Trade business resources for Maryland.

In Maryland, contractors who perform home improvement work must be licensed through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), which operates under the Department of Labor. Separate licensing boards also govern specific trades such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, meaning a contractor may need both a trade license and an MHIC license depending on the scope of work.

State licensing board

Maryland requires most contractors doing home improvement work valued at $500 or more (including labor and materials) to hold an MHIC license. Electricians are licensed separately by the Maryland State Board of Master Electricians, with classifications including Master Electrician and Journeyman. Plumbers are licensed through the State Board of Plumbing, requiring Master Plumber or Journeyman Plumber credentials. HVAC-R contractors must be licensed by the Maryland HVACR Contractors Board, with Master HVACR and Journeyman HVACR tiers. General contractors performing home improvements fall under MHIC jurisdiction rather than a separate GC board, and there is no standalone state GC license class—MHIC covers remodeling, roofing, siding, and similar trades. Roofing contractors must hold an MHIC license if the project meets the $500 threshold, and sole owner/operators must also register. Businesses performing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work typically must hold both the applicable trade license and MHIC registration when working on residential properties.

Business registration