What you need to do to get your barber license back in Missouri
If your Missouri barber license has expired or been inactive, you can restore it through a reinstatement process run by the Missouri State Board of Barber Examiners. The steps and requirements depend on how long your license has been inactive and whether it expired or was voluntarily surrendered. Most people can reinstate without retaking the full exam, though you may need to complete continuing education hours or pass a practical skills test.
The Board handles all reinstatement requests directly — there is no online portal or third-party service. You will contact them by mail or phone, provide documentation of your identity and work history, and pay a reinstatement fee. Processing typically takes several weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Missouri State Board of Barber Examiners directly by phone at 573-751-0061 or by mail to learn your specific reinstatement path, since requirements vary by how long your license has been inactive.
- You will need to provide proof of identity, your original license number or Social Security number, and documentation of any work history since the license became inactive.
- Licenses inactive for fewer than five years typically require continuing education hours and a practical exam; licenses inactive longer may require additional steps or a full exam retake.
- The reinstatement fee varies depending on your circumstances, and you must submit payment along with your completed process materials.
- Once the Board receives your complete process, reinstatement usually takes four to eight weeks.
How long your license has been inactive matters
Missouri law treats reinstatement differently depending on whether your license expired recently or has been inactive for years. A license that expired within the last five years is usually easier to restore than one that has been inactive longer. The Board uses your license expiration date to determine which path applies to you.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you typically need to complete continuing education hours set by the Board and pass a practical skills test to demonstrate you can still perform barber work safely. If your license has been inactive for five years or longer, the Board may require you to retake the full state barber exam or complete additional training before reinstatement is possible.
Call the Board at 573-751-0061 and have your license number or Social Security number ready. They will tell you exactly which category you fall into and what documents and fees you need to submit.
Continuing education and practical exam requirements
For licenses inactive fewer than five years, the Missouri State Board of Barber Examiners requires a set number of continuing education hours. These hours must be completed through Board-approved providers and cover topics like sanitation, safety, and current barbering techniques. The exact number of hours required depends on how long your license has been inactive — the Board will specify this when you contact them.
After you complete the continuing education, you must pass a practical exam administered by the Board. This exam tests your ability to perform basic barber services correctly and safely. You schedule the practical exam directly with the Board once your continuing education is documented. The exam fee is separate from the reinstatement fee.
Keep all certificates of completion from your continuing education courses. You will submit these with your reinstatement process as proof that you have met the education requirement.
Documents and information the Board will ask for
When you contact the Board to start your reinstatement, have the following information and documents ready:
- Your original barber license number, or your Social Security number if you do not have the license number
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
- Documentation of any barber work you have performed since your license became inactive, such as employment letters or pay stubs
- Certificates of completion for any continuing education courses you have taken
- Payment for the reinstatement fee and any exam fees
The Board accepts applications by mail or in person. If you mail your process, send it to the Missouri State Board of Barber Examiners at the address they provide when you call. Include copies of all documents — do not send originals unless the Board specifically requests them.
Reinstatement fees and payment methods
The Missouri State Board of Barber Examiners charges a reinstatement fee, though the exact amount varies based on your circumstances and how long your license has been inactive. The Board will tell you the total cost when you call or visit in person. This fee covers the processing of your reinstatement process but does not include the practical exam fee, which is charged separately.
The Board accepts payment by check or money order made payable to the Missouri State Board of Barber Examiners. Some Board offices may accept payment in person by cash or card, so ask when you contact them. Include your payment with your mailed process, or pay in person if you submit your process at a Board office.
Keep a record of your payment confirmation or check number in case you need to follow up on your process status.
What happens after you submit your process
Once the Board receives your complete process — including all required documents, continuing education certificates, and payment — they will begin processing your reinstatement. This process typically takes four to eight weeks, though it can take longer if the Board needs to verify information or if they request additional documents from you.
The Board will contact you by mail or phone if they need anything else from you. If you do not hear from them within eight weeks, call 573-751-0061 to check the status of your process. Have your license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
Once your reinstatement is approved, the Board will issue you a new license certificate. You can then legally work as a barber in Missouri. Some employers may ask to see your new license before you start work, so keep it in a safe place.
If your license was suspended or revoked
If your barber license was suspended or revoked by the Board — rather than straightforward expiring — the reinstatement process is different and more complex. A suspension or revocation usually results from a disciplinary action, such as a violation of sanitation rules or a complaint from a client. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and reapply.
Contact the Missouri State Board of Barber Examiners directly to learn whether your license was suspended, revoked, or straightforward expired. If it was suspended or revoked, ask what steps you must take to restore it. This may include additional training, a hearing before the Board, or other requirements specific to your case. The Board will explain your options and the timeline involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a barber while my reinstatement process is being processed?
No. You cannot legally work as a barber in Missouri without an active license. You must wait until the Board approves your reinstatement and issues your new license. Working without a license can result in fines and legal action.
Do I have to retake the full state barber exam to reinstate my license?
Not usually. If your license has been inactive for fewer than five years, you typically only need to complete continuing education and pass a practical skills test. If your license has been inactive for five years or longer, the Board may require you to retake the full exam. Call the Board to find out which applies to you.
What if I cannot find my original license number?
You can provide your Social Security number instead. The Board uses this to look up your license record. Have your government-issued photo ID ready when you contact them.
How much does reinstatement cost in Missouri?
The reinstatement fee varies depending on how long your license has been inactive and your specific circumstances. The Board will tell you the exact amount when you call 573-751-0061. This fee does not include the practical exam fee, which is charged separately.
What if the Board denies my reinstatement process?
If your process is denied, the Board will send you a written explanation of why. You can request a hearing to appeal the decision or ask what additional steps you need to take before reapplying. Contact the Board to understand your options.