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Handyman Licenses in Maryland: Everything You Need to Know

by Dan Perry

If you’re considering offering handyman services in Maryland, it’s essential to understand the local laws.

Here, you’ll learn everything you need to know to offer handyman services legally in Maryland.

I’ve dug through the legal jargon, spoken in the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, and put things in plain words. You’ll also find links to resources for your convenience.

Do you need a license to offer handyman services in Maryland?

Yes, a license is required.

While there is no “handyman license,” a Home Improvement license is required to perform home improvements, modifications, or repairs.

There are a few exceptions to the licensing requirement. For instance, handymen who focus on ‘light’ landscaping tasks like grass cutting, fertilizer, and seeding are exempt. However, hardscape work such as stone, pavers, and masonry requires licensing.

Demolition is another exception and does not require a license.

Finally, you can work as a subcontractor without a license if you are working under a licensed MHIC Contractor and are not directly contracting with the homeowner.

Maryland has no “handyman license”; it falls under Home Improvement. A Home Improvement License is what handymen in the state need to work legally.

What are the steps to obtain a Home Improvement License in Maryland?

Step 1 – Obtain Trade Experience

First, you must have at least two years of trade experience. The good news is there are some substitutes for direct trade experience.

According to this document, “Trade experience” can include:

“(a)Participation in a registered apprenticeship
program;
(b) Employment in performing home
improvements;
(c) Employment in performing commercial or
residential construction, repairs, or
renovations;
(d) Participation in a community service or
charitable building or renovation program; or
(e) Performing repairs and improvements which
require a building permit on one’s home or the
home of family members.”

Step 2 – Pass a Test

Next, you’ll need to pay $63 and take an in-person exam to ensure you know what you’re doing. You must score a 70% or greater to pass.

More information on the exam can be found here.

Step 3 – Apply for your Home Improvement License

The application process includes:

A criminal background check.
Applying for a trade name.
Proof of financial solvency. The fiscal component will require a bit of legwork, as applicants must gather three months’ worth of current bank statements, an up-to-date real estate assessment, credit report, and copies of their driver’s license, vehicle title, registration, and Blue Book value.
Proof of insurance

The cost to apply is roughly $370, but can be more expensive if you have multiple employees, salesmen, or locations. Here’s a full breakdown of licensing fees.

Limitations for Licensed Handyman (Home Improvement Contractors)

Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work require specialty licenses in those trades. The director of the Home Improvement Commission I spoke with indicated there is no wiggle room in these areas without dedicated licensing. That means licensed handymen aren’t even allowed to change the flapper on a toilet or switch out a ceiling fan without a plumbing or electrical license.

What are some of the jobs handymen can take on?

There are ample profit-turning projects handymen can accept once they obtain their Home Improvement License. Alterations, additions, remodeling, and repairs to residential properties are all available to the licensed handyman.

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Advertising guidelines and constraints

The Home Improvement Commission director I spoke with indicated that advertising restrictions are few, and the focus is on the prominent display of license numbers. Home Improvement License numbers must be posted on all advertising, including contracts, business cards, and commercial vehicles.

Penalties for contracting illegally

Working outside laws in place for handymen–whether performing work without a valid Home Improvement License or engaging in plumbing, mechanical, or electrical work without the proper specialty license–places the handyman in jeopardy.

Maryland considers this violation a misdemeanor and assesses fines of up to $5,000 and jail time of up to two years.

Bottom line: work within the law. Get your license. The penalties just aren’t worth it.

Conclusion

Maryland is a great state to start a handyman business.

A license is required, but obtaining one is relatively easy compared to many other states. For example, some states require at least four years of experience to become a licensed contractor. In Maryland, the requirement is only two years, and several substitutions exist for that trade experience.

Additionally, the requirement of obtaining a license will keep many bottom feeders out of the game, reducing competition and cheap labor.