It issues state licenses for general contractors, electrical contractors, plumbing contractors, HVAC contractors and roofing contractors. Use the official lookup below to check a contractor. Information as of October 6, 2026.
The MHIC public query searches active home improvement licensees by name, trade name, city or zip, or license number. source Separate public queries cover master electricians, plumbers and gas fitters, and HVACR contractors. source Disciplinary actions are not shown in the public query; the MHIC asks people to contact it for that information. source
Confirm the record is active and the class matches the job (Home Improvement Contractor or Home Improvement Salesperson). The board's own record governs.
Check the bond and insurance on the record against the state minimums: No bond by default; an applicant who does not meet the Commission's financial solvency guidelines may buy a surety bond (board forms for $30,000 and $100,000) or use an indemnitor. source General liability insurance of at least $500,000 (Business Regulation 8-302.1, effective June 1, 2024). source
To check a contractor's license status by phone or report a problem, call the Maryland Department of Labor; the MHIC takes complaints on its complaint form. source The Commission investigates homeowner complaints, awards damages against licensed contractors and prosecutes violators. source
Homeowner protections in Maryland
The MHIC Guaranty Fund repays a homeowner's actual loss from a licensed contractor's poor or unfinished work, up to the amount paid to the contractor and no more than $30,000. source
The Guaranty Fund applies only to work done by licensed contractors. source
If claims against one contractor total more than $250,000, each homeowner's award is pro rated. source
A Guaranty Fund claim must be filed within 3 years after the homeowner discovered, or should have discovered, the loss. source
A home improvement contract must be in writing and list the contractor's name, address, phone and license number. source
A home improvement contract must tell the homeowner of the right to cancel within 3 business days after signing. source
A contractor may not take a deposit of more than one third of the contract price at signing, and may not take any payment before the contract is signed. source
Get licensed
For a general contractor working in Maryland.
Apply to Maryland Department of Labor as a Home Improvement Contractor or Home Improvement Salesperson.
Yes: a 55 question PSI exam on Maryland home improvement law and business, passing score 70%. source
Experience: 2 years (At least two years of experience in home improvement work, construction or related education). source
Post a no bond by default; an applicant who does not meet the Commission's financial solvency guidelines may buy a surety bond (board forms for $30,000 and $100,000) or use an indemnitor. source
Carry general liability insurance of at least $500,000 (Business Regulation 8-302.1, effective June 1, 2024). source
Pay the contractor license application fee, for each place of business: $281.25. source
Yes: a 55 question PSI exam on Maryland home improvement law and business, passing score 70%. source
Experience
2 years (At least two years of experience in home improvement work, construction or related education). source
Bond
No bond by default; an applicant who does not meet the Commission's financial solvency guidelines may buy a surety bond (board forms for $30,000 and $100,000) or use an indemnitor. source
Insurance
General liability insurance of at least $500,000 (Business Regulation 8-302.1, effective June 1, 2024). source
Yes: a PSI exam for master and journeyperson license. source
Experience
Master electrician: at least 7 years under a master electrician (up to 3 years credit for formal training); journeyperson: at least 4 year. source
Bond
Not found on an official source. On an official source.
Insurance
A master electrician who contracts work needs general liability insurance of at least $300,000 plus property damage insurance of at least $100,000. source
Renewal
State license renews for a 2 year term, expiring June 30 of an odd numbered year. source
Reciprocity
Reciprocal master electrician licenses for Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C. and Delaware licensees whose license was obtained by exam. source
$63 (Initial uninsured status certificate fee). source
PlumbingSources checked October 6, 2026
Exam
Yes: a PSI exam for master and journey plumber and natural gas fitter license. source
Experience
Master plumber/gas fitter: at least two years as a journey licensee and 3,750 hours of training under a master plumber (journey: four years as an apprentice and 7,500 hours). source
Bond
Not found on an official source. On an official source.
Insurance
At least $400,000 per occurrence: general liability of at least $300,000 and property damage of at least $100,000; umbrella policies do not count. source
Renewal
License renews for a 2 year term, expiring May 1 of an odd numbered year. source
Reciprocity
Reciprocal master or journey licenses for plumbers licensed by exam in Baltimore County, WSSC or DC; master plumber/gas fitter only for Delaware. source
$150.50 (Original master natural gas fitter license fee). source
HVACSources checked October 6, 2026
Exam
Yes: a PSI exam for journeyman, restricted journeyman, master and restricted master license. source
Experience
3 years (Master: at least three years as a licensed journeyman under an HVACR master, with at least 1,875 hours worked in the year before applying). source
Bond
Not found on an official source. On an official source.
Insurance
Masters who sign contracts need general liability of at least $300,000 and property damage of at least $100,000 ($400,000 combined). source
Renewal
License renews for a 2 year term, expiring October 1 of an odd numbered year. source
Reciprocity
Reciprocal licenses for master, master restricted, journey and journey restricted licensees from Delaware or Virginia. source
Fees
$94.50 (Master license fee (nonrefundable, as of July 1, 2025)). source
$31.50 (Master restricted license fee, for each area licensed). source
Yes: a 55 question PSI exam on Maryland home improvement law and business, passing score 70% (roofing falls under the MHIC home improvement license). source
Experience
2 years (At least two years of experience in home improvement work, construction or related education (roofing falls under the MHIC home improvement license)). source
Bond
No bond by default; an applicant who does not meet the Commission's financial solvency guidelines may buy a surety bond (board forms for $30,000 and $100,000) or use an indemnitor (roofing falls under the MHIC home improvement license). source
Insurance
General liability insurance of at least $500,000 (Business Regulation 8-302.1, effective June 1, 2024) (roofing falls under the MHIC home improvement license). source
Renewal
License renews every 2 years (roofing falls under the MHIC home improvement license). source
Reciprocity
Not found on an official source. On an official source.
Fees
$281.25 (Contractor license application fee, for each place of business (MHIC license, which covers residential roofing)). source
Yes. Maryland requires a state license for general contractors. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission (Maryland Department of Labor) issues it as the Home Improvement Contractor or Home Improvement Salesperson credential.
How do I look up a contractor license in Maryland?
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission (Maryland Department of Labor) keeps the record for general contractors in Maryland. Use the official lookup linked in the Look up a license table, and treat the board's own record as final.
How do I look up an electrician license in Maryland?
The Maryland State Board of Electricians keeps the record for electrical contractors in Maryland.
How do I look up a plumbing license in Maryland?
The Maryland State Board of Plumbing keeps the record for plumbing contractors in Maryland.
Does Maryland have an HVAC license?
The Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR) keeps the record for HVAC contractors in Maryland.
Do roofers need a license in Maryland?
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission (Maryland Department of Labor) keeps the record for roofing contractors in Maryland.