Maryland HVAC License Requirements

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

❄️ HVACMD ✔ Verified 2026-06-24

In Maryland, HVAC contractors must hold the HVACR Master / Master Restricted / Limited Contractor / Journeyman License, issued by the Maryland HVACR Board (DLOPR, 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 (DLOPR, 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.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($300,000 minimum (required for Master, Master Restricted, and Limited contractors who sign contracts)), and workers' compensation coverage.
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 (DLOPR, 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. Renew every 2 years.

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)
Processing time	Not published by the board

Exams

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

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

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).

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) Workers' compensation: Required under Maryland law if you have employees

How often must a Maryland hvac 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 HVACR Board (DLOPR, Maryland Department of Labor) before applying. This is not legal advice.