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Home Improvement Contractor License

Individual or sole-proprietor MHIC licence to perform home improvements, act as a subcontractor, and sell home improvements.

Licensing authority: Maryland Home Improvement Commission · Application information

Contractor initial business experience substitution
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination
Application
Submit the Commission application, applicant and business information, experience record, applicable fees and Guaranty Fund assessment under Business Regulation §8-303.
Board Insurance Statement
The pinned MHIC License Categories and Requirements page states: "Proof of current $50,000 liability insurance must be filed with the application for licensure." The statute requires $500,000.
Business Documents
For a corporation submit articles of incorporation and a Certificate of Good Standing; identify a resident agent when acting through a corporation or limited partnership.
Business Name
Check availability with MHIC and register any trade name with the Department of Assessments and Taxation; contractor applications require an actual street address.
Criminal History
Disclose felony and relevant misdemeanor convictions and supply conviction records. A §8-601 conviction allows issuance only at Commission discretion after all outstanding obligations are settled and one year has passed since conviction.
Exam Timing
Pass the MHIC contractor examination before applying for an original licence; passing must be within the two years immediately preceding receipt of the licence application (COMAR 09.08.01.16H).
Experience
The Commission may substitute supervisor, manager or business-owner experience for one of the two required trade-experience years; the remaining trade-experience year must be satisfied.
Financial Solvency
Submit an approved credit report and outstanding judgments and pending civil actions. Under COMAR 09.08.01.19 an applicant below the maximum single-claim Fund award in net worth must obtain a two-year surety bond for that amount; maintain it unless sufficient net worth is demonstrated and cancellation authorized.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Reciprocity
The MHIC Licensing FAQs for Applicants, item 15, 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." An out-of-state licence does not replace the MHIC exam.
Contractor initial disability individual review
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination
Application
Submit the Commission application, applicant and business information, experience record, applicable fees and Guaranty Fund assessment under Business Regulation §8-303.
Board Insurance Statement
The pinned MHIC License Categories and Requirements page states: "Proof of current $50,000 liability insurance must be filed with the application for licensure." The statute requires $500,000.
Business Documents
For a corporation submit articles of incorporation and a Certificate of Good Standing; identify a resident agent when acting through a corporation or limited partnership.
Business Name
Check availability with MHIC and register any trade name with the Department of Assessments and Taxation; contractor applications require an actual street address.
Criminal History
Disclose felony and relevant misdemeanor convictions and supply conviction records. A §8-601 conviction allows issuance only at Commission discretion after all outstanding obligations are settled and one year has passed since conviction.
Exam Timing
Pass the MHIC contractor examination before applying for an original licence; passing must be within the two years immediately preceding receipt of the licence application (COMAR 09.08.01.16H).
Financial Solvency
Submit an approved credit report and outstanding judgments and pending civil actions. Under COMAR 09.08.01.19 an applicant below the maximum single-claim Fund award in net worth must obtain a two-year surety bond for that amount; maintain it unless sufficient net worth is demonstrated and cancellation authorized.
Individual Review
Documented handicaps allow the Commission to consider experience or educational qualifications individually under COMAR 09.08.01.23C.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Reciprocity
The MHIC Licensing FAQs for Applicants, item 15, 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." An out-of-state licence does not replace the MHIC exam.
Contractor initial education
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination
Application
Submit the Commission application, applicant and business information, experience record, applicable fees and Guaranty Fund assessment under Business Regulation §8-303.
Board Insurance Statement
The pinned MHIC License Categories and Requirements page states: "Proof of current $50,000 liability insurance must be filed with the application for licensure." The statute requires $500,000.
Business Documents
For a corporation submit articles of incorporation and a Certificate of Good Standing; identify a resident agent when acting through a corporation or limited partnership.
Business Name
Check availability with MHIC and register any trade name with the Department of Assessments and Taxation; contractor applications require an actual street address.
Criminal History
Disclose felony and relevant misdemeanor convictions and supply conviction records. A §8-601 conviction allows issuance only at Commission discretion after all outstanding obligations are settled and one year has passed since conviction.
Education
Comparable education may replace the required trade experience: vocational school building-trade training or a building-trade work-study program under COMAR 09.08.01.23B.
Exam Timing
Pass the MHIC contractor examination before applying for an original licence; passing must be within the two years immediately preceding receipt of the licence application (COMAR 09.08.01.16H).
Financial Solvency
Submit an approved credit report and outstanding judgments and pending civil actions. Under COMAR 09.08.01.19 an applicant below the maximum single-claim Fund award in net worth must obtain a two-year surety bond for that amount; maintain it unless sufficient net worth is demonstrated and cancellation authorized.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Reciprocity
The MHIC Licensing FAQs for Applicants, item 15, 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." An out-of-state licence does not replace the MHIC exam.
Contractor initial military experience credit
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination
Application
Submit the Commission application, applicant and business information, experience record, applicable fees and Guaranty Fund assessment under Business Regulation §8-303.
