> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cslid.nascla.memorang.app/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Maryland

> Contractor licensing thresholds, regulator routing, requirements, reciprocity, and license types for Maryland's hybrid local/state construction regulation model.

Maryland uses a hybrid model: home improvement contractors, plumbers, electricians, and HVACR contractors are licensed at the state level, while other construction work is registered by local jurisdictions. There is no general contractor state license. Highway work requires a bid bond on contracts over **\$100,000** but no formal prequalification.

<Warning>
  Always verify statutes, fees, and application details with the live regulator before making bidding, licensing, or legal decisions.
</Warning>

## At a glance

The fastest way to orient yourself in Maryland is to know which trades are licensed at the state level and which are handled locally.

| Signal                               | Value                                                                             |
| ------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Home improvement licensing           | Required for all home improvement work (no financial limit)                       |
| Home improvement liability insurance | **\$50,000** minimum                                                              |
| Guaranty fund limit                  | **\$30,000** per homeowner; **\$100,000** per contractor                          |
| Electrical licensing                 | State license required statewide (since July 2021)                                |
| Plumbing and gas fitting             | State license required; separate license needed in Baltimore County and WSSC area |
| HVACR                                | State license required; **\$400,000** combined insurance minimum                  |
| Highway bid bond trigger             | Contracts over **\$100,000**                                                      |
| Reciprocity model                    | Board-specific; strongest ties with Delaware and Virginia                         |

