Maryland Home Improvement Contractor License Lookup: Verify More Than an MHIC Number
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission’s public query is the correct first stop for covered residential home-improvement work—but an active license search alone is not enough to make a hiring decision.
This guide turns the Maryland process into a practical verification system: active MHIC record → salesperson → complaint history → business identity → $500,000 liability insurance → specialty credential → local permit → contract/deposit protections.
*One-location ordinary original contractor transaction: $281.25 application + $100 Guaranty Fund assessment + $22.50 processing. Examination, credit report, insurance, possible surety bond and other costs are separate.
Maryland Contractor Verification: The Five Records to Check
For covered home-improvement work, these records answer different questions. One record does not replace the others.
Maryland MHIC License Lookup: Exactly What to Click After the Page Opens
Maryland’s official tool is called the Home Improvement Public Query. It contains five useful searches.
Official action: search the MHIC record
Open Official MHIC License Lookup- Open Maryland’s official Home Improvement Public Query.
- Look at the five search options before typing anything.
- If the contractor gave you an MHIC number, choose Contractor License Registration Number. This is normally the cleanest verification route.
- If you do not have the number but have a company name, choose Contractor Trade Name.
- If you know an individual’s name, choose Contractor Personal Name.
- If you are still shopping for contractors, choose Contractor Location and enter a Maryland city or ZIP code.
- If a salesperson came to your home, made the presentation or sold the project, also choose Salesperson Personal Name.
- Submit the search.
- Match the active government result to the exact person/business named on your proposal or contract.
- Save the MHIC number and trade/legal name for the next checks.
Choose the right MHIC search field
| You know | Choose | What to enter | What to verify next |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHIC number | Contractor License Registration Number | Number provided on the contract, proposal, vehicle or advertisement. | Exact person/business and active government result. |
| Business / DBA | Contractor Trade Name | Trade name; add city where useful. | Match it to the company actually signing the contract. |
| Owner / individual’s name | Contractor Personal Name | Last name; city can narrow the search. | Identify the licensed business associated with that person. |
| Only your location | Contractor Location | Maryland city or ZIP. | Build shortlist, then search finalists by exact MHIC number. |
| Salesperson | Salesperson Personal Name | Last name; add city where useful. | Match salesperson and contractor information to the contract. |
Tool 1: MHIC Search Route Helper
Choose the information you already have. This independent helper prepares the correct government-search route; it does not query Maryland’s database.
What to Do if Maryland’s MHIC Search Says “No Record Found”
A no-result screen should trigger troubleshooting—not an immediate assumption that the business has never held an MHIC license.
Try another identifier
- Exact MHIC number
- Trade/business name
- Owner’s last name
- Alternate DBA
- Salesperson name
Remember: active query
Maryland describes this system as a search for active licensees. Expired/former license history is a different question.
If you still cannot find the contractor
- Ask the contractor to provide its exact MHIC number in writing.
- Search the number rather than relying only on spelling.
- Search the company through Maryland Business Express if it claims to be an LLC or corporation.
- Call MHIC and provide the name, address and claimed MHIC number.
- Ask whether the contractor currently has an active license and whether the name you were given corresponds to the licensing record.
- If the contractor says “my renewal is pending,” do not treat that statement as active status without confirmation from MHIC.
- Do not sign a covered homeowner contract until the required licensing issue is resolved.
“I am considering hiring [business/person] for home-improvement work at my Maryland residence. They gave me MHIC number [number], but I cannot confirm the record online. Can you tell me whether that credential is currently active and whether it belongs to this contractor?”
Find Active MHIC Contractors by Maryland City or ZIP Without a Referral Website
Maryland’s own public query includes a Contractor Location option. This can be a better first shortlist than starting with an unverified lead marketplace.
Micro-step guide: Contractor Location
Open Official Contractor Location Search- Open the MHIC query.
- Choose Contractor Location.
- Enter a Maryland city or ZIP code.
- Review the active-license results.
- Write down several candidate names and MHIC numbers.
- Run each finalist through the exact-number or exact-trade-name search.
- Call MHIC for complaint history on each serious finalist.
- Request insurance and references.
- Compare written proposals.
- Check the permit route for the project address before signing.
Contractor Says “LLC” or “Inc.”? Cross-Check Maryland Business Express
MHIC licensing and Maryland business registration answer different questions. For a corporation or LLC, checking both can expose a mismatch between the license identity and the company taking payment.
