How to Get Your Maryland Business License

Am I Required to Get a Business License in Maryland?

Good news — typically, not every Maryland business owner needs a license. In fact, it seems that the state recommends that you only pursue getting one if it’s absolutely needed. Otherwise it just creates extra paperwork and slows down the process for other small business owners.

No one likes to add administrative burden. So after you register your business (you can do it online), head to your local office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court. This is where you can find out if your local county requires you to hold a business license before opening up.

Most likely, you’ll need a license if your company sells wholesale or retail products, or is in the restaurant industry.

Here are other industries that may require one:

• Laundry
• Storage warehousing and garages
• Billiards and gaming tables
• Pinball machines
• Music boxes
• Vending machines
• Construction

Finally, most peddlers or professionals selling items door-to-door need licenses too. Of course, this is all decided within the county court system, so it varies depending on where your business is located.

General rule of thumb — if you sell products, you’ll probably need a license. If you sell services, you may not , but it depends on your company’s location.

I can’t emphasize how important it is to check your county’s guidelines first. You don’t want to get caught operating a company without a license if it’s a requirement in your industry. You could end up paying costly fines, or worse, getting shut down.

There are a lot of benefits to getting a business license in Maryland, including:

• Gives customers and vendors confidence in your work
• Helps your company appear professional and credible
• Markets your company and its brand's name to new customers in your area
• And more!

It’s worth the time and effort it takes to get a license for your company. So if you’re ready to jump in and start applying for a business license in Maryland today, here are the steps you can consider taking.

How to Get a Business License in Maryland

1. Register your company via the Maryland Business Express website.

Have you registered your business with the state yet? For the most part, every company owner in Maryland needs to take this step.

The good news is that it’s fairly easy, so go online to the Maryland Business Express website, and you can make your business official with the state (and even register a trade name).

2. Learn the licensing guidelines for businesses in your county.

Every county in Maryland operates a little differently, so it’s important to learn what’s required in your area. Go to your local Maryland Circuit Court website to find out your local regulations.

The state’s court system also has a handy questionnaire to help you learn if you need a business license. Check out the Maryland Judicial System Business License website to find out and apply for yours online.

As you answer the questions online, you’ll need to have the following information on-hand:

• A Federal Tax ID or Social Security number
• A corporate ID or individual ID number for the State Department of Assessment and Taxation (SDAT)
• Your business’s official name and contact information
• Completed registration forms with the Controller of the Treasury
• A copy of your Certificate of Compliance to the Clerk of the Circuit Court (if you have employees and need to show you offer workers compensation insurance)

And depending on your county and profession, there may be additional requirements. It helps to find out what you need ahead of time by going to your county’s website. Then gather all your paperwork before starting your online application.

It can save you time and a lot of hassle!

3. Follow your county’s application process.

The next step? Create a login on the Maryland Business Licenses Online website. This lets you save your application and go back later if you don’t finish it.

Then just keep going!

Answer the questions that your county asks and submit your application. You may need to pay a fee too, depending on what you do. If you have questions, contact your county clerk directly for help.

Business License + Insurance in Maryland: What You Need to Know

If you need a business license in Maryland, chances are, you need to get liability insurance too. This is especially true if you have employees. During the application process, you may need a certificate showing you provide workers compensation insurance.

Getting business insurance is a good idea anyway. This is true even if you don’t need one in your county or if you don’t need a certificate of insurance (COI) to be licensed.

A business insurance policy, including general liability insurance and professional liability insurance, can protect you financially if there’s an accident or injury at your workplace. It also can typically cover legal expenses if, for example, you’re accused of negligence or copyright infringement. These accusations can add up, and for many business owners, they’re enough to put their businesses at risk for closing.

Check your county’s requirements, but consider getting a policy anyway. You never know when you may need the protection in the future. And it’s easy to compare policy options in 10 minutes or less using Simply Business’s free quote tool.

How Much Does a Maryland Business License Cost?

Most Maryland small business licenses require a $2 processing fee. I know, it’s not a lot, huh?

But if you require a trader’s business license, you can expect to pay a fee based on the wholesale value of your retail inventory. This usually can be anywhere from $15 to $800, depending on your inventory amount.

Check out this example of a fee structure on the Howard County Circuit Court website.

Keep in mind, there may be some additional costs to factor in. For example, you may have to pay for liability insurance, like workers compensation if you have employees. You also may have to pay a fee to gather pertinent information about your business or to collect records.

Just know the process isn’t free, but it’s well worth it. The cost of complying with your county’s requirements is far cheaper than the cost of a penalty. So don’t delay. Now you know the facts, so get on the Maryland Business Express website and get started.

The sooner you get an official stamp of approval from the state, the sooner you can launch your Maryland business!