## Frequently asked questions

Pick the tab that matches your situation. Each FAQ gives a direct answer and points you to the full detail below.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Contractors" icon="hard-hat">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="What type of contractor license does Maryland require for home improvement work?">
        You need an MHIC (Maryland Home Improvement Commission) license for any residential improvement work, regardless of contract value. The license requires a 70% passing score on an open-book exam, 2 years of building or home improvement experience, **\$50,000** liability insurance, and a **\$100** Guaranty Fund contribution. See [Home Improvement Contractors](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does Maryland have a general contractor license?">
        No. Maryland does not have a statewide general contractor license. Home improvement, plumbing, electrical, and HVACR are licensed at the state level. Other construction work is registered by local jurisdictions (counties and municipalities). See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Where do I go to get licensed in Maryland?">
        Maryland has 6 regulatory bodies. Home improvement goes to the MHIC. Electrical goes to the Board of Master Electricians. Plumbing goes to the Board of Plumbers. HVACR goes to the Board of HVACR Contractors. Highway goes to MDOT SHA. Asbestos and lead go to the Department of the Environment. Most trade boards are at 100 S Charles Street, Baltimore. See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How much does it cost to get licensed?">
        Home improvement contractor: **\$270** original fee plus **\$63** exam, biennial renewal **\$275** plus **\$125** Guaranty Fund assessment. Master electrician: **\$20** application, **\$25** biennial renewal. Master plumber/gas fitter: **\$70** license plus **\$65** exam. HVACR master: **\$75** application and renewal. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the insurance requirements?">
        Home improvement: **\$50,000** liability. HVACR: **\$300,000** general liability plus **\$100,000** property damage (**\$400,000** combined). Plumbing (insured contractors): **\$400,000** per occurrence. Highway: **\$1,000,000**/\$2,000,000\*\* liability after bid submission. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Can I use my out-of-state license in Maryland?">
        Reciprocity is board-specific. Electrical has reciprocity with Delaware, Virginia, and West Virginia. Plumbing has reciprocity with Delaware only. HVACR has reciprocity with Delaware and Virginia. Delaware is the only state recognized by all three trade boards. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Do I need a separate license for electrical work?">
        Yes. As of July 2021, a state electrical license is required to perform electrical work anywhere in Maryland — counties now issue only registrations. Master electricians need 7 years of experience under a master electrician plus a state trade exam. Journeypersons need 4 years. See [Electricians](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What about plumbing in Baltimore County or the WSSC area?">
        The state plumbing license is statewide with one exception: Baltimore County and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) area require a separate local license in addition to the state credential. See [Plumbers and Gas Fitters](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does Maryland require licensing for roofing work?">
        Roofing on residential properties falls under the home improvement license (MHIC). There is no separate roofing license at the state level. General commercial construction is registered at the local jurisdiction level. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What about highway or public works contracts?">
        A bid bond is required on highway contracts over **\$100,000**, but there is no formal prequalification process. After bid submission, you need experience certification, liability insurance (**\$1,000,000**/\$2,000,000\*\*), and applicable state contractor licenses. See [Highway Work](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What is the Guaranty Fund?">
        The Home Improvement Guaranty Fund reimburses homeowners up to **\$30,000** per claim (or the amount paid under the contract, whichever is less). Each contractor is covered for up to **\$100,000** in homeowner claims. Contractors pay a **\$100** initial contribution and **\$125** reassessment at each biennial renewal. See [Home Improvement Contractors](#requirements).
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Regulators" icon="shield-check">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="How does Maryland's hybrid model compare to states with unified licensing?">
        Maryland's hybrid approach — state licensing for specific trades, local registration for everything else — is unusual. Most states either have a comprehensive state licensing system or leave everything to local jurisdictions. The absence of a general contractor license means cross-state comparisons must focus on trade-specific credentials. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does the no-general-contractor-license policy affect regulatory analysis?">
        Without a general contractor license, Maryland cannot be directly compared to states like Florida, Louisiana, or Alabama that use general contractor boards as primary regulators. Analysis should focus on the four state-level trade credentials (MHIC, plumbing, electrical, HVACR) and note that other construction work defaults to local jurisdiction registration.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What types of construction work are regulated at the state vs. local level?">
        State level: home improvement (MHIC), plumbing and gas fitting (Board of Plumbers), electrical (Board of Master Electricians since July 2021), HVACR (Board of HVACR Contractors), asbestos and lead (Department of the Environment), and highway bonding (MDOT SHA). Local level: general commercial construction and other non-regulated trades.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How are the regulatory boards organized?">
        Four of the six regulatory bodies are housed under the Department of Labor at 100 S Charles Street, Baltimore: MHIC, Board of Master Electricians, Board of Plumbers, and Board of HVACR Contractors. MDOT SHA is in Hanover. The Department of the Environment is at 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the fees across trades?">
        MHIC contractor: **\$270** original, **\$400** total biennial renewal. Master electrician: **\$20** application, **\$25** biennial renewal. Master plumber: **\$70** license, **\$65** exam. HVACR master: **\$75** biennial. The fee structure is notably lower for electrical and plumbing compared to MHIC. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What license classifications does Maryland use?">
        MHIC: Contractor and Salesperson. Plumbing: Apprentice, Journeyman, Master (with separate natural gas fitter and propane gas fitter tracks). Electrical: Master, Journeyperson, Apprentice, Inspector, Qualified Agent. HVACR: Apprentice, Journeyman, Limited, Master, Master Restricted (with inactive variants). See [Types of licenses](#types-of-licenses).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does reciprocity work in Maryland?">
        Reciprocity is board-specific and concentrated among mid-Atlantic neighbors. Electrical: Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia. Plumbing: Delaware only. HVACR: Delaware and Virginia. Delaware is the only state recognized by all three trade boards. Home improvement (MHIC) has no reciprocity. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What exam requirements exist across boards?">
        MHIC: open-book exam, 70% passing score. HVACR: exam required, 70% minimum. Electrical: state trade exam required (no published minimum score). Plumbing: exam required for journeyman and master (no published minimum score). See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the renewal cycles?">
        MHIC, electrical, and HVACR all renew biennially. Plumbing license duration is not specified as biennial in the source material. Highway bonding is per-contract, not periodic.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does the plumbing geographic carve-out work?">
        The state plumbing license covers all of Maryland except Baltimore County and the WSSC area, which require separate local licenses in addition to the state credential. This creates a compliance gap that contractors must address when working in those areas.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does Maryland compare to neighboring Mid-Atlantic states?">
        Maryland's hybrid model (state trade licensing + local general construction registration) differs from Delaware (revenue-based general licensing), Virginia (comprehensive state licensing), and Pennsylvania (limited state licensing). The strongest regulatory ties are with Delaware (reciprocity across all three trade boards). See the [South region guide](/docs/jurisdictions/regions/south).
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Start with your goal

