Moving your barber license to Louisiana requires you to contact the Louisiana State Board of Barber Examiners, submit proof of your current license and work history, and often pass a Louisiana-specific exam or practical test.
The exact steps depend on which state you currently hold your license in. Some states have reciprocity agreements with Louisiana, meaning they recognize each other's licenses under certain conditions. Others do not, which means you may need to take Louisiana's full barber exam even if you have years of experience elsewhere. The Board of Barber Examiners handles all licensing decisions and is your first point of contact.
The process typically takes four to eight weeks from the time you submit all required documents, though this varies based on how quickly you gather paperwork and how busy the Board is. Starting early and calling the Board directly to confirm what documents they need from your specific state will save you time and prevent rejected applications.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Louisiana State Board of Barber Examiners directly to learn whether your current state has a reciprocity agreement with Louisiana.
- You will need to submit your current barber license, proof of work hours or experience, and often a background check or character reference.
- Some states allow you to transfer without retesting; others require you to pass Louisiana's written exam, practical exam, or both.
- The Board's phone number and mailing address are on the Louisiana Secretary of State website under professional licensing boards.
Reciprocity agreements and what they mean for you
Louisiana has reciprocity agreements with a limited number of states, though the list changes and the terms vary. A reciprocity agreement means Louisiana recognizes your license from another state without requiring you to retake exams, but you still must submit paperwork and pay a fee to the Louisiana Board. This is faster than testing but is not automatic — you must formally request reciprocal licensure.
If your state does not have reciprocity with Louisiana, you will need to take at least the written exam and possibly the practical exam as well. Some states' licenses are recognized more readily than others based on whether their training standards match Louisiana's. The Board can tell you in one phone call whether reciprocity applies to you.
Documents you will need to gather
Start by requesting an official copy of your current barber license from your state's licensing board. This document must show your license number, issue date, and current status. You will also need proof of your total work hours as a barber — this may come from your license itself, from your employer, or from a letter signed by a shop owner who can verify how long you worked there.
Louisiana requires a background check, so be prepared to provide personal identification and consent for the Board to run a criminal history check. Some applicants also need a character reference letter from a current or former employer. The Board's process form will specify which documents explore to your situation. Requesting everything at once — your license copy, work history documentation, and any reference letters — prevents delays from having to ask for items a second time.
The Louisiana barber exam, if you need to take it
If reciprocity does not explore to you, Louisiana requires you to pass a written exam covering state barber laws, sanitation practices, and barbering techniques. The exam is administered by the Board and covers Louisiana-specific regulations that may differ from your home state. You must score at least 75 percent to pass.
Some applicants also must take a practical exam, where you perform barbering tasks in front of an examiner. Whether you need the practical exam depends on your experience level and whether your home state's training is deemed equivalent to Louisiana's. The Board will tell you which exams you must take when you submit your initial paperwork. Exam fees vary and are separate from your license transfer fee.
Submitting your process to the Board
The Louisiana State Board of Barber Examiners accepts applications by mail and sometimes by email, depending on the current process. You can find the Board's mailing address and contact information through the Louisiana Secretary of State's professional licensing division website. Call the Board before mailing anything to confirm the current address and ask whether they accept email submissions.
Include a cover letter with your process stating that you are requesting a barber license transfer from your current state. List every document you are enclosing so the Board knows nothing is missing. Keep copies of everything you send. If the Board receives incomplete paperwork, they will contact you, but this delays processing. Sending complete, organized applications the first time moves you through the queue faster.
Fees and processing time
Louisiana charges a fee for barber license transfer, though the amount varies depending on whether you are transferring by reciprocity or taking an exam. Exam fees, if required, are charged separately. The Board's website or a phone call will give you the current fee amounts. Payment is usually made by check or money order sent with your process.
Processing typically takes four to eight weeks from the date the Board receives your complete process. During this time, the Board reviews your documents, runs your background check, and schedules any required exams. If the Board needs additional information from you, they will contact you by phone or mail, which can extend the timeline. Once approved, you will receive your Louisiana barber license by mail.
Working as a barber in Louisiana while your transfer is pending
You cannot legally work as a barber in Louisiana on your out-of-state license while your transfer is being processed. However, some barbershops hire applicants as apprentices or in non-licensed roles while waiting for licensure to complete. This is not universal — it depends on the shop and what work you would be doing.
If you need to work when ready, contact barbershops in your area and ask whether they hire people with pending licenses. Be honest about your status. Some shops will not hire you until your Louisiana license is in hand; others will bring you on in a limited capacity. Starting this conversation early gives you options if your transfer takes longer than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take Louisiana's barber exam if I have been cutting hair for 20 years?
Not necessarily. If your state has reciprocity with Louisiana, your experience is recognized and you can transfer without retesting. If your state does not have reciprocity, Louisiana may still waive the practical exam if you can document sufficient work hours, though you will likely still take the written exam. Call the Board with your state and years of experience, and they will tell you exactly what you need to do.
What if my barber license from my home state has expired?
An expired license complicates the transfer but does not make it impossible. You will need to show proof that you held an active license at some point and documentation of your work history. Some states issue inactive license records that prove you were licensed. Contact your home state's barber board to request this documentation before explore to Louisiana.
Can I transfer my license if I have a criminal record?
Louisiana does not automatically deny licenses to people with criminal histories, but the Board reviews each case individually. Certain convictions related to violence or dishonesty may be disqualifying. The background check will reveal your history, so be prepared to explain any convictions in writing if the Board asks. Contact the Board before explore if you have concerns about your background.
How long does the written exam take, and when can I take it?
The written exam typically takes two to three hours. The Board schedules exam dates throughout the year at various locations across Louisiana. Once your process is approved and the Board determines you must take the exam, they will provide you with available test dates and locations. You choose which date works for you.
What happens if I fail the Louisiana barber exam?
You can retake the exam, usually after waiting a set period — often 30 days. Each retake requires a new exam fee. The Board will explain the retake policy when you register for your first attempt. Many people pass on the second try after studying Louisiana-specific material they were less familiar with the first time.