Board Insurance Statement
The pinned MHIC License Categories and Requirements page states: "Proof of current $50,000 liability insurance must be filed with the application for licensure." The statute requires $500,000.
Business Documents
For a corporation submit articles of incorporation and a Certificate of Good Standing; identify a resident agent when acting through a corporation or limited partnership.
Business Name
Check availability with MHIC and register any trade name with the Department of Assessments and Taxation; contractor applications require an actual street address.
Criminal History
Disclose felony and relevant misdemeanor convictions and supply conviction records. A §8-601 conviction allows issuance only at Commission discretion after all outstanding obligations are settled and one year has passed since conviction.
Exam Timing
Pass the MHIC contractor examination before applying for an original licence; passing must be within the two years immediately preceding receipt of the licence application (COMAR 09.08.01.16H).
Financial Solvency
Submit an approved credit report and outstanding judgments and pending civil actions. Under COMAR 09.08.01.19 an applicant below the maximum single-claim Fund award in net worth must obtain a two-year surety bond for that amount; maintain it unless sufficient net worth is demonstrated and cancellation authorized.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Military Credit
Relevant active-service experience counts toward practice years; military training and education count if the Commission determines substantial equivalence and consistency with other licensing requirements under §2.5-105.
Reciprocity
The MHIC Licensing FAQs for Applicants, item 15, 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." An out-of-state licence does not replace the MHIC exam.
Contractor initial trade experience
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination
Application
Submit the Commission application, applicant and business information, experience record, applicable fees and Guaranty Fund assessment under Business Regulation §8-303.
Board Insurance Statement
The pinned MHIC License Categories and Requirements page states: "Proof of current $50,000 liability insurance must be filed with the application for licensure." The statute requires $500,000.
Business Documents
For a corporation submit articles of incorporation and a Certificate of Good Standing; identify a resident agent when acting through a corporation or limited partnership.
Business Name
Check availability with MHIC and register any trade name with the Department of Assessments and Taxation; contractor applications require an actual street address.
Criminal History
Disclose felony and relevant misdemeanor convictions and supply conviction records. A §8-601 conviction allows issuance only at Commission discretion after all outstanding obligations are settled and one year has passed since conviction.
Exam Timing
Pass the MHIC contractor examination before applying for an original licence; passing must be within the two years immediately preceding receipt of the licence application (COMAR 09.08.01.16H).
Experience
At least two years of verified trade experience. COMAR 09.08.01.23A lists apprenticeship, home improvement or commercial/residential construction work, charitable building work, and qualifying work on one’s own or family home; two years as a licensed salesperson may count at Commission discretion.
Financial Solvency
Submit an approved credit report and outstanding judgments and pending civil actions. Under COMAR 09.08.01.19 an applicant below the maximum single-claim Fund award in net worth must obtain a two-year surety bond for that amount; maintain it unless sufficient net worth is demonstrated and cancellation authorized.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Reciprocity
The MHIC Licensing FAQs for Applicants, item 15, 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." An out-of-state licence does not replace the MHIC exam.
Contractor late renewal after two years good cause
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Credit Report
Submit the approved credit report or pay the report fee under §8-308(e); pay the Guaranty Fund assessment required by COMAR 09.08.01.18D.
Eligibility
Existing licence; remain entitled to licensure and submit the Commission renewal application and fees under §8-308.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Responsible Individual
Individual licence holder continues to meet MHIC requirements.
Term
Renewal is for an additional two-year term.
Timing
More than two years after expiration, the application is presumed new, but the Commission may treat it as renewal on a showing of good cause.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Contractor late renewal within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Credit Report
Submit the approved credit report or pay the report fee under §8-308(e); pay the Guaranty Fund assessment required by COMAR 09.08.01.18D.
Effective Period
Renewal takes effect when renewal requirements are fulfilled, without retroactive effect; expires two years after the prior licence expiration.
Eligibility
Existing licence; remain entitled to licensure and submit the Commission renewal application and fees under §8-308.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Responsible Individual
Individual licence holder continues to meet MHIC requirements.
Term
Renewal is for an additional two-year term.
Timing
Within two years after expiration, the application is presumed to be renewal; good cause may instead cause it to be treated as a new application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Contractor military deployment late renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
§2.5-104 permits renewal after the normal period without penalty or reinstatement fee; other renewal requirements continue to apply.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Military Deployment
Active service member deployed outside Maryland; late renewal must directly result from deployment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Contractor military expedited
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination
Application
Submit the Commission application, applicant and business information, experience record, applicable fees and Guaranty Fund assessment under Business Regulation §8-303.
Board Insurance Statement
The pinned MHIC License Categories and Requirements page states: "Proof of current $50,000 liability insurance must be filed with the application for licensure." The statute requires $500,000.
Board Military Statement