Pick the card that matches what you need right now. Each one links to the relevant section on this page.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Is licensure triggered?" icon="search" href="#construction-work-regulated">
    Start with work type — home improvement, trade work, highway, or environmental — to see which state credential applies.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Find the right regulator" icon="building" href="#who-regulates-construction">
    Use the regulator directory to route your question to the correct Maryland board.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Application and renewal details" icon="clipboard-list" href="#requirements">
    Exams, fees, bonds, insurance, continuing education, and renewal cycles for each trade.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reciprocity direction" icon="arrow-left-right" href="#reciprocal-agreements">
    Find out which boards recognize out-of-state credentials from Delaware, Virginia, or West Virginia.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Special considerations

Different roles need different things from a Maryland page. Use the tab that matches your situation to see what matters most before you read the full detail below.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Contractors" icon="hard-hat">
    <Tip>
      Start with the type of work. Maryland licenses home improvement, plumbing, electrical, and HVACR at the state level — but has no general contractor license.
    </Tip>

    * Home improvement contractors need an MHIC license for any residential improvement work, regardless of contract value.
    * Plumbing licenses are statewide, but Baltimore County and the WSSC area require separate local licenses in addition.
    * Electrical licensing is statewide as of July 2021 — counties no longer issue electrical licenses, only registrations.
    * HVACR contractors must carry **\$400,000** combined general liability and property damage insurance.
    * Highway work requires a bid bond on contracts over **\$100,000** but no formal prequalification.
    * Other construction work is registered at the local jurisdiction level.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Regulators" icon="shield-check">
    <Info>
      Maryland is best understood as a hybrid state where trade licensing sits at the state level (under the Department of Labor) while general construction registration is local.
    </Info>

    * Six regulatory bodies cover construction: MDOT SHA, MHIC, Board of Master Electricians, Board of Plumbers, Board of HVACR, and the Department of the Environment.
    * Four of the six boards are housed under the Department of Labor at 100 S Charles Street, Baltimore.
    * Reciprocity is board-specific and strongest with Delaware (3 boards) and Virginia (2 boards).
    * The plumbing license has a geographic carve-out for Baltimore County and the WSSC area.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Readiness checklist

Four things you need to confirm before you can treat Maryland as "ready" for a bid or an application. If any of these are unclear, you are not ready yet.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Classify the project lane" icon="tag">
    Determine whether the work is home improvement, a regulated trade (plumbing, electrical, HVACR), highway work, or environmental. General construction is handled at the local level.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Apply the right credential test" icon="receipt">
    Home improvement always requires an MHIC license. Trade work requires the relevant board license. Highway work triggers a bid bond on contracts over `$100,000`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Route to the correct regulator" icon="building">
    Maryland has 6 regulatory bodies. Most trade boards are under the Department of Labor at 100 S Charles Street, Baltimore.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the requirement set" icon="clipboard-check">
    Confirm exams, experience hours, insurance minimums, fees, and renewal cycles for the specific board before filing.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  If you can identify the work lane, confirm the credential requirement, route to the correct board, and verify the requirement set, you have the minimum package needed for a Maryland readiness check.
</Check>

## Navigation

Use these links to jump to related cross-state comparisons and workflows.

* [New state evaluation](/docs/workflows/new-state-evaluation) if you are screening Maryland for the first time.
* [Multi-state bid readiness](/docs/workflows/multi-state-bid-readiness) if you need to compare Maryland with nearby jurisdictions.
* [Licensing thresholds](/docs/compare/licensing-thresholds) or [prequalification patterns](/docs/compare/prequalification) for cross-state context.

## Construction work regulated

Maryland does not have a single general contractor license. Regulation depends on the type of work and which level of government controls it.

| Work lane                     | What triggers regulation                                                              |
| ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Home improvement              | MHIC license required for all home improvement work (no financial limit on contracts) |
| Plumbing and gas fitting      | State license required for all plumbing and gas services                              |
| Electrical                    | State license required statewide since July 2021                                      |
| HVACR                         | State license required; contractors must pass exam and carry insurance                |
| Highway work                  | Bid bond required on contracts over **\$100,000**; no formal prequalification         |
| Asbestos and lead-based paint | State requirements apply through the Department of the Environment                    |
| Other construction            | Registered by local jurisdictions (counties and municipalities)                       |

<Note>
  The plumbing license is statewide with one exception: Baltimore County and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) area require a separate local license in addition to the state credential.
</Note>

