Is a Handyman Licensed in Maryland?

Yes. In Maryland, anyone performing handyman repairs, remodeling or home improvements on a residential property is required by state law to hold a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license. There is no "small job" or "handyman" dollar exemption in Maryland.

  • MHIC #77900
  • Licensed & insured
  • Catonsville, MD 21228
  • Written estimates before work starts

1. The MHIC license requirement

The Maryland Home Improvement Commission is part of the Maryland Department of Labor. Under the Maryland Home Improvement Law (Business Regulation Article, Title 8), it licenses home improvement contractors and salespeople, investigates homeowner complaints, and runs the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund.

Maryland requires a license even for small handyman jobs because small jobs are where homeowners are most often hurt: a cash deposit to someone with no license, no insurance and no way to be found later. A licensed contractor has passed the state exam, carries the general liability insurance the Commission requires, and can be held accountable by the state.

The Guaranty Fund only protects you when you hire a licensed contractor. If a licensed contractor's work is unworkmanlike, incomplete or abandoned, an eligible homeowner can file a claim and recover actual losses, up to $30,000 per claim. Hire someone without an MHIC license and that protection is not available.

2. What work requires a license

"Home improvement" in Maryland covers repairs, alterations, remodeling and additions to an existing residence and the land around it, including homes, townhouses and condo units. That includes:

  • Drywall repair, painting (interior and exterior) and wallpaper
  • Carpentry, trim, doors, windows and siding
  • Tile, wood, laminate and vinyl flooring
  • Kitchen and bathroom updates and remodels
  • Decks, porches, patios, walkways, fences and driveways
  • Basement finishing and general handyman improvements

Separate trade licenses: electrical, plumbing, gas fitting and HVAC work need their own state or county trade licenses. A good contractor will tell you which license covers each part of the job.

Work that is not "home improvement": the Maryland Department of Labor lists a few services that do not need an MHIC license, such as carpet installation, interior curtains and blinds, wall-mounting a TV, demolition and clean-up only, house cleaning and lawn mowing. New home construction is handled by a separate Home Builder registration.

3. What to check before you hire

  • Look for "MHIC #" followed by a number on the website, truck, business card and estimate. Maryland requires licensed contractors to show it.
  • Verify the license is active on the Maryland Department of Labor license search. Check that the name matches the company you are hiring.
  • Confirm general liability insurance and ask for a certificate if you want proof.
  • Get a written contract that lists the scope of work, materials, price, payment schedule and start and finish dates, along with the contractor's MHIC number.
  • Keep the deposit reasonable. Maryland generally limits a contractor's deposit to one-third of the contract price.
  • Be careful with door-to-door offers such as driveway sealcoating "deals," and walk away from anyone who will not give an MHIC number.

4. Maryland Home Improvement Company's credentials

Maryland Home Improvement Company is a licensed, insured Maryland home improvement contractor (MHIC #77900). We serve Catonsville and the surrounding central Maryland communities in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Howard County, Anne Arundel County and Carroll County. You get quality workmanship, a clear written estimate before work begins, and straightforward communication from start to finish.

Wondering what work costs? Read How Much Does a Handyman Cost in Maryland? or see our handyman services and FAQ.

Frequently asked questions

Does a handyman need a license in Maryland?

Yes. In Maryland, anyone who does home improvement work on a residential property, including handyman repairs, remodeling, painting and carpentry, must hold a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license. There is no small-job or dollar-amount exemption.

How do I check a contractor's MHIC license?

Use the Maryland Department of Labor's free Home Improvement license search. You can look a contractor up by name or MHIC number and confirm that the license is active.

What is the MHIC Guaranty Fund?

The Guaranty Fund, run by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, can reimburse eligible homeowners for actual losses caused by a licensed contractor's unworkmanlike, incomplete or abandoned work, up to $30,000 per claim. It only applies when you hire a licensed contractor.

What work does not need an MHIC license?

According to the Maryland Department of Labor, a few services fall outside the definition of home improvement, such as carpet installation, interior curtains and blinds, wall-mounting a TV, demolition and clean-up only, cleaning, and lawn mowing. New home construction is covered by a separate Home Builder registration.

Is Maryland Home Improvement Company licensed?

Yes. Maryland Home Improvement Company is a licensed and insured Maryland home improvement contractor, MHIC #77900, serving Catonsville and central Maryland.

Do electrical and plumbing work need a different license?

Yes. Electrical, plumbing, gas fitting and HVAC work require separate state or county trade licenses in addition to, or instead of, an MHIC license. Ask any contractor which license covers each part of your job.

Verify our license, then get your estimate

Look up MHIC #77900 on the Maryland Department of Labor's official license search, then tell us about your project for a free, written estimate.

Verify Our License (MHIC #77900)Request a Free EstimateCall (410) 719-9600

Or email info@maryland-home-improvement.com