How Do I Apply for a Barber License?

Apply online for a barber license in Iowa. 

Applications must be submitted a minimum of five business days prior to the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) practical examination.

Visit the Online Portal

Create an account, apply, and pay online using the online portal.

Documentation may be submitted electronically to the board office as follows:

Email: plpublic@idph.iowa.gov

Apply and pay fee online

Pay the Application Fee

The application fee for barber licensure is $60.  You may pay the fee online.  All application fees are nonrefundable.

Provide Evidence of Education & Examination

Applicants must request that evidence of the following be submitted directly from the school or exam provider:

Education Requirement

  • Evidence of completion of the 10th grade or equivalent education.

Note: In the event the applicant is a refugee or immigrant from a country where high school records no longer exist, the applicant shall be considered to have met this requirement when the applicant submits an affidavit attesting to the fact that the applicant has met the 10th-grade requirement.

  • An official transcript or diploma from a board approved or nationally-accredited barber school verifying completion of 1,550 hours of education; or
  • An official certificate of completion of the registered barbering apprenticeship from the United States Department of Labor.

Foreign-Trained Barbers

Applicants for licensure who completed their barbering education in another country should contact staff for additional information.  You may contact staff at plpublic@idph.iowa.gov.

Examination Requirement

Passing score of 70% or higher on the NIC barber theory and practical exams.

Candidate Information Bulletin

Provide Verification of Licensure in Another State

Applicants who have previously been licensed, registered, or certified in another state must provide official verification of an active license in another state.  The applicant must have held the active license for 12 of the last 24 months directly preceding the date of application.

The license verification must include the following: 

  • Issue date
  • Expiration date
  • Status of license including a reference to any pending or past disciplinary action.

The verification may be printed from another state licensing board’s website if it contains all of the information noted above. If an online verification is not available, the verification must be sent directly from the licensing board(s).