## Common determination scenarios

If you are trying to figure out where to start, expand the scenario that is closest to your situation.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Home improvement on a residential property" icon="house">
    Route to the Home Improvement Commission. You need an MHIC license, which requires a 70% passing score on an open-book exam and 2 years of building or home improvement experience. There is no financial limit on contracts, but you must carry **\$50,000** in liability insurance and contribute to the Guaranty Fund.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plumbing or gas fitting" icon="tool">
    Route to the Board of Plumbers. Apprentices need at least 4 years and 7,500 hours to qualify for the journeyman exam. Journeymen must also complete 32 hours of backflow prevention training. Note: Baltimore County and the WSSC area require separate licenses beyond the state credential.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electrical work" icon="bolt">
    Route to the Board of Master Electricians. As of July 2021, a state license is required to perform electrical work anywhere in Maryland — counties now issue only registrations. Master Electricians need 7 years of experience; Journeypersons need 4 years.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="HVAC or refrigeration" icon="temperature">
    Route to the Board of HVACR Contractors. All applicants must pass an exam with a 70% minimum score. Master applicants need at least 3 years as a journeyman with 1,875 hours in the year prior to applying. Contractors must carry **\$400,000** combined insurance.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Highway or public works" icon="road">
    Contact MDOT State Highway Administration. A bid bond is required on contracts over **\$100,000**, but there is no formal prequalification process. Experience certification, liability insurance (**\$1,000,000**/\$2,000,000\*\*), and applicable state contractor licenses are required after bid submission.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Who regulates construction

Maryland splits construction regulation across 6 regulatory bodies. Most trade boards are housed under the Department of Labor at 100 S Charles Street in Baltimore. Use this directory to find the board that owns the lane you need.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Highway work — MDOT State Highway Administration" icon="road">
    Office of Construction, 7450 Traffic Drive, Hanover, MD 21076

    **Phone:** (866) 926-8503

    **Website:** [roads.maryland.gov](http://www.roads.maryland.gov/)

    State procurements are posted on [eMaryland Marketplace](https://procurement.maryland.gov/).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Home improvement contractors and salespersons — Home Improvement Commission" icon="house">
    Maryland Department of Labor, 3rd Floor, 100 S Charles Street, Tower 1, Baltimore, MD 21201

    **Phone:** (410) 230-6231 | **Fax:** (410) 962-8482

    **Website:** [labor.maryland.gov/license/MHIC](http://www.labor.maryland.gov/license/MHIC)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Master electricians, journeypersons, and apprentices — Board of Master Electricians" icon="bolt">
    100 S Charles Street, Tower 1, Baltimore, MD 21201

    **Phone:** (410) 230-6163 | **Fax:** (410) 244-0977

    **Email:** [DLOPLmasterelectricians-LABOR@maryland.gov](mailto:DLOPLmasterelectricians-LABOR@maryland.gov)

    **Website:** [dllr.state.md.us/license/elec](http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/elec)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plumbers and gas fitters — Board of Plumbers" icon="tool">
    100 S Charles Street, Tower 1, Baltimore, MD 21201

    **Phone:** (410) 230-6379 | **Fax:** (410) 244-0977

    **Email:** [DLOPLplumbing-LABOR@maryland.gov](mailto:DLOPLplumbing-LABOR@maryland.gov)

    **Website:** [dllr.state.md.us/license/pl](http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/pl)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="HVAC and refrigeration contractors — Board of HVACR Contractors" icon="temperature">
    100 S Charles Street, Tower 1, Baltimore, MD 21201

    **Phone:** (410) 230-6196 | **Fax:** (410) 962-8483

    **Email:** [DLOPLHVACR-LABOR@maryland.gov](mailto:DLOPLHVACR-LABOR@maryland.gov)

    **Website:** [dllr.state.md.us/license/hvacr](http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/hvacr)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Asbestos and lead-based paint — Department of the Environment" icon="flame">
    1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 725, Baltimore, MD 21230

    **Phone:** (410) 537-3000

    **Website:** [mde.maryland.gov](http://mde.maryland.gov/Pages/index.aspx)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Requirements