Official action: Maryland Business Express entity search
Open Maryland Business Express Search- Open the Maryland Business Express entity search.
- Use Business Name if you know the company name.
- If available, you can instead search by Department ID or EIN.
- Open the matching entity.
- Review the exact legal entity name.
- Review business status and available filing information.
- Compare the entity to the name returned in MHIC and the name on your contract/payment instructions.
How to Check MHIC Complaint History Before Hiring
Maryland’s ordinary license lookup does not provide a complete homeowner-facing complaint-history report. MHIC provides a separate inquiry route.
Call for complaint history
Baltimore area: 410-230-6231
Toll-free: 1-888-218-5925
MHIC’s complaint FAQ lists complaint-history assistance Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Email MHIC
Include the exact contractor name and MHIC number so the request can be matched to the correct licensee.
What to ask
- Give the representative the exact MHIC number.
- State the exact business/trade name.
- Ask for the contractor’s reportable complaint history.
- Ask whether there are closed complaints that can be disclosed to the public.
- Ask whether a disciplinary order exists that can be reviewed.
- Do not ask staff to recommend whether you should hire the contractor; make your own decision from the record.
Search published disciplinary actions too
MHIC also maintains a disciplinary-action section with annual records and a name-search route.
Does the Project Need an MHIC Contractor License?
MHIC is focused on covered Maryland residential home improvement. It is not the correct standalone answer for every construction project.
| Work / property | Maryland route | What else to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Residential remodeling / alteration / repair | Core MHIC territory in most ordinary cases. | Trade licenses and local permits where applicable. |
| Deck, porch, fence, garage, landscaping, driveway, pool | These types of residential improvements can fall within Maryland’s home-improvement definition. | Building, zoning, grading, pool or other local permits. |
| Individual condominium unit | MHIC coverage can apply. | Condo approvals and local permits. |
| Condominium common area | Not ordinary MHIC home-improvement coverage described by the Commission. | Commercial/trade/local contractor requirements. |
| Apartment building with 4+ units | Outside the ordinary MHIC residential definition described by MHIC. | Commercial/local licensing and permits. |
| Brand-new home construction | Use Maryland Home Builder Registration, not MHIC alone. | Local building permit and regulated trades. |
| Electrical-only work | A properly licensed electrician acting only within that licensed profession is among the statutory MHIC exceptions. | Maryland electrician license and local permit requirements. |
| Plumbing-only work | A properly licensed plumber acting only within professional scope can fall within the statutory MHIC exception. | State/local or WSSC plumber credential and permit. |
| HVACR-only work | A properly licensed HVACR contractor acting within licensed scope can fall within the statutory exception. | HVACR license and local mechanical permit. |
| Marine construction | Maryland separately licenses marine contractors for qualifying marine work. | MDE marine license and environmental permits. |
Tool 2: Maryland Credential Route Helper
Electrical, Plumbing and HVACR Work: Do Not Stop at the MHIC Search
Electrician
Maryland’s State Board of Electricians says electrical work must be performed by a licensed Master, Journeyperson or Apprentice Electrician within the applicable supervision rules.
Board: 410-230-6163
HVACR
Maryland’s HVACR Board separately licenses heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration contractors.
Board: 410-230-6196
Plumbing
Maryland separately regulates plumbing, with important local exceptions and WSSC rules.
State Plumbing Board: 410-230-6379
Montgomery + Prince George’s Counties: WSSC is a separate plumbing/gas check
WSSC homeowner verification
Official WSSC Homeowner Information- Ask the plumber/gasfitter for the WSSC Water license number.
- Call WSSC Licensing at 301-206-8588 to verify it.
- Ask whether the project requires a WSSC permit.
- Confirm that the contractor obtained the permit where required.
- For inspection questions call 301-206-4004.
- For Permit Services call 301-206-4003.
- For gas appliance replacement, confirm the required inspection was scheduled.
How to Verify a Maryland Home Improvement Contractor
Collect the exact identity
Get the contractor’s MHIC number, legal/trade name, business address, phone and the name of the salesperson or person negotiating the job.
Search the official MHIC query
Use the MHIC number first when available and confirm the Maryland system returns the correct active licensee.
Verify the salesperson when applicable
If a salesperson solicited or sold the improvement, run the separate salesperson-name search and compare the information with the contract.
Call for complaint history
Give MHIC the exact contractor name and number and request reportable closed-complaint / disciplinary information.
Cross-check the business entity
For an LLC or corporation, search Maryland Business Express and compare the legal entity with the licensed contractor and payment recipient.
