Contractor Licensing in Maryland: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, Maryland requires a statewide license for 5 of 5 contractor trades, issued by 4 separate agencies. Initial costs run $153 to $466.75.
Maryland requires statewide licensing across all major trades. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) licenses all contractors performing residential improvement work. Electricians are licensed by the State Board of Master Electricians, plumbers by the State Board of Plumbing, and HVAC contractors by the Board of HVACR Contractors. Roofing contractors performing residential work must hold an MHIC license. All boards operate under the Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
General Contractor
RequiredOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
RequiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
RequiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
RequiredInstalls, services, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View full requirements →Roofing Contractor
RequiredInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →Maryland Licensing Overview
Maryland requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by 4 separate agencies: Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), Maryland State Board of Master Electricians (SBME), Maryland State Board of Plumbing (SBP), Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR Board). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $153 to $466.75, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Maryland Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $281.25 | $63 | — | — | $466.75 |
| Electrician | $25 | $65 | $190 | — | $280 |
| Plumber | $88 | $65 | — | — | $153 |
| HVAC Technician | $75 | $150 | — | — | $225 |
| Roofing Contractor | $281.25 | $63 | — | — | $466.75 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Set up the business before you apply in Maryland
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Maryland. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Key Facts About Maryland Contractor Licensing
- As of June 1, 2024, MHIC requires $500,000 minimum general liability insurance. Must provide Certificate of Insurance (COI) with application and at each renewal. Workers comp required for all employers.
- MHIC license required for ANY residential home improvement work (repair, replacement, remodeling, alteration)
- Open-book exam — Maryland MHIC law reference materials allowed
- Subcontractors working for an MHIC-licensed contractor may be exempt from separate licensing
You're licensed in Maryland — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission issues the MHIC Contractor License (Home Improvement); the business that invoices Maryland customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Maryland does not require a surety bond for this license — No bond required if financial solvency requirements are met. Applicants who do not meet MHIC financial solvency standards may provide a surety bond of $5,000-$20,000 based on financial condition.
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Maryland requires general liability insurance for this license. As of June 1, 2024, MHIC requires $500,000 minimum general liability insurance. Must provide Certificate of Insurance (COI) with application and at each renewal. Workers comp required for all employers. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck home-service businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland require a contractor license?
Yes, Maryland requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in Maryland?
Initial licensing costs range from $153 to $466.75 depending on the trade, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Does Maryland have license reciprocity with other states?
Maryland does not currently have reciprocity agreements with other states. Contractors from other states must apply and meet the full requirements.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Maryland?
As of June 1, 2024, MHIC requires $500,000 minimum general liability insurance. Must provide Certificate of Insurance (COI) with application and at each renewal. Workers comp required for all employers.
Official Maryland Licensing Resources
- Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) — for general contractor, roofing contractor
- Maryland State Board of Master Electricians (SBME) — for electrician
- Maryland State Board of Plumbing (SBP) — for plumber
- Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR Board) — for hvac technician