Transfer Your Cosmetology / Barber License to Michigan: Reciprocity & Endorsement (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing — Cosmetology ↗
Yes — Michigan licenses out-of-state cosmetologists by endorsement through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing — Cosmetology. The key test is training: Michigan requires 1,500 training hours, and your completed hours are measured against that number. Application fee: $63 (application fee plus 2-year license fee; same $63 total for licensure by examination or reciprocity).
Moving to Michigan from a specific state?
Pick your current state — the checker returns your exact pathway.
Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
At 1,500 required training hours, Michigan sits in the national mainstream. Transfers from most states clear the hour bar; if you trained in one of the low-hour states (around 1,000-1,200 hours), check the gap-closing options in the requirements below before assuming you need more schooling.
Not a Cosmetology Licensure Compact state as of 2026. Standard license requires a 1,500-hour school course or 2-year apprenticeship. Endorsement is governed by Admin Rule R 338.2121b under Article 12 of the Occupational Code (1980 PA 299).
Michigan requirements at a glance
| Exam | Michigan does not re-examine licensure-by-endorsement applicants; instead you must show your licensing state's requirements were substantially equal — a theory and practical examination plus at least 1,500 hours of prelicensure training or a 2-year apprenticeship (training-hour shortfalls may be substituted with work experience at 100 hours of training per 6 months of work experience) |
|---|---|
| Training hours | 1,500 hours |
| Additional requirements |
|
| Fees | $63 (application fee plus 2-year license fee; same $63 total for licensure by examination or reciprocity) |
| Processing time | LARA does not publish a processing timeframe in the cosmetology licensing guide |
Step by step
- Confirm Michigan's current requirements on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing — Cosmetology website — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing — Cosmetology (application linked on this page).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Hold an active license or registration in good standing from another state authorizing you to perform cosmetology services.
- Establish education equivalent to completion of the ninth grade.
- Have license verification submitted directly to LARA by the licensing agency of every state where you hold or ever held a cosmetology-related license.
- Apply and pay fees through the MiPLUS online licensing portal.
- Pay the fees ($63 (application fee plus 2-year license fee; same $63 total for licensure by examination or reciprocity)) and allow LARA does not publish a processing timeframe in the cosmetology licensing guide.
Official links
Coming from a specific state?
Direction matters — these guides cover the exact move into Michigan:
All 50 origin states
Frequently asked questions
Does my cosmetology license transfer to Michigan?
Yes — Michigan licenses out-of-state cosmetologists by endorsement through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing — Cosmetology. The key test is training: Michigan requires 1,500 training hours, and your completed hours are measured against that number. Application fee: $63 (application fee plus 2-year license fee; same $63 total for licensure by examination or reciprocity).
How many training hours does Michigan require for cosmetology?
1,500 clock hours for the standard cosmetology license (verified 2026-07-21). Transfers with fewer completed hours should review Michigan's gap options — experience substitution, supplemental training, or examination.
Will I have to retake exams in Michigan?
Michigan does not re-examine licensure-by-endorsement applicants; instead you must show your licensing state's requirements were substantially equal — a theory and practical examination plus at least 1,500 hours of prelicensure training or a 2-year apprenticeship (training-hour shortfalls may be substituted with work experience at 100 hours of training per 6 months of work experience).
What does the transfer cost and how long does it take?
$63 (application fee plus 2-year license fee; same $63 total for licensure by examination or reciprocity); processing LARA does not publish a processing timeframe in the cosmetology licensing guide.
Is Michigan in the Cosmetology Licensure Compact?
No — Michigan has not enacted the compact as of 2026-07-21. Endorsement through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing — Cosmetology is the transfer path.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- LARA — Cosmetology (profession page) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- LARA — Michigan Cosmetology Licensing Guide (PDF) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Michigan Admin Code R 338.2121b — Licensure by endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]