- Application Process
- Business Requirements
- Business License
- Exam Preparation
- Exam Registration
- Exam Retakes
- Felony Convictions
- Financial Solvency
- Licensing Workshop
- Marine Contractor License
- Mold Remediation
- Name Similarity
- New Home Construction
- Out-of-State Contractor's License
- Paper License
- License Application
- Reciprocity
- Salesperson License
- Salespersons
- Subcontractor License
- Unlicensed Contractor - Conviction
1. Application Process
I have submitted my application, how long does it take to process?
The application approval process may take 2 - 3 weeks, as described below. If the application is
incomplete or incorrect, the process will take additional time.
- The first step is for the financial institution responsible for handling the application fee to
process the applicant's check.
- Once the check clears, the application is sent to MHIC for review, which typically begins one week
after the check clears.
- Depending on the number of applications being processed, the review period typically takes 5 days.
However, incomplete or incorrect applications take longer to review. If information is missing, MHIC
staff will attempt to contact the applicant and request that the missing information is faxed to the
Commission. If the applicant does not respond, then MHIC staff returns the application to the applicant.
- Once all the information is correct, the application is reviewed twice and approved by a licensing
supervisor.
- Once the application is approved, the applicant's complete information is loaded onto the
Commission's licensing database. Each night, the database updates the Commission's public query search
on the internet, so the licensee's name will appear the following day in the public query information.
- The licensee will receive the paper license in the mail within 10 days of the application being
approved.
2. Business Requirements
Are the requirements for a MHIC license the same for an existing company as it is for a new company? We
already have an accounting department, insurance coverage, etc. Assuming the requirements are the same, do
we apply as a corporation or individual? Many of the requirements in the PSI Candidate Bulletin seem to
apply to individuals instead of a corporation.
Yes, the requirements for a company are the same regardless of how long the company has been in business.
The individual is required to take the exam and meet the financial eligibility requirements. Each MHIC
licensed business must have an individual who holds a MHIC license and meets the requirements for licensure.
3. Business License
We have our MHIC license. I wanted to make sure we don't need a business license as well. Could you please
clarify as I want to make sure I meet all Maryland requirements?
The Home Improvement License covers all home improvement services performed on homes and apartment
buildings that contain 3 or fewer units. A contractor or subcontractor who holds a MHIC license is not
required to hold a construction license under Title 17 of the Business Regulation Article of the
Annotated Code of Maryland.
For additional information about business licenses, you may wish to check the
Business
Licenses Online and to also check the requirements at the State
Department of Assessments and Taxation.
4. Exam Preparation
Is there a course a person could take to prepare for the required exam? Is any course required in order
to apply for a MHIC license?
Many community colleges offer a MHIC exam prep course. A course is not required. Montgomery College
offers an exam prep course in Spanish.
5. Exam Registration
How do I register to take the exam for my license?
To register for the contractor, subcontractor, or salesperson exam, please contact
PSI Exams online or 1-800-733-9267. On the PSI
Homepage, click on Government/State Licensing Agencies, then select Maryland as the jurisdiction and
select MD Home Improvement as the account. Then click on download Candidate Information Bulletin. The
forms to order the study guide and to register for the exam are contained in the Candidate Information
Bulletin.
6. Exam Retakes
I did not pass the exam. What do I need to do to retake it?
If you did not pass the exam, then you must wait for 21 days until you can reapply. Any subsequent
requests cannot be made until 60 days have passed. You must pay the exam fee each time.
7. Felony Convictions
When I was younger, I was convicted of a felony. Can I still obtain a MHIC contractor license?
Each applicant is required to report to the Commission any conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor that
is directly related to the fitness and qualifications of the applicant or licensee to engage in home
improvement services. The applicant must provide a "true-test copy" from the clerk's office of the court
where the conviction occurred. The facts the Commission shall consider in the denial, reprimand, renewal,
suspension, or revocation of a license when an applicant or licensee is convicted of a felony or
misdemeanor are: the nature of the crime; the relationship of the crime to the activities authorized
by the license; with respect to a felony, the relevance of the conviction to the fitness and qualification
of the applicant or licensee to provide home improvement services; the length of time since the
conviction; and the behavior and activities of the applicant or licensee before and after the conviction.
