Maryland Roofing License Requirements (2026)
By Gabriel Giner, Editor · Reviewed 2026-05-02 · CLR Editorial Review Desk
The Maryland Department of Labor Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) licenses roofing contractors under Business Regulation Article §8-101 et seq. Any contractor performing residential home improvement — including roofing — on an existing owner-occupied dwelling must hold an MHIC Contractor License. Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of experience (or education/trade equivalent), pass the MHIC-administered PSI trade and business exam, contribute to the Maryland Home Improvement Guaranty Fund, and bind general liability. Commercial roofing is not regulated by MHIC but is subject to county permit rules.
Federal requirement: EPA Lead RRP Rule
Pre-1978 housing triggers the federal EPA Lead RRP Rule for any paint-disturbing renovation, repair, or painting work — a requirement that stands apart from whatever Maryland does or does not license. 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
MHIC reviews fraud felonies and prior discipline under §8-309.
Background investigation
Criminal history disclosure on application.
Required Experience and Education
The applicant must document and verify at least two years of experience in home improvement work, or equivalent trade education, or successful completion of an approved apprenticeship. Keep payroll, tax, project, or supervisor records to support the claim, as the board can request proof for any period within its lookback window.
Accepted proof of experience or eligibility
- MHIC Employment Verification Form signed by prior employers
- W-2 records or tax returns corroborating the period
- Trade school or apprenticeship completion certificate
Education substitution
Accredited trade school or apprenticeship substitutes for experience.
Examination Requirements
PSI Services LLC runs the examination for this credential. Issuance is contingent on passing every part below:
- MHIC Contractor Exam — Maryland home improvement law, contract requirements, lien law, and basic construction including roofing fundamentals — 50 questions, 120 minutes, passing score 70%
Examination fee: $63 paid to PSI.
Retake policy: Failed exams retaken at $63 each; application valid one year.
Insurance and Financial Requirements
The cited materials impose no contractor license bond for this credential. Bear in mind that specific contracts, permits, or public works can still require their own bonds.
General liability
Minimum $50,000 bodily injury, $10,000 property damage under COMAR 09.08.03. Most contracts and carriers require $1,000,000.
Workers' compensation
Mandatory for every Maryland employer with one or more employees under LE §9-402.
Additional financial requirements
MHIC does not require a financial statement. Every licensee pays a Guaranty Fund assessment on a sliding scale with license fee (typically $100 at initial licensure).
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 Commission (MHIC) Contractor License comes due every 2 years. As cited, the renewal fee stands at $250. Biennial renewal. Guaranty Fund stays active.
Continuing education: No CE required.
Downloadable Asset
2026 Maryland Roofing 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | Exam waived for active VA Class A/B/C roofers with five years in good standing | Bilateral MHIC–DPOR endorsement. |
| District of Columbia | Exam waived for active DC HIC contractors | Bilateral MHIC–DCRA endorsement. |
Reciprocity waives the exam but the Guaranty Fund contribution is never waived.
Weighing more than one jurisdiction? The national hub compares Roofing license requirements in every state — exam, bond, fee, and experience thresholds side by side.
Application Process, Step by Step
- Document two years of home improvement experience. MHIC Employment Verification Form plus tax corroboration, or an apprenticeship/trade school certificate.
- Submit the MHIC Contractor Application. Through the MHIC online portal with $370 application fee (includes $100 Guaranty Fund assessment).
- Pass the PSI MHIC Contractor Exam at 70%. The exam tests MD home improvement law, lien law, and basic construction.
- Bind general liability at COMAR 09.08.03 minimums. $50,000 BI / $10,000 PD statutory; market practice $1,000,000.
- Bind Maryland workers compensation. Mandatory at one employee under LE §9-402.
- Adopt MHIC compliant contract template. Written contract with MHIC number, notice of rescission, and itemized scope under §8-501.
- Receive license and renew biennially. Renewal $250 every two years plus continued Guaranty Fund participation.
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.
- MHIC Contractor Exam Candidate Information Bulletin — PSI Services. Exam source list.
- Maryland Business Regulation Article §8-101 et seq. — State of Maryland. Primary home improvement law.
- COMAR 09.08 — MHIC Regulations — Maryland Department of Labor. Contract, advertising, and discipline rules.
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 Roofing application.
Missing rescission notice
MHIC contracts without the three-day rescission language are voidable. Homeowners use the defect to cancel after material delivery.
Working commercial under an MHIC license
MHIC authorizes residential only. Commercial roofing under an MHIC license is outside scope and exposes the contractor to discipline.
Baltimore City rental license overlap
Roofing on Baltimore rental properties triggers additional DPW inspection and the rental registration must be current before permits issue.
MOSH fall protection
Maryland OSHA enforces fall protection at six feet. MOSH citations are common on residential reroofs where harnesses are skipped.
Lead-safe renovation
Maryland Accredited Lead Paint Services rules require certified firms on pre-1978 housing. Roofing work that disturbs painted soffits and fascia triggers the rule.
Document Checklist
These are the pieces to lock down before filing with MD DOL:
- ☐ MHIC application + $370 (includes Guaranty Fund assessment)
- ☐ Employment verification for two years
- ☐ PSI MHIC exam pass certificate (70%+)
- ☐ General liability certificate of insurance
- ☐ Maryland workers compensation declaration page
- ☐ MHIC compliant written contract template
Other Maryland Trade Licenses
Should the Roofing path not apply, these other Maryland trade guides from CLR may help:
- Maryland General Contractor License Requirements
- Maryland Electrician License Requirements
- Maryland Plumber License Requirements
- Maryland HVAC Technician License Requirements
- Maryland Painting Contractor License Requirements
- Maryland Landscaping Contractor License Requirements
- Maryland Masonry Contractor License Requirements
- Maryland Carpentry Contractor License Requirements
- Maryland Solar Installer License Requirements
- Maryland Low-Voltage Technician License Requirements
- Maryland Fire Sprinkler Contractor License Requirements
- Maryland Home Inspector License Requirements
- Maryland Pool Contractor License Requirements
Questions Applicants Ask
What is the MHIC?
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission. Licenses contractors performing residential home improvement including roofing under Business Regulation Article §8-101.
Does MHIC cover commercial roofing?
No. MHIC regulates residential work only. Commercial roofing is subject to county permit rules and trade insurance requirements.
What is the Guaranty Fund?
A state fund that compensates homeowners harmed by licensed contractors. Every MHIC licensee pays an assessment at licensure and renewal.
What must an MHIC contract contain?
MHIC number, notice of rescission (three-day right), itemized scope, total price, payment schedule, and start and completion dates under §8-501.
How often does the MHIC license renew?
Every two years. Renewal fee $250 with continued Guaranty Fund participation. No CE requirement.
Primary Sources
Regulatory requirements on this page are drawn from the official board, statute, and exam-provider materials listed below.
- Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)
- Maryland State Board of Master Electricians
- Maryland State Board of Plumbing
- Maryland State Board of HVACR Contractors
Verified 2026-05-02 · Next scheduled review 2026-07-31