It is the single most protective five minutes a Maryland homeowner can spend — and almost no one does it. Before you compare prices, before you read reviews, before you let anyone onto your property, there’s one check that quietly filters out the majority of scammers: confirming the license is real, active, and matches the person in front of you. Here’s exactly how.
Maryland requires most home-improvement contractors to carry an MHIC license (Maryland Home Improvement Commission), administered through the Maryland Department of Labor. The license isn’t red tape — it’s your access to a complaint process, a disciplinary record, and the state Guaranty Fund. An unlicensed contractor offers none of that. Five minutes now saves a fortune later.
Ask for the License Number and Exact Business Name
A legitimate contractor will give you their MHIC number without hesitation, along with the precise legal name of the business. Hesitation, deflection, or “my partner handles that” is itself an answer.
Look It Up on the Maryland Department of Labor Site
Maryland publishes a free public license search. Enter the number or business name and pull up the record — it takes under a minute and costs nothing.
Confirm It’s Active and the Names Match
An expired license, a different name, or a “salesperson” using a contractor’s number are all red flags. The active license should match the name on your contract.
Check for Complaints and Disciplinary History
The same record often shows complaints or disciplinary actions. One old, resolved issue may be nothing; a pattern is everything.
Verify Insurance — in Writing
A license is not insurance. Ask for a certificate of general liability and workers’ comp coverage, and make sure it’s current.
Confirm a Real Local Address and Phone
A verifiable Maryland office and a landline or established number signal a business that intends to be around when you need a warranty honored.
Your 5-Minute License Check
- Get the MHIC number and exact business name in writing
- Search the Maryland Department of Labor license database
- Confirm the license is active and the names match
- Read the complaint & disciplinary history
- Get a current certificate of insurance (GL + workers’ comp)
- Verify a real local address, not just a cell number
Common Mistakes Maryland Homeowners Make
- Accepting a screenshot or photo of a “license” as proof
- Assuming a license also means they’re insured
- Skipping the check because the contractor “came recommended”
- Ignoring an expired date or mismatched business name
- Confusing a salesperson’s pitch with a verified license
The Bottom Line
Five minutes and a free public database stand between most Maryland homeowners and most home-repair scams. A real contractor passes this check easily and respects you for running it. Anyone who fights it is telling you exactly what you needed to know. Verify first. Sign second.