MD BOC cosmetology renewal: Maryland 2026
Regulated by the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (MD BOC)
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Maryland cosmetology licenses are valid for 2 years. Renewal requires 6 hours of continuing education within each renewal cycle. You renew through the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (MD BOC).
Maryland is one of the newest states to add a continuing education rule. For decades licensees here renewed with no CE at all, but as of January 1, 2026 the Board of Cosmetologists requires 6 hours of approved continuing education to renew. If you have not taken CE before, this is the cycle where it starts to matter.
Maryland licensees must complete 6 hours of approved continuing education as a condition of license renewal. This requirement is new, and the date for licensees to come into compliance is January 1, 2026.
The renewal period in Maryland runs on a two-year cycle, so plan to have your 6 hours finished before your renewal date each cycle.
- Who this applies to: the rule covers cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians licensed by the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists.
- Approved providers: only courses from board-approved providers count. The board began allowing approved providers to offer CE courses effective June 1, 2024, so a growing list of options is now available.
- Keep your records: retain your completion certificates in case the board asks you to document your hours.
Because this is a recent change, some details are still settling. The total hours (6) and the requirement itself come straight from the Board of Cosmetologists. The legal basis is COMAR 09.22.04.03, with the underlying statute at Business Occupations and Professions §5-205(c)(2). The board page does not publish a fixed online or self-study cap or a list of mandatory topics, so confirm those particulars and your exact renewal date directly with the board before you choose courses.
How many CE hours does Maryland require?
| License types | CE hours | Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| esthetician, cosmetologist, nail technician | 6 hours | every 2 years |
Maryland state board contact info
- Board: Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (MD BOC)
- Website: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/cos/
States with the same 6-hour CE requirement: District of Columbia, Guam, Iowa. See the full list of states that require CE for cosmetology renewal. Compare all 53 states.
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Frequently asked questions about Maryland cosmetology renewal
How many CE hours does Maryland require for cosmetology renewal?
Maryland requires 6 CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle for estheticians, cosmetologists, and nail technicians. Check the MD BOC for the current list of approved CE providers.
Can I complete Maryland cosmetology CE online?
Maryland has not confirmed that online CE is accepted. Contact the MD BOC directly for approved delivery formats.
How often does a Maryland cosmetology license need to be renewed?
Maryland estheticians, cosmetologists, and nail technicians licenses renew every 2 years. You need to complete 6 CE hours before each renewal.
What happens if my Maryland cosmetology license lapses?
If you miss your Maryland renewal deadline, your license enters expired or inactive status. You may face late fees, a reinstatement application, and in some cases additional CE hours or re-examination. Set a free reminder on CEFinder so your deadline is never a surprise.
How many CE hours do I need to renew my Maryland cosmetology license?
You need 6 hours of board-approved continuing education per renewal cycle. This requirement took effect January 1, 2026.
Did Maryland always require continuing education?
No. The 6-hour CE requirement is new as of January 1, 2026. Before that, Maryland renewals did not include a continuing education component.
How long is the Maryland license renewal cycle?
Maryland uses a two-year renewal cycle. Your 6 CE hours should be completed before your renewal date each cycle. Confirm your specific expiration date with the board, since it is tied to your individual license.
Where can I take approved CE courses in Maryland?
Only courses from providers approved by the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists count toward the 6 hours. Approved providers were allowed to begin offering courses on June 1, 2024, so check the board for the current approved-provider list.
Does the same CE rule apply to estheticians and nail technicians?
Yes. The 6-hour requirement applies to cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians licensed by the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists.