Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

 

This board does not regulate tattooing, body/ear piercing, permanent makeup, microblading, etc. For information on these regulations visit the Department of Public Health and Human Services 

Mission Statement: The mission of the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists is to protect the health, safety and well-being of Montana citizens through the regulation and oversight of barbering, barbering nonchemical, cosmetology, electrology, esthetics, and manicuring. The board makes every effort to include relevant and current information pertaining to licensing and regulation on our website.  Please contact us if you need additional information, or to provide comments on how we can improve the website.

Welcome to the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

  • Changes to board administrative rules took effect 11/22/25 including brand new rules for apprenticeship pathways to licensure for barbering, cosmetology, electrology, esthetics, and manicuring in salons and shops. Apprenticeships have been legalized under HB 336 passed by the 2025 Legislature.

    Other changes to rules include minor updates to school-based curricula and school equipment; removing the requirement for public restrooms inside licensed premises; and implementation of HB 246 passed by the Legislature concerning pathways to licensure for people who are currently licensed in another state.

    View the specific rules the board adopted by visiting the board rule notice page and MAR 2025-221.

    Questions on Apprenticeships?

    • If you are an employer interested in sponsoring an apprentice or have questions in general about apprenticeships, please contact the Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program.
    • The Registered Apprenticeship Program will regulate and oversee all apprenticeships to ensure employers, supervising mentors, and apprentices follow board rules and all other state and federal apprenticeship regulations.

    Questions on other Rule Changes or Licensing in General?

    • Contact staff at dlibsdcos@mt.gov or visit other parts of our website.
    • Updated FAQs and additional information coming soon to the website.

  • Be aware that there are scams that specifically target licensees.

    Fraudsters may pretend to be government employees, claiming that there is a problem with your professional license or that they have questions about your practice.

    In some cases they find publicly available license information, such as your name, and then call your place of business pretending to be licensing board staff, attempting to elicit personally identifiable information.

    Department of Labor and Industry employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.

    We may call you in some situations, but will never do the following over the phone:

    • Threaten suspension or revocation of your license
    • Demand immediate payment from you
    • Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, internet currency, or wire transfer
    • Ask for personal details or banking information

    The following scenarios should raise suspicion:

    • A caller saying there is a problem with your professional or occupational license (licensing boards send renewal notices by mail and email)
    • Any call asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash
    • A request to verify your social security number in its entirety over the phone

    Learn more about fraud prevention and reporting at https://dojmt.gov/consumer/identity-theft/

    • Applicants are encouraged to begin their application for licensure and to complete as much of the required information as possible,
    • Applications remain valid for one year under normal circumstances. If you submit your application and an item is missing, our licensing specialist will work with you to complete the application. We do not deny applicants for submitting an incomplete application. By completing the application’s remaining parts, exempting exams, etc., you can get ahead on the licensure process.
    • Online applications are the most efficient application method and allow you to upload your own supplemental forms directly into your application at any time.  Click here to go to our online system to create an account and begin your application.
    • Paying the fee triggers the beginning of the staff review process. Be aware that to verify authenticity, some documents such as exam results, and transcripts must be sent to the department directly from the source and cannot be uploaded by the applicant
    • Make sure your address and e-mail information are up-to-date. You can update your information at any time by logging into your online account.
    • E-mail is the board's primary form of communication so a current e-mail helps ensure you stay current on board information. 

  • During the 2025 Legislative Session, the Montana Legislature passed HB 276, impacting how the Department of Labor & Industry serves legal notices.

    What’s Changing: All licensees and applicants are required to provide the department with their current mailing address and any change of address within 30 days. Individuals may consent to electronic service of legal notices by providing a current email address and updating within 30 days of any change.

    All applications and renewals with the department will include the following:

    1. Three additional attestations covering the individual’s responsibility to provide a current mailing address and participate in the complaint and contested case processes.
    2. One question asking the individual if they wish to consent to receive service of Notice of disciplinary matters by email. Once the individual has consented to electronic service, they will not be asked to consent again in future transactions with the department.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at (406) 444-6880 or dlibsdhelp@mt.gov.

Upcoming Events

Jan 05 2026

8 am to 10 am

Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists| Full Board Meeting

Online Meeting/Conference Call
The Department of Labor & Industry is committed to providing meeting access through reasonable . . .