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General Contractor
Total cost: $533
Yes
License Required?
2 years
Experience Required
Yes
Bonding Required?
$533
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours
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MHIC License for home improvement on EXISTING residential property (repairs, alterations, additions). This is NOT for new construction.
Project Limit
License required for projects over $500
Additional Requirements
Description
Home Builder Registration for NEW home construction, administered by the Attorney General's Office. Separate from MHIC license. Contractors doing BOTH remodeling AND new construction need BOTH credentials.
Project Limit
License required for projects over $500
Additional Requirements
Description
MHIC eliminated the subcontractor license category as of July 1, 2016. Subcontractors may work without a license when performing work for an MHIC-licensed contractor. Marine contractors have a separate Marine Contractors Licensing Board.
Additional Requirements
Experience & Documentation
Verified2
Years Required
Required
Documented Project History
Journeyman/Trade Experience
2 years in home improvement, construction, or related education. 1 year of education/business management experience may substitute for 1 year of trade experience.
Alternative Pathways (Education Substitutions)
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Trade Exam
Not Required
Business & Law Exam
Exam Provider
PSI Exams
Passing Score
70%
Open Book
Yes
Trade Exam Details
MHIC exam: 2.5 hours, open book. Tests regulatory understanding and business management — NOT skills-based. Must pass exam BEFORE applying for license.
Business & Law Exam Details
Included in the MHIC exam (single combined exam)
Retake Policy
May retake after failing. $63 per attempt.
Overall licensing difficulty: 7/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Contractor Licensing Exam
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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General Contractor Licensing Exam
Passing Score
70%
Administered By
PSI Exams
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the General Contractor Licensing Exam.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Contractor's License Exam
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Bonding Requirements
VerifiedSurety Bond Required
$30,000
Surety Bond Amount
Bond Types
Surety bonds protect consumers by providing financial recourse if a contractor fails to complete a project or violates licensing regulations. Bond costs are typically 1-3% of the bond amount annually.
Insurance & Workers' Comp
VerifiedRequired
General Liability
Required
Workers' Compensation
Minimum Coverage
$50,000 minimum GL insurance required per MHIC. Note: Some sources incorrectly cite $500,000 — the official MHIC requirement is $50,000.
Additional Insurance Requirements
Workers' Comp Threshold
Required for employers with 1 or more employees
Workers' Comp Details
Maryland requires workers' compensation insurance for employers with 1 or more employees. Sole proprietors may be exempt but coverage is recommended.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Increased effective August 1, 2024. Additional $100 Guaranty Fund payment for original licenses. | $370 |
Exam Fee Per attempt | $63 |
License Fee Initial license/processing fee. Increased effective August 1, 2024. | $370 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal. Plus $175 Guaranty Fund = $425 total renewal cost. Fees increased August 1, 2024. | $250 |
Total Initial Fees $370 initial license + $63 exam + $100 Guaranty Fund = $533. Fees effective August 1, 2024. | $533 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
$250
Plus $175 Guaranty Fund = $425 total biennial renewal.
Regulatory Board
Contractor licenses must be renewed on schedule. Many states require continuing education covering building codes, safety practices, business law, and energy efficiency standards.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
ICC Certification Not Accepted
Reciprocity Type
Full application required
Transfer Details
MHIC does not offer reciprocity with any state. NASCLA is not accepted. Out-of-state contractors must complete the full application process.
General contractor license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Some states recognize ICC certifications, while others require passing the state exam regardless of prior credentials. Always verify current policies with the state licensing board.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Maryland with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Maryland has a complex multi-track system: MHIC License (existing residential), Home Builder Registration (new construction, AG's Office), and commercial (local only). Subcontractor license was eliminated in 2016. MHIC exam must be passed BEFORE applying. GL minimum is only $50,000 (unusually low).
Maryland has a multi-track contractor system: MHIC License (home improvement on existing residential), Home Builder Registration (new construction via AG's Office), and Commercial Contractor (local level only).
MHIC subcontractor license category was eliminated July 1, 2016. Subcontractors may work without a license under an MHIC-licensed contractor.
MHIC mandatory regardless of project size for: underpinning, foundation work, interior demolition.
Fees increased effective August 1, 2024. Guaranty Fund max claim: $30,000 per homeowner.
Montgomery County exception: new home builders exempt from state registration but must be licensed locally.
Penalties for unlicensed work: misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine or 30 days imprisonment (first conviction).
Marine contractors have a separate Marine Contractors Licensing Board.
Lien Law Basics
Preliminary Notice: Required
Lien Deadline: 180 days after completion
Maryland construction lien law: Preliminary notice is required to preserve lien rights. Lien filing deadline: 180 days after completion.
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General Contractor requirements in Maryland verified against Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), March 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-22
General Contractor Schools in Maryland
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.