Roofing license
Roofing license requirements in Maryland
Yes — Maryland requires roofing contractors to hold a Home Improvement Contractor license from the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) before contracting to repair, replace, or install residential roofing.
The short answer
Yes — Maryland requires roofing contractors to hold a Home Improvement Contractor license from the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) before contracting to repair, replace, or install residential roofing.
Do you need a license to roof in Maryland?
Home Improvement Contractor license (MHIC) — required for anyone contracting to repair, replace, add to, or improve residential roofs and other home improvements. A separate, lower-cost Salesperson license covers individuals who sell but don't perform the work.
Who issues it: Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), part of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
Last verified: 2026-07-19
Maryland roofing license at a glance
Every figure here is a plain-English starting point read from the official state board — always confirm the current requirements at the source before you rely on them.
License type / class
Home Improvement Contractor license (MHIC) — required for anyone contracting to repair, replace, add to, or improve residential roofs and other home improvements. A separate, lower-cost Salesperson license covers individuals who sell but don't perform the work.
Issuing board
Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), part of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing — labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic
Exam required
Yes
Experience / qualification
At least 2 years of experience in home improvement work, construction, and/or related education, per MHIC's official license requirements.
Bond
If you don't meet MHIC's financial-solvency test (net worth and credit review based on the size of your business), you can instead post a two-year, $20,000 surety bond — the same figure the state's Guaranty Fund uses to cap what it pays a homeowner per contractor.
Insurance minimum
At least $500,000 of general liability insurance, required statewide since June 1, 2024 under section 8-302.1 of the Business Regulation Article, naming MHIC as certificate holder.
Application fee
$281.25 application fee, plus a $100 Guaranty Fund assessment and a $22.50 processing fee for an original 2-year contractor license (roughly $404 total).
Renewal
Every 2 years: $281.25 application fee plus a $175 Guaranty Fund assessment (roughly $456 total).
Reciprocity
None — MHIC does not offer reciprocity with any other state; every applicant must pass the Maryland exam regardless of licenses held elsewhere.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License type / class | Home Improvement Contractor license (MHIC) — required for anyone contracting to repair, replace, add to, or improve residential roofs and other home improvements. A separate, lower-cost Salesperson license covers individuals who sell but don't perform the work. |
| Issuing board | Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), part of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing — labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic |
| Exam required | Yes |
| Experience / qualification | At least 2 years of experience in home improvement work, construction, and/or related education, per MHIC's official license requirements. |
| Bond | If you don't meet MHIC's financial-solvency test (net worth and credit review based on the size of your business), you can instead post a two-year, $20,000 surety bond — the same figure the state's Guaranty Fund uses to cap what it pays a homeowner per contractor. |
| Insurance minimum | At least $500,000 of general liability insurance, required statewide since June 1, 2024 under section 8-302.1 of the Business Regulation Article, naming MHIC as certificate holder. |
| Application fee | $281.25 application fee, plus a $100 Guaranty Fund assessment and a $22.50 processing fee for an original 2-year contractor license (roughly $404 total). |
| Renewal | Every 2 years: $281.25 application fee plus a $175 Guaranty Fund assessment (roughly $456 total). |
| Reciprocity | None — MHIC does not offer reciprocity with any other state; every applicant must pass the Maryland exam regardless of licenses held elsewhere. |
How to get a roofing license in Maryland
- Confirm you need an MHIC Home Improvement Contractor license (not just a Salesperson license) if you'll be performing or supervising the roofing work yourself.
- Register your business name with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
- Line up at least $500,000 in general liability insurance naming MHIC as certificate holder, and either document sufficient net worth or buy a $20,000 two-year surety bond.
- Study for and pass the MHIC contractor licensing exam, administered by PSI.
- Submit your application, insurance certificate, bond or financial-solvency documents, and fees (roughly $404) to MHIC.
- Renew every 2 years — budget roughly $456 and keep your insurance and bond current in the meantime.
Working without a license in Maryland
Acting as a contractor or subcontractor without an MHIC license is a misdemeanor: up to a $1,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail for a first offense, rising to up to $5,000 and/or 2 years for a second or later offense. Contracts signed by unlicensed contractors are generally unenforceable — you can't sue for payment or file a mechanic's lien.
Last verified: 2026-07-19
Roofing license rules change and often vary by city and county. This page is a plain-English starting point, not legal advice — always confirm the current requirements with the state board linked below before you rely on them.
Verify at the source: labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic
More official sources: MHIC License Categories and Requirements · MHIC Forms and Fees · MHIC Licensing FAQs (bond, reciprocity)
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