Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing - Laws & Rules

See also Title 5, Title 10 and OPOR Rules Chapters 10, 11 and 13 for administrative and departmental provisions applicable to this profession.

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Department Rules are maintained on the Secretary of State's Web site.

Enacted Legislation
Public Law Effective Date

Public Law Chapter 373 (LD1768) An Act To Amend the Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Laws
http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP1255&item=3&snum=129
Brief Synopsis, not inclusive, please read full text of changes:

  • Changes Establishment and Booth licenses to Level 1 Establishment (owner) and Level 2 Establishment (formerly booth) and clarifies relationships
  • Makes a change of Establishment location a reporting requirement and repeals new application and license requirement
  • Restructures the Barber and Limited Barber license by repealing the Barber license and renaming the Limited Barber license to Barber Hair Stylist
  • Creates a new license category for Hair Designers limited to haircutting, styling, chemical hair services, face scalp and neck massage and facial and scalp treatment; does not include aesthetic skin care or nail care services
  • Reorganize and expand exempted activities and clarifies Exceptions to include Correctional Institutions
  • Trainees. Sets a limit on the number of trainees per Establishment and per Qualified Supervisor
  • Trainees who change employer or place of employment will no longer be required to file a new application for a new trainee license. This will now be a reporting requirement under the existing licensing
  • Clarifies that a Level 2 Establishment may not be owned by a person on a Temporary or Trainee license
  • All reporting requirements have changed to 10 calendar days consistent with 10 MRS §8003-G on reporting requirements; link to this law reference http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/10/title10ch901sec0.html  
  • Clarifies that a school (CTE) that does not collect tuition is not required to submit a bond or financial audit report
  • Repeal the age and secondary schooling requirement for initial licensure for all license categories
  • Clarifies that a school may accept a 15 year old into the program providing the student turns 16 before the end of course of study
  • Allows the director to issue a license to a person who holds a valid license from another state within the US providing no condition exist to not issue
  • Repeals special events permit, a permit will not be required. The ability to perform services at special events is now part of the Exception – see §14203, section 2 (J) and last paragraph
 September 19, 2019
Public Law 2009 Chapter 48 (PDF) - An Act To Allow a Cosmetologist, Barber, Manicurist or Aesthetician
Licensee To Perform Services outside of the Primary Business Location		 September 12, 2009
Public Law 2009 Chapter 369 (PDF) - An Act To Repeal Inactive Boards and Commissions September 12, 2009