The MHIC military guidance asks veterans to apply within one year after discharge and states $50,000 insurance. Current §2.5-101(c) defines an eligible veteran by discharge before application without that one-year limit; §8-302.1 requires $500,000 contractor insurance.
Business Documents
For a corporation submit articles of incorporation and a Certificate of Good Standing; identify a resident agent when acting through a corporation or limited partnership.
Business Name
Check availability with MHIC and register any trade name with the Department of Assessments and Taxation; contractor applications require an actual street address.
Criminal History
Disclose felony and relevant misdemeanor convictions and supply conviction records. A §8-601 conviction allows issuance only at Commission discretion after all outstanding obligations are settled and one year has passed since conviction.
Exam Timing
Pass the MHIC contractor examination before applying for an original licence; passing must be within the two years immediately preceding receipt of the licence application (COMAR 09.08.01.16H).
Expedited Processing
Provide status and licence proof, the full application, any required background-check application and fees; issue within 60 days after a completed application if licensing requirements are met.
Financial Solvency
Submit an approved credit report and outstanding judgments and pending civil actions. Under COMAR 09.08.01.19 an applicant below the maximum single-claim Fund award in net worth must obtain a two-year surety bond for that amount; maintain it unless sufficient net worth is demonstrated and cancellation authorized.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Military Status
Active service member, eligible veteran, or eligible spouse as defined in Business Regulation §§1-101 and 2.5-101.
Prior License
Hold a valid licence in good standing from another state for at least one year; every other-state licence must be in good standing.
Reciprocity
The MHIC Licensing FAQs for Applicants, item 15, 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." An out-of-state licence does not replace the MHIC exam.
Residence
Service member or veteran must be assigned to a Maryland duty station or have established Maryland legal residence; for an eligible spouse, that requirement applies to the spouse.
Contractor new application after expiration
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination
Application
Submit the Commission application, applicant and business information, experience record, applicable fees and Guaranty Fund assessment under Business Regulation §8-303.
Board Insurance Statement
The pinned MHIC License Categories and Requirements page states: "Proof of current $50,000 liability insurance must be filed with the application for licensure." The statute requires $500,000.
Business Documents
For a corporation submit articles of incorporation and a Certificate of Good Standing; identify a resident agent when acting through a corporation or limited partnership.
Business Name
Check availability with MHIC and register any trade name with the Department of Assessments and Taxation; contractor applications require an actual street address.
Criminal History
Disclose felony and relevant misdemeanor convictions and supply conviction records. A §8-601 conviction allows issuance only at Commission discretion after all outstanding obligations are settled and one year has passed since conviction.
Exam Timing
Pass the MHIC contractor examination before applying for an original licence; passing must be within the two years immediately preceding receipt of the licence application (COMAR 09.08.01.16H).
Expiration
After more than two years of expiration the application is presumed new; within two years, good cause may cause it to be treated as new. New applications require the relevant MHIC exam within the preceding two years.
Financial Solvency
Submit an approved credit report and outstanding judgments and pending civil actions. Under COMAR 09.08.01.19 an applicant below the maximum single-claim Fund award in net worth must obtain a two-year surety bond for that amount; maintain it unless sufficient net worth is demonstrated and cancellation authorized.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Reciprocity
The MHIC Licensing FAQs for Applicants, item 15, 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." An out-of-state licence does not replace the MHIC exam.
Responsible Individual
Applicant applies for the individual licence.
Contractor reactivation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Prior Qualification
Reactivation reissues the existing licence under §8-308.1(f); it does not impose the separate examination for disciplinary reinstatement stated in §8-316(b).
Responsible Individual
Reactivation applies to the existing individual licence.
Status
Existing MHIC licence on inactive status; apply for reactivation, pay the reissuance fee and meet licensing requirements under §8-308.1(f).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Contractor reinstatement after revocation
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination
Disciplinary Status
Previously revoked MHIC licence.
Discretion
Reinstatement is at Commission discretion and remains subject to eligibility requirements and satisfaction of the Commission’s disciplinary terms.
Exam
Under Business Regulation §8-316(b), reinstatement is permitted only if the person passes the examination the Commission requires.
Waiting Period
A revoked licensee may not reapply within six months after revocation (§8-316(a)).
Contractor reinstatement after suspension
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination
Disciplinary Status
Previously suspended MHIC licence.
Discretion
Reinstatement is at Commission discretion and remains subject to eligibility requirements and satisfaction of the Commission’s disciplinary terms.
Exam
Under Business Regulation §8-316(b), reinstatement is permitted only if the person passes the examination the Commission requires.
Waiting Period
The six-month rule in §8-316(a) names revocation or denial after hearing; suspension is not listed.
Contractor renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Credit Report
Submit the approved credit report or pay the report fee under §8-308(e); pay the Guaranty Fund assessment required by COMAR 09.08.01.18D.
Eligibility
Existing licence; remain entitled to licensure and submit the Commission renewal application and fees under §8-308.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Responsible Individual
Individual licence holder continues to meet MHIC requirements.
Term
Renewal is for an additional two-year term.
Timing
Apply before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Corporate or Partnership Home Improvement Contractor License