Verify $500,000+ liability insurance
Request a current certificate, match the insured business and check that the policy dates cover your planned project period.
Verify separate trade credentials
Electrical, plumbing, HVACR, lead, marine and other regulated work can require a separate Maryland or local credential.
Verify the local permit
Search the government portal serving the project address and confirm the permit, work description and required inspections.
Audit the written contract before paying
Confirm required MHIC information, scope, materials, start/completion dates, salesperson information and a deposit no larger than one-third.
Save evidence and recheck
Keep the lookup date, complaint inquiry, business search, insurance, permits, contract, payments, changes and photos. Recheck licensing if the project is materially delayed.
Current MHIC General Liability Insurance Requirement: $500,000 Minimum
Current Maryland Business Regulation §8-302.1 states:
- An applicant for an MHIC contractor license must maintain at least $500,000 in general liability insurance.
- A licensed MHIC contractor must maintain at least $500,000 in general liability insurance.
What a homeowner should request
- Current certificate of insurance.
- Exact named insured.
- Policy effective date.
- Policy expiration date.
- General liability limits.
- Workers’ compensation information when the contractor uses employees and coverage is applicable.
Maryland MHIC Contract Rules: Deposit, Dates, Salesperson and Performance-Bond Notice
Written contract
The home-improvement contract must be written and legible.
Signed before payment
The contractor cannot accept payment before the contract is signed.
Deposit
The initial deposit cannot exceed one-third of the contract price.
Copy for homeowner
The homeowner should receive the signed contract before work begins.
Find these items before signing
- Contractor’s name.
- Contractor’s address.
- Contractor’s telephone number.
- MHIC license number.
- Salesperson name and license number where a salesperson sold the improvement.
- Detailed description of the home improvement.
- Materials to be used.
- Agreed contract amount.
- Approximate start date.
- Approximate substantial-completion date.
- Any incorporated plans, drawings or other contract documents.
- Required MHIC homeowner notice.
- Information concerning the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund.
- Notice that the homeowner may request that the contractor obtain a performance bond for additional protection.
- Clear mandatory-arbitration disclosures if the agreement contains such a clause.
Maryland Door-to-Door Home Improvement Sale: 5 Business Days — 7 if Buyer Is 65+
Many home-improvement sales made away from the seller’s normal place of business can fall under Maryland’s Door-to-Door Sales Act.
Most covered buyers
Cancellation is generally available until midnight of the fifth business day after the transaction.
Buyer age 65+
For a covered transaction, Maryland states the cancellation period is extended to the seventh business day.
After a salesperson signs you up at home
- Check whether the Door-to-Door Sales Act applies to the transaction.
- Look for the cancellation language near the buyer signature.
- Look for the attached Notice of Cancellation.
- Check the final cancellation date shown.
- If canceling, follow the written delivery method/address in the notice and retain proof.
Solar, Lead, Storm Repairs and Insurance Claims: Extra Maryland Checks
Rooftop solar
MHIC’s current notice says home-improvement contracts for rooftop solar must include a wildlife-intrusion barrier meeting industry standards unless the customer waives the barrier after being informed of its cost and the risks of not installing it.
MHIC recommends documenting the barrier price, risk explanation and affirmative customer waiver.
Pre-1978 homes
Renovation that disturbs lead-based paint can trigger federal EPA RRP requirements and Maryland lead-related requirements. Verify applicable contractor/accreditation requirements separately.
Storm / fire / flood estimate
An MHIC contractor may prepare an estimate for repair work and answer an insurer’s questions about that estimate.
Public adjuster boundary
An MHIC license does not itself authorize the contractor to act as your public adjuster. Unless separately licensed, the contractor may not prepare your insurance claim, negotiate the claim for you or advise you about policy coverage.
Maryland Building Permit Lookup: Major County and City Routes
An MHIC license authorizes covered contracting activity. A permit authorizes a particular project. Check both.
