Roofing Contractor License Requirements in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) |
| License Type | MHIC Contractor License (Home Improvement) |
| Experience Required | No specific roofing experience requirement for the MHIC license. Must pass the MHIC exam and meet financial solvency requirements. The MHIC license covers all home improvement work including roofing on residential properties. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Maryland Home Improvement Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $281.25 |
| Exam Fee | $63 |
| Guaranty Fund assessment (initial) | $100 |
| MHIC processing fee | $22.50 |
| Est. Initial Total | $466.75 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Guaranty Fund assessment (renewal) | $175 |
Renewal: $250 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Maryland Home Improvement Exam
Exam provider: PSI
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 →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→Notes
- Residential roofing work requires an MHIC license — same license as general contractor
- Commercial roofing may require county-level contractor licensing instead of or in addition to MHIC
- Contact the local county Circuit Court for commercial contractor licensing requirements
You're licensed in Maryland as a roofing contractor — 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. Alternative bond of $5,000-$20,000 for applicants who do not meet financial standards.
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Maryland requires general liability insurance for this license. $500,000 minimum general liability insurance required (effective June 1, 2024). Certificate of Insurance required. 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 roofing contractor 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→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $250.
Other licenses in Maryland
- General Contractor license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $466.75 in initial government fees · MHIC
- Electrician license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $280 in initial government fees · SBME
- Plumber license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $153 in initial government fees · SBP
- HVAC Technician license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $225 in initial government fees · HVACR Board
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a roofing contractor license in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland requires a statewide roofing contractor license through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.
How much does a roofing contractor license cost in Maryland?
The estimated initial cost is $466.75, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a roofing contractor license in Maryland?
No specific roofing experience requirement for the MHIC license. Must pass the MHIC exam and meet financial solvency requirements. The MHIC license covers all home improvement work including roofing on residential properties.
What exams are required for a roofing contractor license in Maryland?
You must pass the Maryland Home Improvement Exam exam. A passing score of 70% (39 correct answers) is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get a roofing contractor license in Maryland?
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for roofing contractors in Maryland?
No, Maryland does not currently require continuing education for roofing contractor license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for roofing contractors in Maryland— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-07-08 | Source: MHIC