Maryland Home Improvement Contractor (MHIC) License Requirements
Official classification: Home Improvement Contractor License (MHIC) · Issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, 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) (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, 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) (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, 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.
- Check the insurance rules. Liability: $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' compensation: Required under Maryland law if you have employees.
- 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) (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, 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. Renewal: Every 2 years.
For the general path in every state, see the General Contractor guide →
Maryland general contractor license lookup
To confirm a general contractor is properly licensed in Maryland — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
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. · other states' agreements |
| Processing time | About 2-3 weeks after a complete application; the paper license arrives within about 10 days of approval. |
What a Maryland general contractor license costs
| 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). |
| Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination | $63 per attempt. |
| 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. |
| Renewal fee | Contractor: $281.25 + $175 Guaranty Fund per 2-year cycle; Salesperson: $112.50. |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years. |
Exams
| Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination | Provider: PSI Services · Passing: 70% (55-question exam) · Fee: $63 per attempt |
|---|
Renewing a Maryland general contractor license
The Home Improvement Contractor License (MHIC) renews on a fixed cycle set by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor). Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.
| Renewal period | Every 2 years |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | Contractor: $281.25 + $175 Guaranty Fund per 2-year cycle; Salesperson: $112.50 |
| Continuing education | None required |
| Where to renew | Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor) |
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.
How do I look up a general contractor license in Maryland?
Search the official license database at dllr.state.md.us. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
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). Property damage: Included in the general liability policy. Workers' compensation: Required under Maryland law if you have employees.
How long does it take to get a Maryland general contractor license?
Processing time: About 2-3 weeks after a complete application; the paper license arrives within about 10 days of approval.
Is a background check required for general contractors in Maryland?
Background check: Applicants with felony convictions, or misdemeanors related to home improvement, must provide conviction records; reviewed case-by-case.
Is there a credit or financial requirement for a Maryland general contractor license?
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.
How often must a Maryland general contractor license be renewed?
Every 2 years. Continuing education: None required.
Official sources
labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic
labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/mhiclicreq.shtml
labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/mhicexam.shtml
labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/mhicapply.shtml
labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/mhicfaqlic.shtml