| Jurisdiction | Official route | After opening | Help / local detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County | Department of Permitting Services | Choose Check Permit Status / Data Search / inspection service as appropriate; search the project address or permit and check inspections/final. |
240-777-0311 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th Floor, Wheaton, MD 20902. |
| Prince George’s County | Permits Search, Status & History | For Momentum records use LookSee and search by application number or property address. Select the correct category such as Building Permits, then Search. Older records may remain in legacy ePermit. | DPIE uses Momentum for most newer permit records. Plumbing/gas may also involve WSSC. |
| Anne Arundel County | Land Use Navigator | Click Permits to search existing records. No account is required just to perform public permit/licensing searches. Search by address/record information and inspect status. |
410-222-7730 permitcenterhelp@aacounty.org |
| Howard County | Accela Citizen Portal | Search building records by permit information, site address or contractor/license information where available. Open the record and review status and inspection information. |
Permits: 410-313-2455 Inspection information: 410-313-1830. |
| Baltimore City | Official E-Permits Search Guide PDF | Advanced Search → Search Records/Applications → Permits and Inspections. Search by permit/record number or property address and open the matching blue record number. | The official guide also documents a Licensed Contractors search and searching permits associated with a state license number. |
| Baltimore County | Official Find Permits Instructions | Follow the County’s Find Permit/map instructions; search the exact property address or permit number and review permits grouped by trade. | Use the current county permit system rather than assuming Baltimore City and Baltimore County share one portal. |
| Carroll County | Carroll CPPL Portal | Choose Permits to search Building, Grading and Trade permit records. Review record status, agency comments and resulted-inspection comments. | Building & Trade Permits: 410-386-2674. |
Tool 3: Maryland Local Permit Route Helper
Maryland Rebates, Energy Financing and Weatherization to Check Before Signing
Incentive rules can determine when you must choose a contractor, reserve funds or receive approval. Check the program before installation, not after the work is finished.
FY27 Maryland Solar Access Program — Open
Maryland Energy Administration opened FY27 MSAP to new applications on July 29, 2026 for qualifying income-eligible homeowners installing solar PV.
- Upfront rebate reservation is required.
- MEA approval is required before installation.
- A contractor from the current FY27 MSAP Participating Contractor List is required for the Step 1 application.
- Participating-contractor status is not an MEA endorsement.
- Current FY27 application deadline: May 31, 2027 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, subject to possible earlier portal closure if requested funding exceeds available budget.
BeSMART Home Loan — Open
Maryland DHCD currently advertises unsecured energy-efficiency financing with:
- 6.99% APR
- $5,000 minimum loan
- Up to $30,000
- Term up to 10 years
- Minimum credit score 640
- Debt-to-income ratio not above 50%
BeSMART says it cannot finance a project or upgrade that has already been purchased or completed.
Weatherization Assistance Program — Open
Maryland WAP assists income-eligible homeowners and renters with energy-conservation and qualifying health/safety measures.
After eligibility, the local weatherization agency schedules an energy audit. Potential measures include air sealing, insulation, hot-water improvements, lighting and certain heating-system measures.
Maryland toll-free: 1-855-583-8976
EmPOWER Limited Income — Current 2026 limits
After approval, a local agency schedules a free in-home energy audit and determines appropriate measures.
Maryland DHCD updated its posted income limits July 14, 2026.
FY27 Solar Access income ceiling
| Household size | Maximum gross yearly income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $136,785 |
| 2 | $156,375 |
| 3 | $175,875 |
| 4 | $195,375 |
| 5 | $211,035 |
| 6 | $226,695 |
| 7 | $242,340 |
| 8 | $257,910 |
Solar Access: exact order
- Confirm household-income eligibility.
- Open the current FY27 participating-contractor list.
- Select a current participating contractor.
- Independently verify that contractor through MHIC.
- Verify any separate electrical credential.
- Review the wildlife-barrier contract requirement.
- Submit Step 1 / upfront rebate reservation.
- Receive MEA Step 1 approval before installation.
- Complete permits, installation and utility interconnection.
- Use Step 2 for the rebate payment request after the required project milestones.
Tool 4: Maryland Home Improvement Benefit Finder
Maryland MHIC Contractor License Application: Exam First, Application Second
Maryland requires the contractor applicant to pass the MHIC licensing examination before applying for the contractor license.
Confirm MHIC is the correct license
Determine that you will contract with Maryland homeowners for work covered by the Home Improvement Law.
Meet the experience requirement
MHIC requires at least two years of experience in home improvement, construction and/or related education.
Pass the contractor exam
Use PSI and the current Maryland Home Improvement candidate material.
Complete the personal financial package
Prepare the financial worksheet, recent bank statements and full individual credit report required by the current checklist.
Prepare the business documentation
Submit applicable trade-name or entity documentation through the route described by MHIC.
Obtain current $500,000+ liability insurance
Make sure the certificate and insured information follow the current MHIC checklist.
Address financial solvency / surety bond
The current checklist directs an applicant who is not financially solvent by $30,000 to use the applicable MHIC surety-bond route.
