The first step in getting a business license is to find out if you are eligible for one. This will require some basic information, such as your name and address, available at hand. If you are not sure whether or not this applies to you, then it’s time to start digging through the many different sections of Maryland state law.
Does the state of Maryland require a business license?
Yes, the state of Maryland requires a business license. Some cities require you to turn in a paper form, and some allow online submissions. If it is not stated on the site where you’re applying from, call ahead of time to ask if they accept digital submission forms or if they need a hard copy mailed in. Once that has been determined, fill out the necessary paperwork and submit all required materials with payment.
The next steps will vary depending upon which method was chosen but most often include:
- Passing an exam for certain types of businesses such as home improvement contractors.
- Getting any permits/licenses needed for the business.
- Paying a fee.
After all of that has been done, you will be issued your license, and it must then be displayed in an area where customers can see it. However, some types of businesses do not need a business license to operate within Maryland, such as those who only sell products from home or those selling services from certain professions.
Be sure to check with the city before starting any work, as even if one profession does not require a license for their specific job, they may still ask for them. This is also true when hiring any other professionals such as electricians because even though they don’t have licenses themselves, they likely want people to apply for jobs in Maryland, who do so always make sure everyone involved has proper licensing.
Does Maryland have a general business license?
Yes, Maryland does have a general business license. However, the specific types of businesses that require it will depend upon which city or county is being asked about, and this can vary from one type to another, so be sure to check with your local municipality for more information on their licensing rules.
Does my home state affect how I get a business license?
It may not directly affect how you go about getting a business license. Still, if they do not allow licenses to transfer over, you would need to follow whatever steps are required to set up an entirely new company within the area where you wish to work instead of transferring over any existing papers/certifications. If there isn’t anything keeping them from doing this (and even sometimes when there is), this will be more difficult than setting up a brand new business.
Getting a Business License in Maryland
The following are the steps that you need to take when trying to get your own Maryland State license:
- Determine if you have all of the requirements for an LLC or Corporation before filing any form with the state
- Fill out each section on required forms, including biographical information, address verification, and payment (if applicable)
- Make sure everything is filled out exactly as it should be; otherwise, your application may not even reach its destination.
- Ensure that all necessary documents are placed within the envelope securely so they won’t fall out during transit. If sending by mail, either use certified postage or send via overnight delivery service. This ensures that nothing gets lost along the way.
- Make sure that you have followed all of the necessary steps and, if it is a corporation, received confirmation from your Secretary of State stating they can begin to conduct business and find out when their first annual meeting needs to be held.
After this information has been gathered, there are two options available for obtaining an active license in the area where you want to work: either online or by mail/fax, depending upon which method was chosen during registration. However, certain businesses such as home improvement contractors need to submit hard copies instead, so make sure whatever type is needed gets sent off in time before beginning any projects within Maryland’s boundaries.
How much does it cost to get a business license in Maryland?
There is a $100 fee for new businesses and those changing their name, so be sure to bring this amount with you when filing any necessary forms.
If there isn’t already an existing business within the state, then the cost of getting a license is either $25 or $50, depending upon what type it will be (if it’s just going to operate as an LLC). If transferring over licenses from another location, then only the initial licensing fees need to be paid in addition to whatever they usually charge per year, such as property taxes. However, if purchasing certificates/bonds instead, these costs must also be included on top of everything else before the application can even begin.
When it comes to receiving a business license, requirements will vary from state to state, such as whether an attorney will be required, zoning, etc. Good insight here for those planning on building a business in Maryland!