Maryland contractor license lookup: how to check and get a license
Maryland contractor license lookup: who issues home improvement contractor licenses (Maryland Home Improvement Commission (Maryland Department of Labor)), how to check one online, the license types, and 3,183 residential remodelers by county.
Do home improvement contractors need a license in Maryland?
| Who licenses them | Maryland Home Improvement Commission (Maryland Department of Labor) |
|---|---|
| License types | Home Improvement Contractor, Home Improvement Salesperson |
| When a license is required | License required to contract with homeowners for home improvement work; written, signed contract required; deposit capped at 1/3 of the contract price |
No payment may be taken before the contract is signed. If a licensed contractor fails you, the MHIC Guaranty Fund can repay up to $30,000.
How do you look up a home improvement contractor's license in Maryland?
- Ask the home improvement contractor for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Maryland contractor license lookup run by Maryland Home Improvement Commission (Maryland Department of Labor).
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the home improvement contractor about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact Maryland Home Improvement Commission (Maryland Department of Labor).
What contractor licenses does Maryland issue?
- Home Improvement Contractor
- Home Improvement Salesperson
How do you get a contractor license in Maryland?
Licenses are issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (Maryland Department of Labor). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Maryland Home Improvement Commission (Maryland Department of Labor) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many home improvement contractors are there in Maryland?
The Census Bureau counted 3,183 residential remodelers with employees in Maryland in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Montgomery County | 678 |
|---|---|
| Baltimore County | 434 |
| Prince George's County | 364 |
| Anne Arundel County | 362 |
| Frederick County | 192 |
| Harford County | 183 |
| Howard County | 170 |
| Carroll County | 151 |
What do Maryland homes mean for home improvement work?
The median home in Maryland was built in 1979, 33% of households rent and 72% of homes are single-family houses. 43% of homes heat with utility gas and 43% with electricity, and 7% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a home improvement contractor in Maryland?
- Check the contractor's license with the state or city. Many places require a home improvement license for residential work over a few hundred dollars.
- Get a written contract with the scope, materials, schedule, total price and payment schedule. Don't pay most of it upfront.
- Ask who pulls the permits. If the contractor suggests skipping a permit that the job needs, find another contractor.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation, and make sure the policy is current.
- Ask for two or three recent jobs like yours that you can see or call about.
Home Improvement Contractors in other states
Sources: Maryland licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.