Maryland HVAC License Requirements

Official classification: HVACR Master / Master Restricted / Limited Contractor / Journeyman License · Issued by the Maryland HVACR Board (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor).

❄️ HVACMD ✔ Verified 2026-10-01

In Maryland, HVAC contractors must hold the HVACR Master / Master Restricted / Limited Contractor / Journeyman License, issued by the Maryland HVACR Board (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor), and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in Maryland

Follow these steps to earn your HVACR Master / Master Restricted / Limited Contractor / Journeyman License. Every figure is verified against the Maryland HVACR Board (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Journeyman: 4+ years as a licensed apprentice with 6,000+ hours under a licensed HVACR contractor. Limited Contractor: 2+ years as a licensed journeyman (1,000+ hours in the prior year). Master/Master Restricted: 3+ years as a licensed journeyman across all HVACR areas (1,875+ hours in the prior year).
Pass the Maryland HVACR Examination (Journeyman / Master / Limited) exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Check the insurance rules. Liability: $300,000 minimum (required for Master, Master Restricted, and Limited contractors who sign contracts). Property damage: $100,000 minimum; combined liability and property damage at least $400,000. Workers' compensation: Required under Maryland law if you have employees.
Clear the background check. Applicants must report felony and misdemeanor convictions; the board evaluates the nature of the offense case-by-case.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Maryland HVACR Board (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor) — Included in the license fee (no separate application fee) application fee, plus a Master $94.50; Master Restricted $31.50 per area; Limited $94.50; Journeyman $25; Apprentice $12 (effective July 1, 2025) license fee. Processing time: Not published by the board.
Keep the license active. Renewal: Every 2 years.

For the general path in every state, see the HVAC guide →

Maryland HVAC contractor license lookup

To confirm an HVAC 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.

Verify a license now: Search the official dllr.state.md.us database →

License types

Master — May independently contract and supervise all HVACR work (heating, ventilation, A/C, and refrigeration).
Master Restricted — May independently contract in one to four specific HVACR specialty areas; issued per area.
Limited Contractor — May contract limited-scope HVACR work; requires 2+ years as a journeyman.
Journeyman — May perform HVACR work under a licensed contractor; cannot independently contract.
Apprentice — Entry level; works under supervision (no prerequisites).

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Journeyman: 4+ years as a licensed apprentice with 6,000+ hours under a licensed HVACR contractor. Limited Contractor: 2+ years as a licensed journeyman (1,000+ hours in the prior year). Master/Master Restricted: 3+ years as a licensed journeyman across all HVACR areas (1,875+ hours in the prior year).
Application fee	Included in the license fee (no separate application fee)
License fee	Master $94.50; Master Restricted $31.50 per area; Limited $94.50; Journeyman $25; Apprentice $12 (effective July 1, 2025)
Renewal fee	Same as the license fees (2-year cycle)
Renewal period	Every 2 years
Continuing education	None required
Bond required	No state surety bond is required for Maryland HVACR contractors.
Liability insurance	$300,000 minimum (required for Master, Master Restricted, and Limited contractors who sign contracts)
Property damage	$100,000 minimum; combined liability and property damage at least $400,000
Workers' comp	Required under Maryland law if you have employees
Background check	Applicants must report felony and misdemeanor convictions; the board evaluates the nature of the offense case-by-case.
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	Delaware (Master/Master Restricted and Journeyman/Journeyman Restricted); Virginia (Master/Master Restricted and Journeyman/Journeyman Restricted) · compare all states
Processing time	Not published by the board

What a Maryland hvac license costs

Application fee	Included in the license fee (no separate application fee).
License fee	Master $94.50; Master Restricted $31.50 per area; Limited $94.50; Journeyman $25; Apprentice $12 (effective July 1, 2025).
Maryland HVACR Examination (Journeyman / Master / Limited)	Paid to PSI (set by the vendor).
Surety bond	No state surety bond is required for Maryland HVACR contractors.
Renewal fee	Same as the license fees (2-year cycle).
Renewal period	Every 2 years.

Exams

Maryland HVACR Examination (Journeyman / Master / Limited)	Provider: PSI Services · Passing: 70% · Fee: Paid to PSI (set by the vendor)

Renewing a Maryland HVAC contractor license

The HVACR Master / Master Restricted / Limited Contractor / Journeyman License renews on a fixed cycle set by the Maryland HVACR Board (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	Same as the license fees (2-year cycle)
Continuing education	None required
Where to renew	Maryland HVACR Board (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor)

Local / municipal notes

Some Maryland counties and municipalities require additional local HVACR permits or licensing; see the board's county requirements page.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Maryland hvac license cost?

Application: Included in the license fee (no separate application fee). License: Master $94.50; Master Restricted $31.50 per area; Limited $94.50; Journeyman $25; Apprentice $12 (effective July 1, 2025). Renewal: Same as the license fees (2-year cycle).

How do I look up a hvac 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 hvacs in Maryland need a surety bond?

No state surety bond is required for Maryland HVACR contractors.

What experience is required for a Maryland hvac license?

Journeyman: 4+ years as a licensed apprentice with 6,000+ hours under a licensed HVACR contractor. Limited Contractor: 2+ years as a licensed journeyman (1,000+ hours in the prior year). Master/Master Restricted: 3+ years as a licensed journeyman across all HVACR areas (1,875+ hours in the prior year).

Is insurance required for hvacs in Maryland?

Liability: $300,000 minimum (required for Master, Master Restricted, and Limited contractors who sign contracts). Property damage: $100,000 minimum; combined liability and property damage at least $400,000. Workers' compensation: Required under Maryland law if you have employees.

How long does it take to get a Maryland hvac license?

Processing time: Not published by the board.

Is a background check required for hvacs in Maryland?

Background check: Applicants must report felony and misdemeanor convictions; the board evaluates the nature of the offense case-by-case.

How often must a Maryland hvac license be renewed?

Every 2 years. Continuing education: None required.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-10-01 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Maryland HVACR Board (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor) before applying. This is not legal advice.