# How to Get a Barber License in Texas (2026): Class A Barber Hours and Exams

> Source: PermitPulled, https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/barber-license-texas
> Compiled from the public TDLR license file. Published under CC BY 4.0; attribution to PermitPulled required.
> For an individual license record, use the official TDLR search: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/

[Texas license lookup](</>) / [Get licensed](</get-licensed>) / Class A barber

# How to get a barber license in Texas

The standard barber license in Texas is the **Class A Barber**. The path mirrors cosmetology: 1,000 hours at a licensed school, a written exam that opens at 900 hours, and a practical once every hour is done.

Reviewed 8 October 2026 against TDLR's application page

## At a glance

Training| 1,000 hours in a Class A Barber course at a school licensed in Texas  
---|---  
Minimum age| 17  
Exams| Written (from 900 hours) and practical (after 1,000 hours), scheduled through PSI  
Application fee| $50, non-refundable  
License term| 2 years  
  
[Official TDLR application page](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/apply-barber.htm>) [Exam guide and pass rates](</exams/barber-exam-texas>)

## Step by step

  1. **Train 1,000 hours at a licensed school.** You hold a student permit while training.
  2. **Take the written exam after 900 hours.** Your school notifies TDLR, and PSI emails scheduling instructions once TDLR verifies eligibility.
  3. **Finish your hours and pass the practical.** Eligibility for the practical follows completion of all 1,000 hours and a passing written exam.
  4. **Apply and pay the fee.** Apply online (preferred) or by mail with the $50 fee. Apply early, before the written exam, if you want the temporary license at the practical.

## Cosmetologist to barber

Licensed cosmetology operators can cross over with credit for their training. TDLR explains the route on its [cosmetologist to barber](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/cosmetologist-to-barber.htm>) page. Continuing education taken for one license also satisfies the other, so holding both is less work than it sounds.

## How many people hold this license

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows **26,184 active class a barber licenses** , of which 13,443 come up for renewal in the next twelve months.

Where they are: Harris County (4,258), Dallas County (3,140), Tarrant County (1,817), Bexar County (1,610), Hidalgo County (1,372).

[See the full county breakdown and renewal calendar](</trade/class-a-barber>)

## After you are licensed

  * **Renewal:** every two years, judging by the expiration dates in the license file.
  * **Continuing education:** 4 hours every 2 years: 1 sanitation, 2 related content, 1 human trafficking. Licensed 15+ years: 2 hours. [TDLR CE rules](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/continuing-education.htm>)
  * [Full renewal guide for this trade](</guides/barber-license-renewal-texas>)

## Before you apply

  * **Criminal history.** TDLR runs a background check on every applicant. With any conviction other than a minor traffic offence, or a guilty or no-contest plea with deferred adjudication, include the Criminal History Questionnaire. Reviews take one to six weeks. You can ask TDLR in advance whether a conviction would bar you, through a [criminal history evaluation letter](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/crimHistoryEval.htm>).
  * **Lawful presence.** TDLR may ask for proof of lawful presence in the United States. Send documents only if it asks. [What TDLR accepts](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/lawful-presence.htm>).
  * **Trained outside Texas?** Use TDLR's [out-of-state equivalence](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/out-of-state/>) process instead of the standard application.
  * **Military.** Service members, veterans and spouses may qualify for [fee waivers and other provisions](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/military/>).

## Questions

### How many hours do you need for a barber license in Texas?

1,000 hours in a Class A Barber course at a school licensed in Texas.

### Can a cosmetologist become a barber in Texas?

Yes. TDLR has a dual-credit route from cosmetology operator to barber.

### How many people hold this license in Texas?

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows 26,184 active class a barber licenses.

## Related licenses

  * [How to get a cosmetology license in Texas](</get-licensed/cosmetology-license-texas>)
  * [How to get a salon license in Texas](</get-licensed/salon-license-texas>)
  * [How to get a hair weaving specialist license in Texas](</get-licensed/hair-weaving-license-texas>)
  * [All license guides](</get-licensed>)

## Sources

[TDLR: Apply for a Class A Barber license](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/apply-barber.htm>). License counts compiled from the public [TDLR license file](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/licensesearch/licfile.asp>) dated 20 September 2026.

Reviewed 8 October 2026. Written by an independent site; not an official TDLR publication and not legal advice. Fees and requirements change: confirm them on the TDLR page before you apply.

**Cite this page**

PermitPulled (2026). _How to get a barber license in Texas._ Retrieved from `https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/barber-license-texas`

Figures compiled from the public TDLR license file and published under [CC BY 4.0](<https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/>). Attribution required.