
- How to Get a Barber License in 2026: State-by-State Guide
- Barber Licensing Requirements by State — Full Comparison Table
Sources
Renewal data is sourced from official state barber licensing boards and verified against published fee schedules and CE requirements.
- Individual state barber licensing board websites (cited on each state page).
- Published state board fee schedules, late penalty notices, and continuing education rule documents.
Data was last verified in February 2026. Renewal fees and CE requirements can change as states update their regulations. Always confirm current renewal requirements with your state's licensing board before your renewal deadline.
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Barber Licensing — Quick Reference by State
Median salary, government licensing fees, and estimated timeline. Click any state for full details.
| State | Median Salary | License Fees | Timeline | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $36,590 | $125 | 11 mo | View → |
| Texas | $36,400 | $183 | 9 mo | View → |
| Florida | $46,900 | $152.5 | 8 mo | View → |
| New York | $32,050 | $70 | 6 mo | View → |
| Pennsylvania | $42,570 | $173 | 11 mo | View → |
| Illinois | $36,300 | $196 | 1.1 yr | View → |
| Ohio | $46,930 | $90 | 1.3 yr | View → |
| Georgia | $47,630 | $215 | 1.1 yr | View → |
| North Carolina | $64,290 | $125 | 1.1 yr | View → |
| Michigan | $29,390 | $166 | 1.3 yr | View → |
Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024. Fees & timelines: state licensing boards.
Professional Development
Resources to stay current with barber licensing and techniques.
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