MHIC business-entity contractor licence; the corporation or partnership employs an individual licensed contractor in responsible charge.

Licensing authority: Maryland Home Improvement Commission · Application information

Corporate partnership initial licensed responsible individual
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination
Application
Submit the Commission application, applicant and business information, experience record, applicable fees and Guaranty Fund assessment under Business Regulation §8-303.
Board Insurance Statement
The pinned MHIC License Categories and Requirements page states: "Proof of current $50,000 liability insurance must be filed with the application for licensure." The statute requires $500,000.
Business Documents
For a corporation submit articles of incorporation and a Certificate of Good Standing; identify a resident agent when acting through a corporation or limited partnership.
Business Name
Check availability with MHIC and register any trade name with the Department of Assessments and Taxation; contractor applications require an actual street address.
Criminal History
Disclose felony and relevant misdemeanor convictions and supply conviction records. A §8-601 conviction allows issuance only at Commission discretion after all outstanding obligations are settled and one year has passed since conviction.
Exam Timing
Pass the MHIC contractor examination before applying for an original licence; passing must be within the two years immediately preceding receipt of the licence application (COMAR 09.08.01.16H).
Financial Solvency
Submit an approved credit report and outstanding judgments and pending civil actions. Under COMAR 09.08.01.19 an applicant below the maximum single-claim Fund award in net worth must obtain a two-year surety bond for that amount; maintain it unless sufficient net worth is demonstrated and cancellation authorized.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Reciprocity
The MHIC Licensing FAQs for Applicants, item 15, 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." An out-of-state licence does not replace the MHIC exam.
Responsible Individual
Employ an individual licensed MHIC contractor in responsible charge under COMAR 09.08.01.04B. The individual takes the contractor exam and meets financial eligibility; the entity and individual are jointly responsible under .04C. The exam leaf describes the responsible individual’s examination, not a second exam sat by the entity.
Corporate partnership late renewal after two years good cause
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Credit Report
Submit the approved credit report or pay the report fee under §8-308(e); pay the Guaranty Fund assessment required by COMAR 09.08.01.18D.
Eligibility
Existing licence; remain entitled to licensure and submit the Commission renewal application and fees under §8-308.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Responsible Individual
Corporate and partnership licensees continue to employ a licensed individual in responsible charge.
Term
Renewal is for an additional two-year term.
Timing
More than two years after expiration, the application is presumed new, but the Commission may treat it as renewal on a showing of good cause.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Corporate partnership late renewal within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Credit Report
Submit the approved credit report or pay the report fee under §8-308(e); pay the Guaranty Fund assessment required by COMAR 09.08.01.18D.
Effective Period
Renewal takes effect when renewal requirements are fulfilled, without retroactive effect; expires two years after the prior licence expiration.
Eligibility
Existing licence; remain entitled to licensure and submit the Commission renewal application and fees under §8-308.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Responsible Individual
Corporate and partnership licensees continue to employ a licensed individual in responsible charge.
Term
Renewal is for an additional two-year term.
Timing
Within two years after expiration, the application is presumed to be renewal; good cause may instead cause it to be treated as a new application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Corporate partnership new application after expiration
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination
Application
Submit the Commission application, applicant and business information, experience record, applicable fees and Guaranty Fund assessment under Business Regulation §8-303.
Board Insurance Statement
The pinned MHIC License Categories and Requirements page states: "Proof of current $50,000 liability insurance must be filed with the application for licensure." The statute requires $500,000.
Business Documents
For a corporation submit articles of incorporation and a Certificate of Good Standing; identify a resident agent when acting through a corporation or limited partnership.
Business Name
Check availability with MHIC and register any trade name with the Department of Assessments and Taxation; contractor applications require an actual street address.
Criminal History
Disclose felony and relevant misdemeanor convictions and supply conviction records. A §8-601 conviction allows issuance only at Commission discretion after all outstanding obligations are settled and one year has passed since conviction.
Exam Timing
Pass the MHIC contractor examination before applying for an original licence; passing must be within the two years immediately preceding receipt of the licence application (COMAR 09.08.01.16H).
Expiration
After more than two years of expiration the application is presumed new; within two years, good cause may cause it to be treated as new. New applications require the relevant MHIC exam within the preceding two years.
Financial Solvency
Submit an approved credit report and outstanding judgments and pending civil actions. Under COMAR 09.08.01.19 an applicant below the maximum single-claim Fund award in net worth must obtain a two-year surety bond for that amount; maintain it unless sufficient net worth is demonstrated and cancellation authorized.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Reciprocity
The MHIC Licensing FAQs for Applicants, item 15, 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." An out-of-state licence does not replace the MHIC exam.
Responsible Individual
If applying as a corporation or partnership, employ an individual licensed contractor in responsible charge.
Corporate partnership reactivation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Prior Qualification
Reactivation reissues the existing licence under §8-308.1(f); it does not impose the separate examination for disciplinary reinstatement stated in §8-316(b).
Responsible Individual
For a corporate or partnership licence, maintain the licensed individual in responsible charge.
Status
Existing MHIC licence on inactive status; apply for reactivation, pay the reissuance fee and meet licensing requirements under §8-308.1(f).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Corporate partnership reinstatement after revocation
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination
Disciplinary Status
Previously revoked MHIC licence.
Discretion
Reinstatement is at Commission discretion and remains subject to eligibility requirements and satisfaction of the Commission’s disciplinary terms.
Exam
Under Business Regulation §8-316(b), reinstatement is permitted only if the person passes the examination the Commission requires.
Waiting Period
A revoked licensee may not reapply within six months after revocation (§8-316(a)).
Corporate partnership reinstatement after suspension
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination
Disciplinary Status
Previously suspended MHIC licence.
Discretion
Reinstatement is at Commission discretion and remains subject to eligibility requirements and satisfaction of the Commission’s disciplinary terms.
Exam
Under Business Regulation §8-316(b), reinstatement is permitted only if the person passes the examination the Commission requires.
Waiting Period
The six-month rule in §8-316(a) names revocation or denial after hearing; suspension is not listed.
Corporate partnership renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Credit Report
Submit the approved credit report or pay the report fee under §8-308(e); pay the Guaranty Fund assessment required by COMAR 09.08.01.18D.
Eligibility
Existing licence; remain entitled to licensure and submit the Commission renewal application and fees under §8-308.
Insurance
Maintain at least $500,000 general liability insurance under Business Regulation §8-302.1; submit proof with the application.
Lead Abatement
If providing lead paint abatement services, supply the Maryland Department of the Environment accreditation number and expiration date.
Responsible Individual
Corporate and partnership licensees continue to employ a licensed individual in responsible charge.
Term
Renewal is for an additional two-year term.
Timing
Apply before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Home Improvement Contractor License

