Cosmetologist / Maine
2026 data Maine board official source

Maine Cosmetologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides hair, skin, and nail care services. Required in all 50 states.

What the Maine data shows for Cosmetologists

Maine sets the entry bar for cosmetologists at 1,016 training hours and a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 16 or older. The credential is administered under Maine's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Budget $35 to get started, plus $20 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle; processing typically runs about 2 weeks once your application is complete. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in Maine, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

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

Licensing Ease Score

B+
Licensing Ease Score
79/100
Cosmetologist · Maine

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training D
1,016 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee A+
$39
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A+
$14/yr
$27 every 2 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Maine

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,016 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$39
Renewal Fee
$27
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
2 wks
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
16 years
Compare fees across all states for Cosmetologist →

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in Maine? ▼
Maine requires 1016 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Cosmetology Board Exam), and an initial fee of $39. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in Maine? ▼
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Maine, you must meet the state's requirements including 1016 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Maine licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Maine from another state? ▼
Cosmetologist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Varies by state — check with state board. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Maine licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Maine require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for cosmetologist licensing in Maine. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in Maine? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Maine is $35. The renewal fee is $20 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 2 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Cosmetologist license processing take in Maine? ▼
In Maine, license processing for cosmetologists typically takes approximately 2 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this cosmetologist license

Cosmetologist in Maine, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a cosmetologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Maine's cosmetologist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Cosmetologist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state cosmetologist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Maine's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Maine overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Maine licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

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