Maryland microblading and permanent makeup rules
Do you need a license to do microblading in Maryland?
Not stated at the state level. Maryland has no state license for microblading or permanent makeup: the Board of Cosmetologists says it offers none, and the Department of Health does not license tattoo businesses. Some counties and Baltimore City regulate tattooing by local ordinance. Ask your county or city health department before you start. Below: the studio license, who licenses the work, local rules and what Maryland says about microblading itself, each answered from Maryland's own statutes, rules or agency pages, read on October 24, 2026.
- Artist license
- Not stated
- Studio license
- Not stated
- Artist fee
- Not stated
- Local rules
- County or city too
No state agency licenses the work; counties or cities do.The state's own words
The artist
Do you need a license to do permanent makeup in Maryland?
Not stated at the state level. Maryland has no state license for microblading or permanent makeup: the Board of Cosmetologists says it offers none, and the Department of Health does not license tattoo businesses. Some counties and Baltimore City regulate tattooing by local ordinance. Ask your county or city health department before you start.
- License needed
- Not stated
The studio
Does a microblading studio need a license in Maryland?
Not stated. Cosmetic tattooing is not allowed in Maryland beauty salons, and the Department of Health does not license tattoo businesses; some counties and Baltimore City regulate them by local ordinance. Ask your county or city health department.
- License needed
- Not stated
Microblading by name
Is microblading considered tattooing in Maryland?
Yes, by name. The Board of Cosmetologists names microblading as cosmetic tattooing, which licensed salons may not offer.
Local rules
Do counties or cities license permanent makeup in Maryland?
Yes. The Department of Health says some local jurisdictions regulate tattoo and body piercing under local ordinance, and it lists examples such as Allegany County, Baltimore City, Calvert County, and Worcester County.
Good to know
What else Maryland asks of permanent makeup artists
- The Board of Cosmetologists says it does not currently offer a license for microblading or permanent makeup.
- Cosmetic tattooing, including microblading, is prohibited in any full service or limited practice salon or in regard to any salon-sponsored services.
- Local ordinances may apply to tattoo and body piercing work in addition to any state rules.
Sources
What Maryland's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of Maryland's own statutes, rules or agency pages, read on October 24, 2026. Rules change, and counties can add their own: confirm with your county or city health department before you start.
- Local rules
“Some local jurisdictions regulate tattoo and body piercing under local ordinance”
health.maryland.gov - Microblading by name
“Microblading and other forms of permanent, semi-permanent, or long-lasting make-up are all cosmetic tattooing.”
labor.maryland.gov “We do not currently offer a license for microblading or permanent makeup. Cosmetic tattooing is prohibited in salons in Maryland.”
labor.maryland.gov - Also good to know
“Cosmetic tattooing is prohibited in any full service or limited practice salon or in regard to any salon-sponsored services.”
labor.maryland.gov
Questions
Maryland microblading licenses, answered
Do you need a license to do microblading in Maryland?
Is microblading considered tattooing or permanent makeup in Maryland?
Does a permanent makeup studio need a license in Maryland?
Does a cosmetology or esthetician license cover microblading in Maryland?
Plan the rest
Licensed and ready to book clients
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- Renting a room or a chair? Start from a booth rental agreement
Microblading rules in other states
Ready when you are
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