8. Financial Solvency
What is financial solvency and why is it required?
Each applicant for a home improvement contractor's license must meet the Commission's financial solvency
guidelines based upon the applicant's personal assets. The Commission does not consider business assets
when evaluating an applicant's financial solvency. The Commission requires each contractor to show
financial solvency because the Guaranty Fund will compensate a homeowner up to $20,000 (or the amount
of the contract) in the event the contractor performs an unworkmanlike, inadequate, or incomplete home
improvement. Any applicant who does not meet the financial solvency guidelines may purchase a surety
bond or obtain an indemnitor, or co-signer.
9. Licensing Workshop
Can you please explain what is the licensing workshop and whether I am required to attend the workshop
before I apply for a
license?
The workshops are free and offered to anyone who is interested in learning more about the MHIC license
requirements and the application process. The workshop is not mandatory; however, we recommend you attend
because it will help ensure that your application is complete and correct. Many applications are delayed
and returned to the applicant because information and forms are either missing or incorrectly filled out.
Workshops are held at 500 North Calvert Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Baltimore, MD 21202, on the
3rd Thursday of every other month (even numbered months only) at 2 p.m. For more information about the
workshops, please our website. Pre-registration is not required.
10. Marine Contractor License
Can you please explain what type of license a marine contractor needs? Is it a home improvement license?
An individual or entity that performs marine contractor services in the State or solicits to provide perform
marine contractor services in the State must register with the Maryland Department of the Environment. After
December 31, 2010, only a marine contractor that has registered with the Department of the Environment may perform
or solicit to perform marine contractor services in the State. Registration is the precursor to the issuance of a
marine contractor license by the Maryland Marine Contractors Licensing Board. The Marine Contractors Licensing
Board anticipates that the licensing program will be operational and issuing marine contractor licenses by
December 31, 2013. During the current "registration period," until such time as the Marine Contractor
Licensing Board actually begins to issue marine contractor licenses, a Maryland Home Improvement Commission
(MHIC) license is still required to construct a pier or shore erosion control project on residential property.
Once a contractor is actually licensed by the Marine Contractors Licensing Board, the contractor will no longer
need a MHIC license to perform or solicit marine contractor services on residential property. For more information
regarding the Department of the Environment marine contractor registration requirements, please visit
MDE website.
11. Mold Remediation
I currently have an MHIC license and am interested in doing insurance renovations. Do I need an
additional license for mold remediation?
In 2008, the Maryland Mold Remediation Services Act passed, requiring all contractors and companies
that perform mold remediation work in residential properties to be certified by the Maryland Home
Improvement Commission. The purpose of the law is to protect the public, improve indoor air quality,
and promote high professional standards. The law has not yet been implemented; it is currently
scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2013.
12. Name Similarity
How do I know if a name is available to use for my home improvement business?
MHIC regulations state that a name of an individual, partnership, proprietorship, or corporation shall
not be accepted if the name under which the applicant will be trading is the same as the name being used
by an existing licensee , or is so similar to the name being used by an existing licensee that it will
cause confusion on the part of the public at large. Therefore, prior to registering the business name
of a company with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, an application is advised to
contact the Commission to make sure that a specific name is available.
13. New Home Construction
Is a "Contractor/Salesman" License with DLLR sufficient for building of a new home in Maryland,
including a Modular Home? We note that registration with the Home Builder Registration Unit of
Maryland appears to be necessary -- but does the type of DLLR license referred to above cover
building of new or modular homes? If so, is registration with the Home Builder Registration Unit
required in addition to the DLLR license?
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. For more information, please visit
the OAG website.
