How to get a general contractor license in Maryland
Edited by John Voll. Last verified .
Maryland Home Improvement Commission (Maryland Department of Labor) licenses general contractors in Maryland.
Who licenses general contractor work in Maryland
| Credential | State license |
|---|---|
| Board | Maryland Home Improvement Commission (Maryland Department of Labor) official statement |
| Official lookup | Search general contractor licenses |
| License types | Home Improvement Contractor, Home Improvement Salesperson |
How to get licensed
- 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
- License renews every 2 years. source
General contractor requirements in Maryland
| Exam | 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 |
| Renewal | License renews every 2 year. source |
| Reciprocity | Not found on an official source. |
| Fees |
|
Hiring a general contractor?
See every official lookup in Maryland, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.
Questions
- Do you need a general contractor license in Maryland?
- Maryland Home Improvement Commission (Maryland Department of Labor) licenses general contractors in Maryland.
- How do I check a general 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 on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
- How much does a general contractor license cost in Maryland?
- $281.25 (Contractor license application fee, for each place of busine). $22.50 (Application processing fee). $100 (Guaranty Fund fee paid before an original contractor license is issued). $63 (PSI exam fee (standard)). $281.25 (Contractor license renewal fee, for each place of business, every two year). $175 (Guaranty Fund assessment at each two year contractor renewal). $112.50 (Salesperson license application fee).
- How much experience do you need for a general contractor license in Maryland?
- 2 years (At least two years of experience in home improvement work, construction or related education).
- How often does a general contractor license renew in Maryland?
- License renews every 2 years.
Other trades in Maryland
- Electrical license in Maryland
- Plumbing license in Maryland
- HVAC license in Maryland
- Roofing license in Maryland
- All Maryland trades
General contractor license in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- https://www.labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/
- https://www.dllr.state.md.us/cgi-bin/ElectronicLicensing/OP_search/OP_search.cgi?calling_app=HIC::HIC_qselect
- https://www.labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/mhicexam.shtml
- https://www.labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/mhiclicreq.shtml
- https://www.labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/mhicapply.shtml
- https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gbr§ion=8-302.1&enactments=false
- https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gbr§ion=8-308&enactments=false
- https://dsd.maryland.gov/regulations/Pages/09.08.07.02.aspx
- https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gbr§ion=8-404&enactments=false
- https://www.labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/mhicrenew.shtml
This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.