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State files updated Oct 27, 2026
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Maryland contractor license (MHIC)Requirements, cost, exam

Maryland licenses general contractors through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). You need a Home Improvement Commission contractor license any time you act as a contractor on a home improvement in Maryland.1

Maryland · general contractor

State license required

Experience
At least two years of home improvement or construction experience, or related education, plus proof of financial solvency from a credit report and net worth.2
Exam
You must pass the Commission's exam before you apply: 55 questions on home improvement law and business practice, two hours, 70% to pass, given by PSI for a $63 standard fee.3
Bond
No bond is required if you meet the Commission's financial solvency guidelines.2
Insurance
Contractors must carry general liability insurance of at least $500,000 and show proof at application and every renewal.4
Fees
Original two-year contractor license: $281.25 application fee, a $100 Guaranty Fund assessment and a $22.50 processing fee.5
Renewal
Licenses last two years.6

Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)

How do you get a Maryland contractor license?

  1. Check that you need a license

    You need a Home Improvement Commission contractor license any time you act as a contractor on a home improvement in Maryland.1

  2. Meet the experience rule

    At least two years of home improvement or construction experience, or related education, plus proof of financial solvency from a credit report and net worth.2

  3. Apply to the MHIC$281.25

    Original two-year contractor license: $281.25 application fee, a $100 Guaranty Fund assessment and a $22.50 processing fee.5

    MHIC site
  4. Pass the exam$63

    You must pass the Commission's exam before you apply: 55 questions on home improvement law and business practice, two hours, 70% to pass, given by PSI for a $63 standard fee.3

    What's on the exam
  5. File the bond and insurance

    No bond is required if you meet the Commission's financial solvency guidelines. Contractors must carry general liability insurance of at least $500,000 and show proof at application and every renewal.2

    Maryland bond and insurance rules
  6. Get the license, then renew

    Licenses last two years.6

    Renewal and CE
Board fees$344.25Bond premium and insurance cost extra.

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licenses in Maryland

Which license class do you need in Maryland?

Maryland licenses residential home improvement through the Home Improvement Commission with a Contractor license and a Salesperson license.2

Does Maryland have license reciprocity?

Not applicable to Maryland home improvement licensing.2

Do you need workers' comp?

Maryland law requires every employer to secure workers' compensation coverage for its employees (Labor and Employment 9-402).7

Maryland insurance and bonds

Sources

  1. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): who needs a license (mgaleg.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): experience (labor.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): exam (labor.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  4. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): insurance (mgaleg.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  5. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): fees (labor.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  6. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): renewal (mgaleg.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  7. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): workers' comp (mgaleg.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  8. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): Mhicexam (labor.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  9. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): Mhicfaqlic (labor.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  10. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): Mhicrenew (labor.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  11. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): Statute Text (mgaleg.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  12. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): Statute Text (mgaleg.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  13. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): Statute Text (mgaleg.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  14. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): Statute Text (mgaleg.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  15. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC): 05.04.03.08 (regs.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  16. State Board of Electricians (labor.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  17. State Board of Plumbing (labor.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  18. Board of HVACR Contractors (labor.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
  19. Local jurisdictions (commercial GC / local electrician license) (labor.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)