At-a-glance
- Licensing body: Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)
- License threshold: All contractors performing home-improvement work of any dollar amount must hold an MHIC license
- Permit authority: County building department (county-level in MD, not city)
- Typical fees: $100–$500 for a bathroom remodel permit
MHIC license verification
The MHIC license is non-negotiable. Verify at dllr.state.md.us before signing. The license lookup shows expiration date, active/inactive status, and any disciplinary history.
Contractors are also required to carry a $50,000 Guaranty Fund contribution, which is a Maryland-specific consumer protection.
County-level permitting
Bathroom remodel permits are pulled at the county building department (Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, etc.). Baltimore City has its own permit office.
Timeline: 5–20 business days depending on the county. Baltimore County and Howard County are usually faster; Prince George's and Montgomery run longer.
Not sure which remodeler is right for your Maryland home? Julia walks you through a 2-minute guided conversation and matches you with vetted local providers.
Frequently asked questions
Is an MHIC license really required?+
Yes, for any home-improvement work of any dollar amount in Maryland. There's no small-project exemption.
Does my contractor need to pull the permit?+
Yes, and Maryland law puts the burden on the contractor, not the homeowner.
Deep-dive planning guides
Maryland-specific planning guides
Permits in other states
Ready to see your remodel profile?
BathGuide is a 2-minute guided conversation, not a contractor form. You'll see your personalized remodel profile before sharing anything. Matching with a local provider is optional and only happens if you want it.