Military-related temporary contractor licence under Business Regulation §2.5-107 while completing Maryland licensing requirements; term is set by the Commission.

Licensing authority: Maryland Home Improvement Commission · Application information

Temporary contractor military
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination
Board Instructions
The military page requests the veterans application, other-state licence and good-standing certificate, Maryland assignment or residence evidence, financial statement and three months of bank statements, exam registration, fees, identity document and organizing documents for a business name.
Discretion
The Commission may issue the temporary licence only if issuance does not pose a public-health, welfare or safety risk.
Eligibility
Active service member, eligible veteran or eligible spouse with an other-state licence held in good standing for less than one year; every licence held must be in good standing under §2.5-107(a).
Exam Timing
The Board expressly describes temporary issuance while preparing to take the MHIC exam; the contractor exam remains involved for completion of Maryland licensure, and is not asserted as a prerequisite to the temporary grant.
Insurance
The military guidance requests $50,000 insurance, while §8-302.1 requires contractor applicants and licensees to maintain $500,000.
Term
The Commission determines the limited period during which Maryland licensing requirements must be completed.

Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Examination

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
Open-book computer examination
Exam questions
55 scored items; 5–10 additional unscored experimental questions may be administered
Time limit
150 minutes
Passing score
39 correct answers
Examination outline
  • Home Improvement Law
  • Door-to-Door Sales Act
  • Labor Laws
  • Safety Regulations
  • Estimating
Examination sources