Add the personal photo and co-owner documentation
The live checklist accepts a selfie or clear driver’s-license copy for the personal-photo requirement and links the applicable co-owner form.
Submit current fees
Use the current Forms and Fees page—not an older search-engine copy—to calculate payment.
Wait for actual issuance
A passed exam, cashed check or submitted application is not an MHIC license. After approval, verify that your active record appears in the public query.
Current supporting-document checklist
- Co-owner signature page when applicable.
- Personal Financial Worksheet.
- Certificate of Insurance.
- Three recent months of personal bank statements.
- Full individual credit report.
- Trade-name / corporate documents where applicable.
- Applicable surety bond if financial-solvency requirements are not met.
- Personal photo.
MHIC
100 S. Charles St., Tower I
Baltimore, MD 21201
Maryland MHIC Contractor Exam: 55 Questions, 2 Hours, 70% Passing Score
Questions
55
Time
2 hours
Passing score
70%
Standard fee
$63
PSI Examination Services administers the test. MHIC currently lists testing centers in Baltimore, College Park, Salisbury, Frederick, Hagerstown, Lanham and Crofton, with testing by appointment.
How to reach the correct PSI bulletin
Open Official MHIC Exam Page- Read MHIC’s current exam information first.
- Follow the official PSI link.
- On PSI, choose the government/state licensing area.
- Select Maryland.
- Select MD Home Improvement.
- Download the current Candidate Information Bulletin.
- Use the bulletin for current scheduling, identification and examination instructions.
- Schedule the exam with PSI.
- After passing, apply for the MHIC license within two years or the examination score expires.
Retest rule
MHIC’s applicant FAQ states that after the first unsuccessful attempt, the applicant must wait 30 days before reapplying. Subsequent retest requests cannot be made until 60 days have passed, and the exam fee is due each time.
Current Maryland MHIC Contractor Fees
| Transaction | Amount | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Original contractor application | $281.25 | Two-year original license transaction. |
| Each additional company location | $281.25 | Add for each applicable additional company location. |
| Original Guaranty Fund assessment | $100 | Paid by the contractor into the Fund. |
| Original processing fee | $22.50 | Listed separately by MHIC. |
| Base original — one location | $403.75 | Does not include exam, insurance, credit report, bond or other external costs. |
| Contractor renewal application | $281.25 | Two-year renewal. |
| Renewal Guaranty Fund assessment | $175 | Current two-year assessment. |
| Base renewal — one location | $456.25 | $281.25 + $175 before additional-location amounts. |
| Letter under seal | $1.25 | Certification under seal of licensing status. |
| Photocopy | $0.25/page | Department reproduction fee where applicable. |
| Certified true copy | +$1 | Additional certification amount. |
Tool 5: MHIC Contractor Base-Fee Planner
Calculates current MHIC-listed state fees only.
How Long Does an MHIC Application Take?
MHIC’s currently published applicant FAQ says the application approval process may take two to three weeks when the application is complete and correct.
MHIC’s published sequence
- Payment/check processing occurs first.
- After the check clears, the application is routed for MHIC review.
- MHIC’s FAQ says review typically begins about one week after the check clears.
- The FAQ describes a typical review period of about five days depending on workload.
- Incomplete/incorrect applications take longer.
- Once approved, license information is loaded into the licensing database.
- The public query updates nightly, so the approved licensee is described as appearing in the query the following day.
MHIC Renewal: Two-Year License, Notice About 60 Days Before Expiration
MHIC states that each licensee has an individual renewal date and renewal instructions are sent approximately 60 days before expiration.
Renewal workflow
Official MHIC Renewal- Check the individual expiration date.
- If no renewal notice arrives within 30 days of expiration, contact MHIC.
- Open the official renewal page.
- Use online renewal where appropriate or follow the current form instructions.
- Confirm current $500,000+ liability-insurance compliance.
- Pay the current contractor renewal application fee.
- Add the current $175 Guaranty Fund renewal assessment.
- Add applicable additional-company-location fees.
- After processing, recheck the active public MHIC query.
- Save the PDF license sent through MHIC’s current email licensing process.
Military Experience Credit and Expedited MHIC Licensing
Maryland’s Veterans Full Employment program provides meaningful MHIC benefits for qualifying service members, veterans and military spouses.
Experience credit
Relevant experience, training and education obtained through military service can receive credit toward MHIC’s two-year contractor experience requirement.
