Moving to Delaware and planning to continue your cosmetology career? Because Delaware shares borders with Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey — and is close to New York — many licensed professionals wonder how to transfer their cosmetology license without starting over. Delaware offers licensure by reciprocity (endorsement) for out-of-state licensees, but the rules vary depending on hours completed, exam status, and work experience. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Delaware Cosmetology Reciprocity Overview
Delaware lets licensed cosmetologists from other states apply for a Delaware cosmetology license through reciprocity (also called endorsement). This means you don’t take the full Delaware exam if you already hold an active, comparable license elsewhere and meet specific criteria.
There are two application methods used during the process:
- Method 1: Your current license comes from a state with hours and standards equal to or higher than Delaware’s.
- Method 2: Your current state has lower requirements, but you have the required work experience to qualify.
Delaware requires all applicants to have passed a written and practical exam that’s nationally recognized (the NIC exams), regardless of the method used.
Delaware Education & Hours Requirements
Delaware’s baseline training standards determine whether you can qualify for Method 1 or Method 2:
- Cosmetologist: 1,500 classroom hours OR 3,000 apprenticeship hours
- Master Barber: 1,500 classroom hours OR 3,000 apprenticeship hours
Other licenses have lower hour thresholds (such as nail technician or aesthetician), but this guide focuses on cosmetology.
Important Note for PA, MD, NJ & NY Professionals:
- PA and NY cosmetology programs typically require around 1,250–1,500 hours (New York may be closer to 1,000 hours depending on pathway), so hours often meet or approach Delaware’s 1,500-hour requirement.
- Maryland and New Jersey also maintain strong licensing standards comparable to Delaware.
If your home state’s hours equal or exceed 1,500, you’ll generally qualify under Method 1. If they are lower, you may still qualify through Method 2 if you can show at least one full year of work experience in the field within the last five years.
Delaware Reciprocity Rules Explained
Here’s how Delaware reciprocity works:
- Delaware grants a license to applicants with a current, good-standing license from another jurisdiction with similar standards.
- If your previous state has less stringent requirements, you must show at least one continuous year of work experience within the previous five years.
- All applicants must submit verified licensure history from every state where they’ve been licensed.
For example: if your New York license was based on 1,000 hours and you’ve worked as a licensed cosmetologist for over a year, you may apply using Method 2.
Required Documents for Application
When applying through the Delaware Professional Regulation Online System (DELPROS), you’ll need:
- A DELPROS account (required to start any application).
- A copy of your current cosmetology license.
- License verification sent directly from each state where you hold or have held a license.
- If using Method 2: proof of work experience, such as notarized employment verification or signed tax documentation.
Keep in mind: DELPROS keeps applications open for up to six months once you start.
Fees You’ll Pay in Delaware
Delaware’s reciprocity application fee for cosmetologists is approximately $205.
Other potential fees may include:
- Verification of Licensure: Approximately $35
- Verification with Exam Scores or History: Approximately $45
- Additional service request fees for specialty certifications, if applicable
Fees are non-refundable and paid directly through DELPROS.
Typical Timeline
Licensure timelines vary depending on application completeness and state board workload, but you can generally expect:
- Document gathering & verification: 2–4 weeks
- DELPROS processing: 4–8 weeks
- Total turnaround: Often 6–12+ weeks depending on how quickly other states send verification
Because Delaware does not guarantee processing times, it’s wise to start your transfer process early before relocating.
What If You’re Short Hours?
If your out-of-state cosmetology training includes fewer hours than Delaware’s requirement:
- You may still apply through Method 2 if you’ve worked as a licensed cosmetologist full-time for at least one continuous year within the last five years.
- You must submit documentation verifying your employment experience.
- If you do not meet the experience requirement, you may need to complete additional hours or take the Delaware exam similar to a first-time applicant.
This pathway provides flexibility for professionals coming from states with slightly lower hour requirements, such as New York.
