Official sources and verification (21)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
BoardMaryland Home Improvement Commission
Maryland Home Improvement Commission
Home Improvement Commission
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / ExperienceAt least two years of home improvement, construction and/or related education.
At least two years of home improvement, construction and/or related education.
Applicants for a contractor's license must provide proof of at least two years of experience in home improvement work, construction and/or related education.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / ExamPass the licensing exam before applying.
Pass the licensing exam before applying.
All applicants must take and pass the licensing exam before they can apply for a license.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / BondAn applicant who does not meet the financial solvency guidelines may purchase a surety bond or obtain an indemnitor.
An applicant who does not meet the financial solvency guidelines may purchase a surety bond or obtain an indemnitor.
Any applicant who does not meet the financial solvency guidelines may purchase a surety bond or obtain an indemnitor.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / EducationNo exam-preparation course is required.
No exam-preparation course is required.
Is any course required in order to apply for an MHIC license?
Many community colleges offer an MHIC exam prep course. A course is not required.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / InsuranceMaintain general liability insurance.
Maintain general liability insurance.
all Maryland home improvement contractors maintain general liability insurance
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Fees / Application$281.25
281.25
$281.25 Application Fee
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Fees / Renewal$281.25
281.25
License renewal fees: ... Contractor — $281.25 for each place of business of the contractor;
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
License term in years2 years
2
The license period is two years from the date of issuance of the original license.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
RenewalThe license period is two years from the date of issuance of the original license.
The license period is two years from the date of issuance of the original license. Applies to: Home improvement contractor license
The license period is two years from the date of issuance of the original license.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceResidential roof work is among the work types usually requiring a Maryland Home Improvement Commission license.
Residential roof work is among the work types usually requiring a Maryland Home Improvement Commission license.
Type of work usually required to be licensed by the the Maryland Home Improvement Commission ... Exterior of Residence ... Roofs
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceThe contractor category authorizes performing or agreeing to perform home improvement for a homeowner.
The contractor category authorizes performing or agreeing to perform home improvement for a homeowner.
A contractor may perform or agree to perform a home improvement for a homeowner.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceAn original contractor license also carries a $100 Guaranty Fund assessment and $22.50 processing fee; additional company locations have a separate $281.25 fee.
An original contractor license also carries a $100 Guaranty Fund assessment and $22.50 processing fee; additional company locations have a separate $281.25 fee.
$281.25 Per Each Additional Company Location
$100 Guaranty Fund Assessment
$ 22.50 Processing Fee
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceNew home construction is outside MHIC: builders must register with the Attorney General's Home Builder Registration Unit.
New home construction is outside MHIC: builders must register with the Attorney General's Home Builder Registration Unit.
The Home Improvement Commission license does not cover new home construction. All builders who build homes in Maryland must be registered with the Home Builder Registration Unit of the Office of the Attorney General.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceRenew online using the link at https://labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/mhicrenew.shtml; each licensee has a personal renewal date.
Renew online using the link at https://labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/mhicrenew.shtml; each licensee has a personal renewal date.
Renew your license online
Each licensee has a personal renewal date.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceA contractor renewal also carries a $175 Guaranty Fund assessment every two years.
A contractor renewal also carries a $175 Guaranty Fund assessment every two years.
the MHIC Guaranty Fund two year assessment has increased to $175.00 every two years for a renewal MHIC contractor.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Continuing education hoursThere is no continuing education requirement to renew an MHIC license.
0
There is no continuing education requirement to renew an MHIC license.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
ReciprocityNo reciprocity with other states.
No reciprocity with other states.
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission does not offer reciprocity with any other states because each licensee must demonstrate knowledge of Maryland laws and regulations.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Renewal period in years2 years
2
The license period is two years from the date of issuance of the original license.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026