Maryland Roofer License Requirements

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

🏠 RooferMD ✔ Verified 2026-06-24

In Maryland, roofers must hold the Home Improvement Contractor License — Roofing (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 roofer in Maryland

Follow these steps to earn your Home Improvement Contractor License — Roofing (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 (Roofing) — Roofing is home improvement work in Maryland; roofers contracting with homeowners on 1-3 unit residences hold an MHIC Contractor license. There is no separate roofing tier.
Salesperson — May sell roofing contracts on behalf of up to two MHIC-licensed contractors.

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

Local / municipal notes

Maryland has no separate statewide roofing license — roofing falls under the MHIC home improvement contractor license. Some counties (e.g., Montgomery, Prince George's) require additional local roofing permits.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Maryland roofer 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 roofers 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 roofer license?

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

Is insurance required for roofers 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 roofer 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.