Home Builder Registration Unit
Consumer Protection Division
200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 576-6573 / Toll Free: (877) 259-4525
Fax: (410) 576-6566
E-mail: homebuilder@oag.state.md.us
14. Out-of-State Contractor's License
We are currently located in Northern Virginia and provide services to all homeowners within Virginia.
We are interested in providing services in Maryland also, but would like to get more information about
Maryland licensing. We do not have an office in the state of Maryland. Are we able to work in Maryland
legally with our Virginia license? Or must we have a separate license for the state of Maryland?
Each contractor who solicits or performs home improvement services in Maryland is required to hold a MHIC
license. This is true regardless of whether the contractor holds a license in another State. It is also
true even if the contractor does not have an office in Maryland. Out-of-state contractors must also
register with the
Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
15. Paper License
My company is showing up as an active sub-contractor; however, we have not yet received anything in the
mail. Should we expect to receive something or is there somewhere we can print off material stating
this license is legit?
Each licensee is mailed a paper copy of the Home Improvement License. Typically, the license arrives
10 days after the application is approved.
16. License Application
Our company would like to know what are the requirements for general contactors to get licensed in the
state of MD. Is there an application/testing process?
Yes, each individual who wishes to obtain a MHIC license as a contractor, subcontractor, or salesperson
must register to take the licensure exam. After passing the exam, the individual receives the license
application package. The exams are administered by PSI Exams, Inc. For more information about registering
for the exam, please visit
the PSI Exams website and follow the links to the
Maryland Home Improvement Commission's Candidate Information Bulletin.
The Commission hosts a free workshop on the third Thursday of every other month (even numbered months
only) at 2 p.m. for anyone who is interested in learning more about the licensing requirements and
process. The workshop is held at 500 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. Registration is not
required. Please use the Centre Street entrance.
28. Reciprocity
I am a licensed contractor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I have taken and passed the PSI Exams for
Virginia. Do I still have to take the contractor exam for Maryland? If so please advise me of the
steps to obtain MD Home Improvement License.
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission does not offer reciprocity with any other States because
each licensee must demonstrate knowledge of the Maryland laws and regulations.
The Commission hosts a free workshop on the third Thursday of every other month (even numbered
months only) at 2 p.m. for anyone who is interested in learning more about the licensing requirements
and process. The workshop is held at 500 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. Registration is not
required. Please use the Centre Street entrance.
18. Salesperson License
How can I get a MHIC salesperson license?
In order to obtain a MHIC sales license, the applicant must pass an exam and must receive written
notice signed by a licensed contractor and the applicant verifying that an employment or other
contractual relationship exists between the licensed contractor and the salesperson. The salesperson
exam is administered by PSI Exams. To purchase the study guide and to register for the exam, please visit
the PSI Exams website.
19. Salespersons
What are the business license requirements for salesmen?
A solicitor and salesperson is required to obtain a MHIC salesperson license or a contractor license.
In order to obtain a salesperson license, the individual must pass the salesperson exam, which is
administered by PSI Exams. In order to apply for a sales license, the individual must present to the
Commission a written notice signed by a licensed contractor and the applicant for the sales license
confirming an employment or other contractual relationship between the licensed salesperson and the
contractor.
An individual salesperson may not represent more than 2 licensed contractors at a time and
concurrently may only represent 1 licensed contractor (with the same homeowner).
20. Subcontractor license
What is a subcontractor license and what type of work can I do with this license?
A subcontractor is only able to enter into contracts with a licensed MHIC contractor or another
subcontractor. A subcontractor cannot enter into contracts or agreements directly with the homeowner.
A licensed MHIC subcontractor is able to perform all aspects of home improvement.
21. Unlicensed Contractor - Conviction
I was convicted of acting as a contractor without a license. Am I eligible to apply for a home
improvement contractor's license?
The Home Improvement Law states that the Commission may issue a license to an individual who has been
found guilty of acting as a contractor, subcontractor or salesperson without a license if the
Commission determines that the applicant has settled all outstanding obligations and 1 year has
passed since the date of the conviction.
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