Maryland Contractor License

Want to get your contractor license in Maryland, then you are in the right palace. There are two local and state governments that provide contractor licenses.

The local governments provide general contractor licenses for home improvements, but the license in specific areas is provided by the state government.

The licensure process is different depending on the type of licensee and the kind of work. Here is a step-by-step guide that will help you.

Step1. Choose the Type of Contractor License You Need

Home Improvement License – You need to get this license type if you want to do work that includes repair, replacement, remodeling, or alteration of any part of a residential building. Read more on our MD Contractor License Classifications page.

• Master Electrician License – To do electrical work you need to get a master electrician license.
• Plumber’s License – If you want to work as a plumber, you are required to get a master or journey plumbing license.
• HVACR License – To work in this area you need to get either a master (restricted), limited contractor, or a journeyman license.

Step 2. Access Maryland License Application Forms

• The application, financial statements, and surety bond for The Home Improvement License.
• The application and more information for Master Electrician License.
• The application pages for Plumber License.
• The application form and additional information for HVACR License.

All the applications you can also find by phone at (334) 272-5030. And with each application, you will get a detailed requirements list.

Step 3. Fulfill Requirements and Obtain Required Documents

If you are applying for Home Improvement License you need to do these steps:

1. Register your business name

   Before registering your name, you need to find out if it is available, and for that, you need to contact the Maryland Home Improvement Commission by phone at 410-230-6309. After the name confirmation, you can register with the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation.

2. Provide proof of net worth

   With your application for Home Improvement License, you have to provide a financial statement. Your net worth must be a minimum of $20,000.

   Note: Don’t worry if your net worth is less, instead of it you can also provide a two-year $20,000 surety bond.

3. Provide real estate and bank statements

   If your financial statement includes real estate, then you also need to obtain a copy of your current property assessment notice(s). In addition, you need to provide copies of the personal bank statements for the last three months. The business accounts are not considered personal.

   Note: Your application must be signed by the co-owner(s) of real estate bank accounts or other assets.

4. Provide a credit report

   Your application needs to include a current, original credit report for the last three months. You also can provide a credit report with an Annual Credit Report.

5. Submit the certificate of liability insurance

   You need to issue proof of general liability insurance. That must be at least $50,000. The certificate must consist of your name and the company’s name and you should indicate the Maryland Home Improvement Commission as the certificate holder.

6. Submit a copy of conviction records

   You need to provide a record of your criminal history. If you have committed any felony, then also you need to provide a copy of all conviction records, as well the explanation letter of each conviction plus proof of completion of parole/probation.

Step 4. Pass Examination

The important part of the contractor license process is the examination. You need to take the exam about laws and regulations. The PSI controls the examination process. You can take the exam every day from Monday to Friday. There are several testing centers in Baltimore, College Park, Salisbury, Frederick, Hagerstown, Lanham, and Crofton. To take the exam you must schedule your exam with PSI. You can do it by phone at 1-800-367-1565, by email at [email protected], or just go to their website. After the registration, you will get an email with the date, time, and place of the exam.

Note: The expiration date of your exam score is two years. And it starts from receiving the score.

Step 5. Obtain Your Contractor License Bond

With your Maryland all Home Improvement contractor license bond application you must issue a net worth statement. If you are not able to provide a positive one, you can replace it with the two-year surety bond in the amount of $20,000. The bond needs to include all information about you, the business name, and your signature. You can find the bond form here.

Note: The requirements can be different in different areas. So, before submitting the bond contact the Board of the city, where you are planning to work.

Step 6. Submit Your Maryland Contractor License Application

How to fill out your application

In this step, you must be very careful. Make sure to answer all the questions properly and provide all the necessary documents. Unless your application can be delayed.

Home Improvement Application must be filled with ink. But the Master Electrician and Plumber License applications must be filled online.

Licensing and Application Fees

In order to get your contractor license, you have to pay some fees to the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.

• Application fee: $250
• Guaranty Fund Contribution: $100
• Processing fee: $20
• Exam fee: $63

Do you need a general contractor’s license in Maryland?

To work as a general contractor in Maryland you don’t need a license, you only need it if you are planning to work on home improvement projects or do electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work.

Does a handyman need a license in Maryland?

In Maryland, a handyman needs a Home Improvement license from the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.

How do I find out if a contractor is licensed in Maryland?

To verify a license, call MHIC at 410-230-6309 or check online at Public Search.