Each Maryland board has its own application inputs, exams, fees, and renewal cycles. Expand the trade that applies to your situation. Fee tables are included in each section.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Home Improvement Contractors" icon="house" defaultOpen={true}>
    | Requirement        | Detail                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
    | ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam               | Open-book exam on state and federal laws, regulations, and business subjects; passing score of 70%                                                                                                                                                                   |
    | Experience         | Minimum 2 years in building or home improvement and/or related vocational education                                                                                                                                                                                  |
    | Insurance          | **\$50,000** liability insurance required                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
    | Financial solvency | Must demonstrate solvency based on scope, total assets, liabilities, credit rating, and net worth                                                                                                                                                                    |
    | Guaranty Fund      | Initial **\$100** contribution; **\$125** reassessment at each biennial renewal. Fund reimburses homeowners up to **\$30,000** per claim (or amount paid under contract, whichever is less). Each contractor is covered for up to **\$100,000** in homeowner claims. |
    | Contract limits    | No financial limits for home improvement contracts                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
    | Renewal cycle      | Biennial                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |

    | License type | Original fee | Biennial renewal                      | Exam fee |
    | ------------ | ------------ | ------------------------------------- | -------- |
    | Contractor   | **\$270**    | **\$275** + **\$125** fund assessment | **\$63** |
    | Salesperson  | **\$120**    | **\$100**                             | **\$63** |

    <Note>
      A **\$20** processing fee is included in each original fee. Total contractor renewal every two years is **\$400** (**\$275** + **\$125** fund assessment).
    </Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plumbers and Gas Fitters" icon="tool">
    All persons who provide or assist in providing plumbing and gas services must be licensed.

    | Requirement                        | Detail                                                                                                                                                           |
    | ---------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Journeyman Plumber/Gas Fitter      | Apprentice license for at least 4 years + 7,500 hours under a master plumber + 32 hours backflow prevention training                                             |
    | Master Plumber/Gas Fitter          | Journey license for at least 2 years + 3,700 hours under a master plumber                                                                                        |
    | Journeyman Natural Gas Fitter      | Current Journey Gas Fitter license from Baltimore County or WSSC, or 3,750 hours as apprentice over 2+ years under a master gas fitter or master plumber         |
    | Master Natural Gas Fitter          | Current master gas fitter from Baltimore County/WSSC, or 4+ years experience with approved training, or HVACR master with 2+ years gas fitting experience + exam |
    | Propane Gas Fitter (certification) | NPGA training program completion, or pre-1995 county gas fitter license, or equivalent qualifications                                                            |
    | Insurance                          | Insured contractors must maintain **\$400,000** per occurrence coverage                                                                                          |
    | Geographic note                    | Statewide except Baltimore County and WSSC area, which require separate local licenses                                                                           |

    | License type                   | License fee | Exam fee | Application fee |
    | ------------------------------ | ----------- | -------- | --------------- |
    | Apprentice                     | **\$15**    | N/A      | N/A             |
    | Journeyman Plumber/Gas Fitter  | **\$35**    | **\$65** | N/A             |
    | Journeyman Natural Gas Fitter  | **\$35**    | **\$65** | **\$25**        |
    | Master Plumber/Gas Fitter      | **\$70**    | **\$65** | N/A             |
    | Master Natural Gas Fitter      | **\$70**    | **\$65** | **\$50**        |
    | Propane Gas Fitter Certificate | **\$35**    | N/A      | **\$25**        |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electricians" icon="bolt">
    As of July 2021, state licensing is required everywhere in Maryland. Counties issue registrations only.

    | Requirement   | Detail                                                                                                                                                     |
    | ------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Master        | 7 years under a master electrician or similarly qualified government employee + state trade exam (up to 3 years credit for formal education)               |
    | Journeyperson | 4 years under a master electrician + state trade exam; or completion of MATC-approved apprenticeship program (license issued within 2 years of completion) |
    | Renewal cycle | Biennial                                                                                                                                                   |

    | License type  | Application fee | Biennial renewal |
    | ------------- | --------------- | ---------------- |
    | Master        | **\$20**        | **\$25**         |
    | Journeyperson | **\$15**        | **\$15**         |
    | Apprentice    | **\$10**        | **\$10**         |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="HVACR Contractors" icon="temperature">
    All applicants must pass an examination with a minimum score of 70%. Master, Master Restricted, and Limited contractors who sign or approve contracts must carry general liability and property damage insurance.

