Maryland Carpentry License Requirements (2026)

Maryland regulates residential carpentry through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), a unit of the Department of Labor Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Under Md. Code Bus. Reg. §8-101 et seq., any person who alters, repairs, replaces, modernizes or improves an existing residential structure must hold an MHIC contractor license before performing the work for compensation. Carpentry — additions, decks, finish work, kitchen and bath remodels — is squarely within scope. Applicants must pass the PSI MHIC exam, demonstrate net worth of at least $20,000, contribute to the MHIC Guaranty Fund, and use the statutory written contract on every job. New home construction is regulated separately under the Home Builder Registration program.

Federal requirement: EPA Lead RRP Rule

Renovation, repair, or painting that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing is regulated nationwide under the federal EPA Lead RRP Rule — regardless of whether Maryland licenses this trade. See our complete EPA RRP Lead Certification guide for who needs firm and renovator certification, what it costs, and how renewal works.

Regulatory Oversight

Under Maryland Code, Business Regulation and Business Occupations Articles, Maryland Department of Labor — Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (MD DOL) is the body that issues this license and enforces compliance with it. The Maryland Department of Labor houses the occupational boards that license home improvement contractors, master electricians, plumbers, and HVACR contractors statewide, adopts technical codes by reference, and conducts disciplinary proceedings.

Official portal: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/
Address: 1100 North Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 230-6231

Who May Apply

To qualify, an applicant must have reached age 18 and hold a valid Social Security Number. No Maryland residency requirement.

Good moral character

Criminal history is reviewed case-by-case by the licensing authority.

Background investigation

Criminal history disclosure required on the application.

Required Experience and Education

Plan to substantiate Two years of experience in home improvement work or in a related field is required for the MHIC contractor license. with hard records. Payroll, tax, project logs, and supervisor verification are what the board relies on when it reviews the claim.

Accepted proof of experience or eligibility

Notarized experience affidavits from licensed supervising contractors
W-2s, 1099s, or payroll records covering the qualifying period
Apprenticeship completion certificate where applicable

Education substitution

Approved carpentry apprenticeship or accredited trade school coursework may substitute for part of the experience requirement.

Examination Requirements

The licensing examination is delivered by PSI Services LLC under contract to MHIC. All of the following parts must be cleared prior to issuance:

Maryland MHIC Business and Law — 50 questions, 120 minutes, passing score 70%
Home Improvement Trade module — 30 questions, 90 minutes, passing score 70%

Examination fee: $370 application fee plus $63 PSI exam fee.

Retake policy: Failed parts may be retaken after paying a new exam fee. Applications remain valid for one year.

Insurance and Financial Requirements

This credential carries no state-level surety bond requirement under the cited sources. Individual jobs may still trigger a permit or public-works bond, which should be verified before bidding.

General liability

MHIC does not require a contractor surety bond, but requires an MHIC Guaranty Fund contribution scaled to net worth: $100 minimum for individual contractors, more for high-volume contractors.

Workers' compensation

Workers compensation is mandatory under Md. Code Lab. & Empl. §9-402 for any contractor with one or more employees.

Additional financial requirements

Md. Code Bus. Reg. §8-302 requires a financial statement showing net worth of at least $20,000 (or a $20,000 surety bond in lieu).

Licensing Fees

Fee	Amount
Application (non-refundable)	$370
Examination	$63
Initial license	$370
Renewal (every 2 years)	$250

Keeping the License Current

Renewal of the Maryland Home Improvement Contractor (MHIC) comes due every 2 years. As cited, the renewal fee stands at $250. Biennial renewal on the anniversary of issuance. Late renewal incurs a $100 reinstatement fee.

Continuing education: MHIC does not require continuing education for the contractor license, but Home Improvement Salespersons must complete CE.

Downloadable Asset

2026 Maryland Carpentry License Roadmap (PDF) — a printable step-by-step checklist for the application process.

Download the PDF roadmap →

Reciprocity and License Transfer

The NASCLA Accredited Examination is not accepted by Maryland for this classification.

