Maryland Contractor License Requirements
2026 guide to everything you need to know about contractor licensing in Maryland.
17,395
Contractors in MD
2,296
Verified licenses
15 yrs
Avg. experience
10
Cities covered
Maryland licensing board
Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)
License types in Maryland
Home Improvement Contractor
Required for all residential improvement work
Home Improvement Subcontractor
For subcontractors working under a licensed contractor
Salesperson
Required for door-to-door solicitation of home improvement work
Bond requirements
No state-level surety bond is required for general contractors.
Guaranty Fund contribution required in lieu of bond
Insurance requirements
General liability insurance
Required. General liability of $50,000 minimum required
Workers' compensation
Required when you have employees.
Penalties for unlicensed work
Misdemeanor; fines up to $5,000; up to 2 years imprisonment; cannot file liens
How to verify a license in Maryland
1. Use the free verification tool
Search a database of 17,395 contractors in Maryland by name, license number, or business name.
Verify a contractor now2. Check the official state board
Visit the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) for real-time license verification and disciplinary actions.
Visit Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)Frequently asked questions
Does Maryland require a contractor license?+
Yes, Maryland requires contractors to obtain a state license through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). 3 license types are available depending on the scope of work.
What are the bond requirements for contractors in Maryland?+
Guaranty Fund contribution required in lieu of bond
What are the penalties for unlicensed contracting in Maryland?+
Misdemeanor; fines up to $5,000; up to 2 years imprisonment; cannot file liens
Is insurance required for contractors in Maryland?+
Yes, Maryland requires contractors to carry insurance. General liability of $50,000 minimum required
How do I verify a contractor's license in Maryland?+
You can verify a contractor's license through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) website at https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mhic/. You can also use our free license verification tool at vemra.ai/licensing/verify to search our database of 17,395 contractor profiles in Maryland.
How many licensed contractors are there in Maryland?+
Our database includes 17,395 contractor profiles in Maryland, with 2,296 verified license numbers on file. The average contractor in Maryland has 15 years of experience.