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Maryland Home improvement

Maryland home improvement contractor license guide

Maryland home improvement contractors are licensed and regulated by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. This guide points contractors to the official MHIC licensing, application, fees, insurance, and lookup pages.

The short answer

Maryland home improvement contractors generally need an MHIC license for residential alteration, remodeling, repair, or replacement work covered by the commission. MHIC also maintains a license search and guaranty fund process, so contractors should verify the current official requirements before bidding or advertising.

Who this applies to

  • Contractors who perform Maryland residential home improvement work should review MHIC licensing requirements before advertising or taking jobs.
  • Maryland defines home improvement to include alteration, remodeling, repair, or replacement of a residential building or part of one.
  • Contractors installing rooftop solar or performing other specialized work should check current MHIC notices and trade-specific rules.

Requirement snapshot

Authority Maryland Home Improvement Commission
Covered work MHIC says home improvement includes alteration, remodeling, repair, or replacement of a residential building or part of a residential building.
Insurance MHIC notice states that Maryland home improvement contractors must maintain general liability insurance of at least $500,000.
Guaranty Fund MHIC says licensed contractors support a Guaranty Fund through assessments when they obtain and renew a home improvement license.
License search MHIC provides a public license status search for contractors and salespersons.
Application path MHIC maintains official licensing, original application, forms, fees, renewal, and exam resources.

Practical application path

  1. Start on the MHIC licensing page and confirm whether your work is covered by Maryland home improvement law.
  2. Review the original contractor application and supporting documents before applying.
  3. Prepare insurance and guaranty fund assessment requirements listed by MHIC.
  4. Use the official license search to confirm active status after approval.
  5. Check whether local permits, trade licenses, or specialty rules apply to the work you sell.

Watchouts before you sell the work

  • Home improvement licensing does not replace permits, trade licenses, or local inspection requirements.
  • Maryland has specific contract and guaranty fund rules that contractors should review before selling residential work.
  • Current fees and notices can change, so verify the latest MHIC forms and fee schedule before applying.

Official source links

Maryland Home Improvement Commission https://labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/ MHIC licensing https://www.labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/mhiclic.shtml MHIC apply for original license https://labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/mhicapply.shtml MHIC forms and fees https://www.labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/mhicaff.shtml

FAQ

Who licenses Maryland home improvement contractors?

Maryland home improvement contractors are licensed and regulated by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.

Does Maryland home improvement licensing cover every construction trade?

No. MHIC covers home improvement work under Maryland rules, but contractors still need to check permits, trade-specific licenses, and local requirements for the actual work being sold.