Barber / Illinois
2026 data Illinois board official source

Illinois Barber License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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

What the Illinois data shows for Barbers

Becoming a licensed barber in Illinois means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 1,459 training hours, a passing score on State Barber Board Exam, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 16. Illinois regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Barber School".

Upfront cost is $150, with renewal running $76 on a 2-year cycle. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Illinois, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

On reciprocity, barbers should know: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Requirements in Illinois

Education / Training Hours
Barber School
1,459 hours
Exam Requirement
State Barber Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$150
Renewal Fee
$76
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
16 years

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Barber in Illinois? ▼
Illinois's requirements cover 1459 hours of education or training, the State Barber Board Exam exam, and an initial fee of $150. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Barber in Illinois? ▼
To become a licensed barber in Illinois, you must meet the state's requirements including 1459 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Illinois licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Barber license to Illinois from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for barbers nationally works like this: Varies by state — check with state board. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Illinois. Verify the specifics with the Illinois licensing board.
Does Illinois require a background check for Barber licensing? ▼
Illinois does require a background check before issuing a barber license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.

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.