Reciprocal State	Accepted Exam	Conditions
No formal bilateral reciprocity agreements identified.

MHIC has no formal reciprocity. Out-of-state contractors must take the PSI MHIC exam and meet the same requirements.

Weighing more than one jurisdiction? The national hub compares Carpentry license requirements in every state — exam, bond, fee, and experience thresholds side by side.

Application Process, Step by Step

Register the business with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. Required before MHIC application.
Document two years of home improvement experience. Notarized affidavits from licensed contractors or supervisors.
Submit the MHIC application with $370 fee. Online via MHIC website.
Pass the PSI MHIC exam at 70%. Schedule with PSI.
File a financial statement showing $20,000 net worth. Or post a $20,000 surety bond in lieu.
Pay the MHIC Guaranty Fund contribution. Scaled to net worth.
Receive the MHIC license number. Issued within four weeks of exam pass.
Renew biennially on the anniversary date. Submit $250 renewal, current insurance and Guaranty Fund contribution.

Recommended References

The references below are either cited by the board, used during the application, or standard preparation for the trade. They are listed purely for convenience — CLR earns no commission on any of them.

Maryland MHIC Candidate Information Bulletin — PSI Services. Free PDF with content outline and references.
Md. Code Bus. Reg. Title 8 and COMAR 09.08 — State of Maryland. MHIC statutes and regulations.
International Residential Code (Maryland-adopted edition) — International Code Council. Adopted statewide.

Frequent Application Errors

Based on the board's own instructions and the sources cited here, the problems below are what most often stall a Maryland Carpentry application.

Skipping the statutory contract

COMAR 09.08.02.04 requires a written MHIC contract on every job with the license number, three-day cancellation notice and detailed scope. Verbal contracts are unenforceable.

Missing the Home Builder Registration

New construction requires the Maryland Home Builder Registration in addition to MHIC.

Lead RRP for pre-1978 trim

Maryland enforces lead-safe work practices through MDE — the Maryland Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. Certification is mandatory for any pre-1978 work.

Door-to-door solicitation

Md. Code Bus. Reg. §8-501 requires a separate Home Improvement Salesperson license for any solicitor. Cold-calling carpenters can be cited.

Mechanics lien notice

Maryland requires a Notice to Owner before claiming a mechanics lien. Failure to serve voids the lien rights.

Document Checklist

The most critical documents or confirmations the applicant should have in hand before filing with MD DOL:

☐ Maryland SDAT business registration
☐ MHIC application with $370 fee
☐ Two years of home improvement experience documentation
☐ PSI MHIC exam pass certificate
☐ Financial statement (net worth $20K) or surety bond
☐ MHIC Guaranty Fund contribution
☐ Certificate of general liability insurance
☐ Workers compensation certificate (if employees)
☐ EPA Lead RRP certification (pre-1978 work)
☐ Statutory MHIC written contract template

Other Maryland Trade Licenses

If the Carpentry license is not the right fit, the following published Maryland trade guides are also covered by CLR:

Questions Applicants Ask

What does MHIC cover?

Any residential alteration, repair, addition, deck, replacement window or door, kitchen or bath remodel — anything that improves an existing one to four unit dwelling.

What is the MHIC Guaranty Fund?

A consumer compensation fund that pays homeowners up to $30,000 per claim for unfinished or defective work by licensed contractors. Contractors contribute at issuance and renewal.

Do I need a Maryland Home Builder Registration?

Yes, if you build new homes. The Home Builder Registration is separate from the MHIC and is required in addition to MHIC for new construction.

What is the MHIC net worth requirement?

$20,000 net worth attested on a financial statement, or a $20,000 surety bond in lieu of net worth.

How often does MHIC renew?

Every two years on the anniversary of issuance with the $250 renewal fee, current insurance and Guaranty Fund contribution.

Primary Sources

Regulatory requirements on this page are drawn from the official board, statute, and exam-provider materials listed below.

Verified 2026-04-19 · Next scheduled review 2026-07-18