Barber / Iowa
2026 data Iowa board official source

Iowa Barber License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Cuts and styles hair. Licensed in all 50 states and DC.

What the Iowa data shows for Barbers

To practice as a barber in Iowa, the state licensing board requires 1,095 documented education or training hours, a passing score on State Barber Board Exam. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. The regulation sits under Iowa's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Barber School".

Upfront cost is $59, with renewal running $35 on a 2-year cycle. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Iowa, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

For barbers, the reciprocity picture is: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Requirements in Iowa

Education / Training Hours
Barber School
1,095 hours
Exam Requirement
State Barber Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$59
Renewal Fee
$35
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
16 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Barber All Iowa licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Iowa licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Barber in Iowa? ▼
Iowa requires 1095 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Barber Board Exam), and an initial fee of $59. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Barber in Iowa? ▼
Certification as a barber in Iowa means clearing the state's checklist: 1095 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Iowa licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Barber license to Iowa from another state? ▼
For barbers, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Varies by state — check with state board. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Iowa licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Iowa require a background check for Barber licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the barber licensing process in Iowa. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.