Expedited licensing
Maryland Occupational and Professional Licensing provides expedited licensing assistance for qualifying military applicants and families, with special MHIC routes described for certain service members, recent veterans and spouses.
Military applicant action steps
- Open the official MHIC military page.
- Determine whether you are seeking experience credit, expedited licensing or temporary-license treatment.
- Collect proof of military status / discharge / Maryland assignment or residency applicable to your route.
- Collect an out-of-state home-improvement license and certificate of good standing if the specific route requires one.
- Call MHIC at 410-230-6231 before submitting payment.
- Confirm current insurance and fee requirements directly.
How to File a Maryland MHIC Complaint: Build the Packet Before You Send It
A complaint may be filed against a contractor or salesperson. The ordinary MHIC complaint process is regulatory; it does not automatically award money to the homeowner.
Prepare these documents
- Complete signed contract — front and back of every page.
- All change orders.
- Proof of payments.
- Both sides of cancelled checks when applicable.
- Emails and other correspondence.
- Photos of the disputed work.
- Expert or engineer report if one exists.
- Permit and inspection documents.
- A dated project timeline.
Official complaint steps
Official Board Complaint- Open the official MHIC complaint page.
- Open Forms & Fees and obtain the current Maryland Home Improvement Commission Complaint Form.
- Complete every applicable field.
- Sign the complaint.
- Attach your contract and payment proof.
- Add correspondence, photographs and professional reports where useful.
- MHIC’s complaint FAQ instructs the complainant to provide three copies of the complaint form and each attachment.
- Keep your original documents.
- Mail or hand-deliver the complaint using MHIC’s current address.
- Do not rely on email/fax submission when MHIC’s current complaint instructions require the physical filing package.
What happens after filing?
| Stage | What MHIC does | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction / intake | Reviews whether the matter belongs within MHIC authority. | Keep complaint number and correspondence. |
| Contractor response | The contractor may receive the complaint and Order to Respond. | Preserve new communications; do not alter original records. |
| Investigation | Reviews potential Home Improvement Law violations. | Respond promptly to requests for documents or site access. |
| Mediation | Free mediation may be offered where appropriate. | Evaluate proposed resolution carefully and document any settlement. |
| Regulatory charges | Potential disciplinary proceedings can follow. | Regulatory discipline is separate from obtaining compensation. |
| Guaranty Fund | Separate monetary-claim route may become available for eligible licensed-contractor losses. | Do not assume the complaint itself is the claim. |
MHIC Guaranty Fund: Complaint First, Claim Form Later
Individual claim maximum
The lesser of $30,000 or the amount the homeowner paid the contractor, subject to eligibility and actual-loss rules.
Contractor aggregate
MHIC describes a $250,000 maximum Fund exposure for claims against the same contractor, with proportional payment where necessary.
Deadline
Generally within three years after the claimant discovered—or with ordinary diligence should have discovered—the loss or damage.
Who may qualify?
- The loss must arise from qualifying home-improvement work.
- The contractor must be licensed or have been licensed when the home-improvement contract was signed for the Fund route described by MHIC.
- The claimant generally must reside in the home involved or own no more than three residences.
- Specified relatives, employees, officers, partners and related persons are excluded.
- The loss must qualify as actual loss under the Fund rules.
How to actually obtain the claim form
- File the MHIC complaint first.
- Participate in the investigation.
- If the complaint remains unresolved and appears potentially eligible, the assigned investigator can provide the separate Guaranty Fund claim form.
- Do not waste time looking for a blank public claim form online—MHIC says Guaranty Fund claim forms are not available online.
- Complete and sign the claim form when provided.
- Submit the contract, change orders, payment proof and other required records.
- For defective/incomplete work, obtain detailed repair/completion estimates from appropriately licensed contractors as requested.
- Track any arbitration or court proceeding because it can affect the Fund process.
Tool 6: Maryland Contractor Problem Route Helper
Maryland Home Improvement Commission Phone, Email, Address and Google Map
Baltimore area
Toll-free
In-person help
Appointments are currently offered Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. through Maryland Labor’s scheduling system; MHIC says walk-in assistance is not available.
Current MHIC office
Maryland Home Improvement Commission
Maryland Department of Labor
100 S. Charles Street, Tower I
Baltimore, MD 21201
Official Maryland PDFs, Statutes and Forms Worth Opening
These documents solve different tasks. The “after opening” note tells you what information to extract instead of simply downloading a government PDF and leaving the reader to figure it out.
