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.- Contractors
- Regulators
What type of contractor license does Maryland require for home improvement work?
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.
Does Maryland have a general contractor license?
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.
Where do I go to get licensed in Maryland?
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.
How much does it cost to get licensed?
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.
What are the insurance requirements?
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.
Can I use my out-of-state license in Maryland?
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.
Do I need a separate license for electrical work?
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.
What about plumbing in Baltimore County or the WSSC area?
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.
Does Maryland require licensing for roofing work?
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.
What about highway or public works contracts?
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.
What is the Guaranty Fund?
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.
Start with your goal
Pick the card that matches what you need right now. Each one links to the relevant section on this page.Is licensure triggered?
Start with work type — home improvement, trade work, highway, or environmental — to see which state credential applies.
Find the right regulator
Use the regulator directory to route your question to the correct Maryland board.
Application and renewal details
Exams, fees, bonds, insurance, continuing education, and renewal cycles for each trade.
Reciprocity direction
Find out which boards recognize out-of-state credentials from Delaware, Virginia, or West Virginia.
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.- Contractors
- Regulators
- 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.
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.Classify the project lane
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.
Apply the right credential test
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.Route to the correct regulator
Maryland has 6 regulatory bodies. Most trade boards are under the Department of Labor at 100 S Charles Street, Baltimore.
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.
Navigation
Use these links to jump to related cross-state comparisons and workflows.- New state evaluation if you are screening Maryland for the first time.
- Multi-state bid readiness if you need to compare Maryland with nearby jurisdictions.
- Licensing thresholds or prequalification patterns 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) |
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.
Common determination scenarios
If you are trying to figure out where to start, expand the scenario that is closest to your situation.Home improvement on a residential property
Home improvement on a residential property
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.
Plumbing or gas fitting
Plumbing or gas fitting
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.
Electrical work
Electrical work
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.
HVAC or refrigeration
HVAC or refrigeration
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.
Highway or public works
Highway or public works
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.
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.Highway work — MDOT State Highway Administration
Highway work — MDOT State Highway Administration
Office of Construction, 7450 Traffic Drive, Hanover, MD 21076Phone: (866) 926-8503Website: roads.maryland.govState procurements are posted on eMaryland Marketplace.
Home improvement contractors and salespersons — Home Improvement Commission
Home improvement contractors and salespersons — Home Improvement Commission
Maryland Department of Labor, 3rd Floor, 100 S Charles Street, Tower 1, Baltimore, MD 21201Phone: (410) 230-6231 | Fax: (410) 962-8482Website: labor.maryland.gov/license/MHIC
Master electricians, journeypersons, and apprentices — Board of Master Electricians
Master electricians, journeypersons, and apprentices — Board of Master Electricians
100 S Charles Street, Tower 1, Baltimore, MD 21201Phone: (410) 230-6163 | Fax: (410) 244-0977Email: DLOPLmasterelectricians-LABOR@maryland.govWebsite: dllr.state.md.us/license/elec
Plumbers and gas fitters — Board of Plumbers
Plumbers and gas fitters — Board of Plumbers
100 S Charles Street, Tower 1, Baltimore, MD 21201Phone: (410) 230-6379 | Fax: (410) 244-0977Email: DLOPLplumbing-LABOR@maryland.govWebsite: dllr.state.md.us/license/pl
HVAC and refrigeration contractors — Board of HVACR Contractors
HVAC and refrigeration contractors — Board of HVACR Contractors
100 S Charles Street, Tower 1, Baltimore, MD 21201Phone: (410) 230-6196 | Fax: (410) 962-8483Email: DLOPLHVACR-LABOR@maryland.govWebsite: dllr.state.md.us/license/hvacr
Asbestos and lead-based paint — Department of the Environment
Asbestos and lead-based paint — Department of the Environment
1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 725, Baltimore, MD 21230Phone: (410) 537-3000Website: mde.maryland.gov
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.Home Improvement Contractors
Home Improvement Contractors
| 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 |
A $20 processing fee is included in each original fee. Total contractor renewal every two years is $400 ($275 + $125 fund assessment).
Plumbers and Gas Fitters
Plumbers and Gas Fitters
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 |
Electricians
Electricians
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 |
HVACR Contractors
HVACR Contractors
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 |
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.
Highway Work
Highway Work
| 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 |
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.Reciprocity in Maryland is board-specific. Delaware is the only state recognized by all three trade boards.
| Board | Reciprocal states | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Board of Master Electricians | Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia | 3 states |
| Board of Plumbers | Delaware | 1 state |
| Board of HVACR Contractors | Delaware, Virginia | 2 states |
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.Home Improvement
Home Improvement
- Contractor
- Salesperson
Plumbing & Gas
Plumbing & Gas
- 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
Electrical
Electrical
- Master Electrician
- Uninsured Master (legacy Inactive Master)
- Inactive Master
- Inspector
- Qualified Agent
- Journeyperson
- Apprentice
HVACR
HVACR
- Apprentice
- Journeyman
- Journeyman Restricted
- Limited
- Master
- Master Restricted
- Inspector
- Inactive Master License
- Inactive Master Restricted
- Inactive Limited Contractor
See also
South region guide
Browse all South jurisdictions for comparison.
Contractors guide
Cross-state guidance for contractors evaluating new jurisdictions.
Regulators guide
Cross-state guidance for comparing regulatory models and agency structures.
Delaware
Electrical, plumbing, and HVACR reciprocity with Maryland — the only state recognized by all three trade boards.
Virginia
Electrical and HVACR reciprocity with Maryland.
West Virginia
Electrical reciprocity with Maryland through the Board of Master Electricians.