How to become a barber in Delaware
Delaware barbers are licensed by the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (Division of Professional Regulation). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed barber in Delaware, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from Delaware law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a barber in Delaware?
- Education equivalent to the 10th grade
Delaware barber license requirements
| Licensed by | Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (Division of Professional Regulation) |
|---|---|
| License name | Barber (Delaware also issues a separate Master Barber license that adds chemical services) |
| Education or training | Barber: 1,250 classroom hours or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship under a master barber. Master Barber: 1,500 classroom hours or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship, or a licensed barber plus a 600-hour chemicals apprenticeship and the master barber exam |
| Exam | Written and practical exams that are professionally developed and used nationally (24 Del. C. §5108), arranged through the Board's testing vendor. |
| License term | 2 years; expires March 31 of each even-numbered year |
| Continuing education | No continuing education requirement appears in the Board's current rules (24 DE Admin. Code 5100); the statute lets the Board set one. |
| Reciprocity | License by reciprocity for holders of a current same-type license from another state, D.C. or U.S. territory who passed written and practical exams; if the other state requires fewer hours, one continuous year of licensed full-time experience in the last five years is also required. |
How much does it cost?
| Reciprocity application fee (Barber or Master Barber) | $128 |
|---|---|
| Late renewal fee | 50% of the renewal fee |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a barber in Delaware
- Choose the Barber or Master Barber path
- Complete the required school hours or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship
- Apply for the exam through the Board's testing vendor and submit proof of 10th-grade education
- Pass the written and practical exams
- Receive your license and renew every 2 years through DELPROS
Apply on the official Delaware site
How do you check a barber's license in Delaware?
- Search the name or license number on the official Delaware barber license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.