1. Maryland Business Regulation §8-302.1 — Liability Insurance
Use it for: resolving the current insurance minimum when older MHIC pages conflict.
Current rule: at least $500,000 general liability insurance for an MHIC contractor applicant and licensed contractor.
After opening: confirm subsections (a) and (b). Use this current statute instead of an older page showing $50,000.
2. Maryland §8-101 — Home Improvement Definition
Use it for: deciding whether the proposed work falls inside Maryland’s statutory home-improvement definition.
After opening: compare the exact property and work to the included and excluded categories; do not assume “residential” automatically means MHIC.
3. Maryland Home Improvement Contracts
Use it for: written contract, MHIC identity, salesperson, deposit, payment, financing and homeowner notices.
After opening: compare the government requirements with your unsigned contract before paying a deposit.
4. Current Original Contractor Requirements / Checklist
Use it for: post-exam application documents.
Current checklist covers personal financial information, co-owner form, insurance, bank statements, credit report, business documents, possible surety bond and personal photo.
After opening: build the supporting-document packet in the same order instead of submitting an incomplete application.
5. Co-Owner Signature Form
Use it for: applicable co-owned financial assets used in the MHIC financial package.
After opening: follow current signature/notary instructions and do not sign a notary-designated area prematurely.
6. Baltimore City E-Permits General Search Guide
Use it for: searching Baltimore City permits, licensed contractors and records tied to a state license number.
After opening: follow Advanced Search → Search Records/Applications → Permits and Inspections, then search the project address or record number.
7. Baltimore County Find Permits Instructions
Use it for: address/permit-based Baltimore County permit research.
After opening: use the county permit-map search and review the permit records associated with the exact property.
8. MHIC Complaint / Unlicensed Activity Forms
Use it for: filing a homeowner complaint or reporting unlicensed home-improvement activity.
After opening: choose the Complaint Form for a homeowner dispute or the separate unlicensed-activity reporting form. A Guaranty Fund claim form is obtained later through the investigator and is not a public blank download.
9. FY27 Maryland Solar Access Program Documents
Use it for: current rebate reservation, consumer-protection documents, purchase/lease/PPA disclosures and participating-contractor requirements.
After opening: use FY27 documents for a new FY27 project and obtain Step 1 approval before installation.
10. Maryland DHCD Weatherization Application / Local Agency Route
Use it for: income-qualified energy conservation and health/safety upgrades.
After opening: identify the local weatherization agency and submit the required application/document package before expecting an energy audit.
Related ContractorsBoard.org Licensing Directories
Maryland Home Improvement Contractor License Lookup FAQs
What is the official Maryland Home Improvement Contractor License Lookup?
The official search is Maryland Labor’s Home Improvement Public Query. It searches active MHIC licensees using contractor personal name, contractor trade name, contractor location, salesperson personal name or contractor license registration number.
Can I search an MHIC contractor by Maryland city or ZIP?
Yes. Choose Contractor Location in the official MHIC query and enter a Maryland city or ZIP code. Treat the results as an active-license shortlist, not a recommendation or quality ranking.
Why might an MHIC contractor not appear in the online search?
The Maryland public query describes itself as a search of active licensees. Recheck the MHIC number, trade name and personal name, then call MHIC when the result remains unclear. A no-result screen is not a complete historical-license search.
Does the MHIC lookup show complete complaint history?
No. MHIC provides a separate complaint-history inquiry. Anyone may call 410-230-6231 or 1-888-218-5925 for reportable contractor complaint history. MHIC says closed complaints are reportable to the public while open complaints are not.
How much general liability insurance must an MHIC contractor carry?
Current Maryland Business Regulation §8-302.1 requires an MHIC contractor applicant and licensed contractor to maintain at least $500,000 in general liability insurance. Some older official MHIC pages still display the former $50,000 requirement.
What is the maximum Maryland home-improvement deposit?
An MHIC contractor may not accept a payment until the home-improvement contract is signed, and the initial deposit cannot exceed one-third of the contract price.
Does an MHIC license cover electrical, plumbing or HVAC work?
An MHIC license does not replace separate professional licensing. Maryland law also provides exceptions from MHIC for certain properly licensed electricians, plumbers, HVACR contractors and other professionals when they act only within their licensed occupational scope. Verify the exact trade license and local permit for the work.
What special plumbing check applies in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties?
WSSC Water states that most plumbing and gasfitting projects in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties must be performed by a WSSC Water-licensed plumber or gasfitter. Ask for the WSSC license number and verify it at 301-206-8588.
Is brand-new home construction covered by an MHIC license?
New-home construction is not simply an MHIC home-improvement project. Maryland maintains a separate Home Builder Registration Unit through the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
How much can the Maryland Home Improvement Guaranty Fund pay?
For an eligible claim, MHIC describes the maximum recovery as the lesser of $30,000 or the amount the homeowner paid the contractor. The Fund also has a $250,000 aggregate exposure limit for claims against the same contractor.
Does the Guaranty Fund cover an unlicensed contractor?
No. MHIC states that the Guaranty Fund does not apply to unlicensed contractors or salespersons. This is a major reason to verify active MHIC licensing before signing or paying.
How do I obtain an MHIC Guaranty Fund claim form?
File the MHIC complaint first. MHIC investigates the matter. If the unresolved complaint may qualify, the assigned investigator provides the separate Guaranty Fund claim form. MHIC states that the claim form is not available online as a public blank form.
What is the Guaranty Fund filing deadline?
MHIC states that a Guaranty Fund claim must generally be brought within three years after the claimant discovered, or by ordinary diligence should have discovered, the loss or damage. Other legal deadlines can differ.
How much does an original Maryland MHIC contractor application cost?
The current one-location ordinary base state fees are $281.25 for the contractor application, $100 for the original Guaranty Fund assessment and $22.50 processing, totaling $403.75 before the exam, insurance, credit-report, possible surety-bond and other costs.
What is on the Maryland MHIC contractor exam?
MHIC currently states that the contractor examination has 55 questions, is two hours long, requires at least 70 percent correct responses and carries a standard $63 exam fee. PSI administers the examination.
How long does an MHIC contractor application take?
MHIC’s published applicant FAQ says a complete and correct application may take about two to three weeks, but this is an estimate rather than a guaranteed service level. Incomplete or incorrect applications take longer.
Does Maryland offer military experience credit for an MHIC license?
Yes. Maryland’s MHIC military guidance says relevant military experience, training and education may count toward the two-year contractor experience requirement, and qualifying service members, veterans and spouses may have expedited licensing routes.
Does an active MHIC license prove a building permit was issued?
No. MHIC licensing and project permits are separate. Search the city or county permit authority serving the actual project address and confirm the permit, work description, contractor information and required inspections.
What is Maryland’s cancellation period for a covered door-to-door home-improvement sale?
Maryland’s Door-to-Door Sales Act generally provides cancellation through midnight of the fifth business day after a covered sale, or the seventh business day if the buyer is at least 65 years old.
Is the FY27 Maryland Solar Access Program open?
Yes. As reviewed August 31, 2026, FY27 Maryland Solar Access Program applications are open. An income-eligible homeowner must use a current FY27 participating contractor and receive approval of the Step 1 upfront rebate reservation before installation.
Can I assume Maryland HERO or HEAR rebates are available for a project today?
No. Maryland Energy Administration’s June 9, 2026 update says the agency is reviewing updated federal guidance. Check the live MEA page for an official launch before including a HERO or HEAR rebate in the net project price.
Primary Official Sources Used for This Guide
- Maryland Home Improvement Public Query
- Maryland Home Improvement Commission
- MHIC Current Contact Page
- MHIC Current Forms & Fees
- Maryland §8-302.1 — $500,000 Liability Insurance
- Maryland §8-301 — Contractor License Requirement / Exceptions
- Maryland Home Improvement Contract Requirements
- Maryland Door-to-Door Sales Act Guidance
- MHIC Contractor Examination
- Current Original Contractor Checklist
- MHIC Complaint FAQs
- MHIC Guaranty Fund FAQs
- MHIC Disciplinary Actions
- Maryland Business Express Entity Search
- WSSC Homeowner Plumbing / Gas Licensing Guidance
- FY27 Maryland Solar Access Program
- Maryland BeSMART Home Loan
- Maryland Weatherization Assistance Program
- Maryland EmPOWER Limited Income
- Maryland HERO / HEAR Updates
Reviewed August 31, 2026. Individual MHIC status, complaint disclosures, permit records, fees, forms, program funding and government portal instructions can change. Use the linked live government source at the time you hire, apply, renew or file.
Do Not Hire From the MHIC Number Alone
A strong Maryland homeowner check connects MHIC active status + complaint history + business identity + current insurance + specialty license + permit + written contract.
For energy or solar projects, add one more check before signing: confirm the current Maryland rebate/financing program and its pre-installation requirements.