How to become a barber in Minnesota
Minnesota barbers are licensed by the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed barber in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a barber in Minnesota?
- At least 17 years of age (2026 Minn. Laws ch. 119 replaced the former ten-grades-of-education requirement)
Minnesota barber license requirements
| Licensed by | Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners |
|---|---|
| License name | Registered Barber (certificate of registration) |
| Education or training | 1,500 hours at a board-approved barber school (281 classroom hours and 1,219 practical hours). Licensed cosmetologists may receive credit for up to 1,000 hours. |
| Exam | Comprehensive exam given by the board or a board-approved provider: a practical portion (a haircut plus three services chosen by the board) and a written portion; a score of 75 is needed to pass. |
| License term | Annual (certificates of registration must be renewed annually) |
| Reciprocity | Barbers with an active license from a state with substantially the same requirements may be registered without examination; others with 1,500 verified hours from the past four years may take the exam after completing the board's home study course. |
How much does it cost?
| Practical examination, registered barber | $80 |
|---|---|
| Initial barber registration | $80 |
| Renewal of registration, registered barber | $80 |
| Student permit | $45 |
| Restoration of registered barber registration | $95 |
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 Minnesota
- Enroll in a board-approved barber school, which applies for your student permit
- Complete the 1,500-hour curriculum
- Apply to the board for the comprehensive exam and pay the fee
- Pass the practical and written portions within a year of each other
- Pay the initial registration fee and renew every year
How do you check a barber's license in Minnesota?
- Ask for the license number and confirm it with the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners.
- 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.