Updated April 2026
Maryland Contractor Licensing — Quick Facts
- State License Required?
- Yes
- Licensing Board
- Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)
- Minimum Project Threshold
- All residential remodeling/repair work
- Surety Bond Required?
- Yes — $20,000–$30,000 (standard); $100,000 option in lieu of financial statements
Separate tracks for remodeling (MHIC) vs. new construction. Home improvement focus at state level. Commercial over $30,000 requires additional licensing. Exam required; financial responsibility must b
State-Specific Details
Additional licensing bodies: Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC); Office of Attorney General (new home builders)
Separate tracks for remodeling (MHIC) vs. new construction. Home improvement focus at state level. Commercial over $30,000 requires additional licensing. Exam required; financial responsibility must be demonstrated.
Maryland requires contractors to hold a state license for projects exceeding All residential remodeling/repair work in labor and materials. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) oversees licensing, complaints, and disciplinary actions.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's License Number
Any legitimate contractor in Maryland should readily provide their license number. It should appear on their business card, vehicle, website, and advertising. If a contractor refuses to share their license number, don't hire them.
Step 2: Verify the License
Visit the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) website to look up the contractor's license. We're working on adding Maryland license data to our search tool — check our Maryland page for updates.
When checking the license, verify:
- Status is "Active" — not expired, suspended, or revoked
- Name matches — the business name on the license should match who you're hiring
- Classifications cover your project — a plumbing license doesn't cover electrical work
- License won't expire during your project
Step 3: Check Bond and Insurance
Maryland requires licensed contractors to carry a surety bond ($20,000–$30,000 (standard); $100,000 option in lieu of financial statements). The bond protects consumers if the contractor violates state regulations or abandons a project. Ask the contractor for proof of their bond, and verify it through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC).
Step 4: Check Complaint History
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) tracks complaints filed against licensed contractors. Before hiring, check if the contractor has any past disciplinary actions, complaints, or violations. Visit the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) website to check complaint history.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Maryland puts you at risk:
- Your homeowner's insurance may not cover work done by unlicensed contractors
- You have limited legal recourse if the work is defective
- No surety bond to file claims against
- Unpermitted work can cause problems when selling your home
- No bond protection — the bond is your safety net
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Maryland
If you suspect a contractor is working without a license in Maryland, report them to the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). Unlicensed contracting is typically a misdemeanor and carries fines and potential jail time.
Other States
Looking up a contractor in a different state? Visit our state-by-state contractor license lookup page to find the right verification tool for your state.