Maryland General Contractor License Requirements

Official classification: Home Improvement Contractor License (MHIC) · Issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) (DLOPR, Maryland Department of Labor).

🏗️ General ContractorMD ✔ Verified 2026-06-24

In Maryland, general contractors must hold the Home Improvement Contractor License (MHIC), issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) (DLOPR, Maryland Department of Labor), and a surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed general contractor in Maryland

Follow these steps to earn your Home Improvement Contractor License (MHIC). Every figure is verified against the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) (DLOPR, Maryland Department of Labor); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. At least 2 years of experience in home improvement work, construction, and/or related education.
Pass the Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. Maryland requires Conditional: a $30,000 surety bond is required only if the applicant does not meet MHIC financial-solvency guidelines; an indemnitor may be used instead.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($500,000 general liability required (effective June 1, 2024, Md. Business Regulation Article 8-302.1)), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Applicants with felony convictions, or misdemeanors related to home improvement, must provide conviction records; reviewed case-by-case.
Meet the credit / financial requirement. A full credit report is required; applicants must show financial solvency. Failing the solvency review requires a $30,000 surety bond or an indemnitor.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) (DLOPR, Maryland Department of Labor) — Contractor: $281.25 + $100 Guaranty Fund + $22.50 processing = $403.75 (original); Salesperson: $112.50 + $22.50 application fee, plus a Included in the application fee (2-year license) license fee. Processing time: About 2-3 weeks after a complete application; the paper license arrives within about 10 days of approval.
Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years.

License types

Contractor — May contract directly with homeowners for alterations, remodeling, repairs, or replacements on residential buildings of 1-3 units.
Salesperson — May sell home improvement contracts on behalf of up to two licensed contractors; cannot independently contract.

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	At least 2 years of experience in home improvement work, construction, and/or related education.
Application fee	Contractor: $281.25 + $100 Guaranty Fund + $22.50 processing = $403.75 (original); Salesperson: $112.50 + $22.50
License fee	Included in the application fee (2-year license)
Renewal fee	Contractor: $281.25 + $175 Guaranty Fund per 2-year cycle; Salesperson: $112.50
Renewal period	Every 2 years
Continuing education	None required
Bond required	Conditional: a $30,000 surety bond is required only if the applicant does not meet MHIC financial-solvency guidelines; an indemnitor may be used instead.
Liability insurance	$500,000 general liability required (effective June 1, 2024, Md. Business Regulation Article 8-302.1)
Property damage	Included in the general liability policy
Workers' comp	Required under Maryland law if you have employees
Background check	Applicants with felony convictions, or misdemeanors related to home improvement, must provide conviction records; reviewed case-by-case.
Credit requirement	A full credit report is required; applicants must show financial solvency. Failing the solvency review requires a $30,000 surety bond or an indemnitor.
Reciprocity	None — MHIC does not offer reciprocal licensing; all applicants must pass the Maryland exam.
Processing time	About 2-3 weeks after a complete application; the paper license arrives within about 10 days of approval.

Exams

Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination	Provider: PSI Services · Passing: 70% (55-question exam) · Fee: $63 per attempt

Preparing for the General Contractor exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

Covers home improvement on residential properties of 1-3 units (not the common areas of condos or buildings with 4+ units). Subcontractors working for a licensed MHIC contractor do not need their own MHIC license; electrical, plumbing, and HVACR work still require the separate state trade licenses.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Maryland general contractor license cost?

Application: Contractor: $281.25 + $100 Guaranty Fund + $22.50 processing = $403.75 (original); Salesperson: $112.50 + $22.50. License: Included in the application fee (2-year license). Renewal: Contractor: $281.25 + $175 Guaranty Fund per 2-year cycle; Salesperson: $112.50.

Do general contractors in Maryland need a surety bond?

Conditional: a $30,000 surety bond is required only if the applicant does not meet MHIC financial-solvency guidelines; an indemnitor may be used instead.

What experience is required for a Maryland general contractor license?

At least 2 years of experience in home improvement work, construction, and/or related education.

Is insurance required for general contractors in Maryland?

Liability: $500,000 general liability required (effective June 1, 2024, Md. Business Regulation Article 8-302.1) Workers' compensation: Required under Maryland law if you have employees

How often must a Maryland general contractor license be renewed?

Every 2 years.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-24 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) (DLOPR, Maryland Department of Labor) before applying. This is not legal advice.