    | Requirement       | Detail                                                                                                                                         |
    | ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Master            | 3 years as a journeyman providing all HVACR services + 1,875 hours in the year prior to applying + currently hold journeyman or higher license |
    | Master Restricted | 3 years as a journeyman; proof of experience required if not currently holding an HVACR license                                                |
    | Limited           | 2 years as a journeyman under a licensed HVACR master                                                                                          |
    | Journeyman        | 3 years as an apprentice + 1,875 hours of training under a licensed HVACR contractor + currently hold apprentice license                       |
    | Insurance         | **\$300,000** general liability + **\$100,000** property damage (**\$400,000** combined minimum)                                               |

    | License type                            | Application and biennial renewal |
    | --------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- |
    | Apprentice                              | **\$10**                         |
    | Journeyman (including Restricted)       | **\$20**                         |
    | Limited                                 | **\$75**                         |
    | Master Restricted (per category, max 3) | **\$25** (max **\$75**)          |
    | Master                                  | **\$75**                         |
    | Inactive Master / Restricted / Limited  | **\$25**                         |

    <Note>
      Master Restricted licenses are issued in up to four combinations of HVACR expertise (heating–forced air, heating–hydronic, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration). The per-category fee is capped once a licensee qualifies in three areas.
    </Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Highway Work" icon="road">
    | Requirement              | Detail                                                          |
    | ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Prequalification         | Not formally required                                           |
    | Bid bond                 | Required on contracts over **\$100,000**                        |
    | Liability insurance      | **\$1,000,000** / **\$2,000,000** required after bid submission |
    | Experience certification | Required after bid submission                                   |
    | State licenses           | Applicable state contractor licenses required                   |
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Reciprocal agreements

Maryland has board-specific reciprocity arrangements concentrated among mid-Atlantic neighbors. Delaware appears across all three trade boards; Virginia appears in two. Always confirm current status with the specific board.

<Info>
  Reciprocity in Maryland is board-specific. Delaware is the only state recognized by all three trade boards.
</Info>

| Board                        | Reciprocal states                 | Coverage                              |
| ---------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Board of Master Electricians | Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia | <Badge color="green">3 states</Badge> |
| Board of Plumbers            | Delaware                          | <Badge color="green">1 state</Badge>  |
| Board of HVACR Contractors   | Delaware, Virginia                | <Badge color="green">2 states</Badge> |

## Types of licenses

This section lists the credential categories Maryland offers across its major boards. Use it when you need to confirm the exact license name for an application or comparison.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Home Improvement" icon="house">
    * Contractor
    * Salesperson
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plumbing & Gas" icon="tool">
    * Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter
    * Apprentice Natural Gas Fitter
    * Journeyman Plumber/Gas Fitter
    * Journeyman Natural Gas Fitter
    * Master Plumber/Gas Fitter
    * Master Natural Gas Fitter
    * Propane Gas Fitter Certificate
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electrical" icon="bolt">
    * Master Electrician
    * Uninsured Master (legacy Inactive Master)
    * Inactive Master
    * Inspector
    * Qualified Agent
    * Journeyperson
    * Apprentice
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="HVACR" icon="temperature">
    * Apprentice
    * Journeyman
    * Journeyman Restricted
    * Limited
    * Master
    * Master Restricted
    * Inspector
    * Inactive Master License
    * Inactive Master Restricted
    * Inactive Limited Contractor
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## See also

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="South region guide" icon="map" href="/docs/jurisdictions/regions/south">
    Browse all South jurisdictions for comparison.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contractors guide" icon="hard-hat" href="/docs/personas/contractor">
    Cross-state guidance for contractors evaluating new jurisdictions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Regulators guide" icon="shield-check" href="/docs/personas/regulatory-staff">
    Cross-state guidance for comparing regulatory models and agency structures.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

**Neighboring jurisdictions with reciprocity ties:**

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Delaware" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/delaware">
    Electrical, plumbing, and HVACR reciprocity with Maryland — the only state recognized by all three trade boards.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Virginia" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/virginia">
    Electrical and HVACR reciprocity with Maryland.
  </Card>

  <Card title="West Virginia" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/west-virginia">
    Electrical reciprocity with Maryland through the Board of Master Electricians.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>