Kentucky Board of Barbering

Temporary entrance to our building during construction.
Please see map below.

Application and information for a new shop.
New Shop Packet 2025.pdf\

25-26 Online renewal period ended at 12 midnight July 1st.

Any license not successfully renewed has expired and must be reinstated.

Renewals are processed in the order they were received, because of the volume processing may take a little time.
Checks with renewals will be held for 10 business days from date of deposit, licenses will be released and mailed as soon as possible.

24-25 reinstatements submitted after July 1. 2025 must include a $25 reinstatement fee for each license. *
Please note: You can check Barber Licenseor Shop License by clicking the link. If it shows "25-26" you are current.

*Expired licenses may not be reinstated online at this time.
Please call 502-429-7148 to find out fees to reinstate for licenses expired before July 2025.

Reinstatement Fees - with downloadable forms: for licenses that expire July 1, 2025
Reinstate Barber To renew $50 + $25 late fee
Reinstate Shop To renew $50 + $25 late fee
Reinstate ICO To renew $50 + $25 late fee (Make sure Owner signs).
Reinstate Barber and Shop To renew $50 + $25 late fee ($75- for each license)
Reinstate Instructor To renew $100 + $50 late fee for Instructor license. (Barber license must be current to reinstate instructor license)

Having an event?

Please contact the Board at 502-429-7148 so we can fill you in on what you'll need to have on hand.
Event-Demonstration Application.pdf

Monday August 18th Exams - Testing times will be posted here on the Thursday before the exam.

Testing will be at the Board Offices see schedule below for times.
312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 110. Louisville, KY 40222.

Exam Day Expectations.pdf Tool List 2024.pdf

Deadline for consideration for the August 18th Exam is Monday August 11th, 2025 at Noon.
All required documentation must be received prior to the deadline to be scheduled.

Letters with schedule times will go out deadline day. Letters contain information you will need to bring in the day of the test along with the time and paperwork to arrive. Please keep an eye on your mail after deadline day. If you didn't get your paperwork in the mail, please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the exam to complete paperwork for you and your model. (Testing times will be posted here on the Thursday before the exam.)

2025 TEST SCHEDULE Final.pdf

2026 TEST SCHEDULE.pdf

Who We Are

The Kentucky Board of Barbering is an independent agency of the state government. Four board members are licensed and practicing barbers in the Commonwealth, one board member is a consumer at large.

Our Mission

To protect the health and safety of the public or to protect the public against misrepresentation, deceit, or fraud in the practice or teaching of Barbering.

Fee's for Current Renewal

Renewal fees:
Barber License- $50
Barber Shop License- $50
Independent Contact Owner- $50
Barber school license- $200
Teacher of barbering- $100

Initial fees:
Apprentice- $50
Barber- $50
Independent Contract Owner- $50
Teacher of barbering- $100
Barber shop- $100
Barber school license- $500

Late Fees:
Barber- $25
Barber shop- $25
Independent Contract Owner- $25
Teacher of barbering- $50
Barber school- $100

If you have not received your license

Please reach out to the office. 502-429-7148
We need to make sure the mailing address actually can receive mail.

Please note a personal or business check will add at least two weeks to turn around.

Renew Your License

Portal closed at midnight July 1st.
After July 1st Incomplete renewals must be mailed in with a late fee.
You may also bring it to the office. (We will accept cash at the office.)

Renew License

Barber License Lookup

Search for individual barbers by inputting some or all of the criteria along with the verification code.

License Lookup

Barber Shop License Lookup

Search for barber shops by inputting some or all of the criteria along with the verification code.

License Lookup

Interested in Becoming a Barber?

Becoming a barber takes time and dedication, but it is a very rewarding career. Here is a list of resources that potential barbers should review prior to committing to become a Barber.

Read the Laws and Regulations that govern Barbering in Kentucky.
Review the Curriculum and understand the time and commitment it takes to become a Barber.
Find a School of Barbering. There are 13 schools within Kentucky. Please take some time to find one that is near you, and works into your schedule.
Once you have completed your Curriculum and graduated from the program, then you can apply to take your Apprentice Exam.
When you pass both written and practical exams (75% or better on each) you may apply for an apprentice license.

If you have not received your license please call the office. We will verify address and send one out as soon as possible.

Our Office Location

Kentucky Board of Barbering
312 Whittington Parkway
Suite 110
Louisville, KY 40222

Get Directions

(502) 429-7148
(502) 429-7169

Office Hours:
Mon - Friday 8:30am -4:00pm

KBOB Office will be closed for these holidays:

1/1/25   (New Years Day)
1/20/25 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
4/18/25 (Good Friday)
5/26/25 (Memorial Day)
6/19/25 (Juneteenth)
7/4/25   (Independence Day)
9/1/25   (Labor Day)
11/11/25 (Veteran's Day)
11/27 and 11/28/25   (Thanksgiving)
12/24 and 12/25/25 (Christmas)
12/3125 and 1/1/26 (New Years)