What handyman work requires a license in Baltimore, Maryland?

Work that typically requires a license or a licensed trade professional includes: Any home improvement work exceeding $500 in combined labor and materials on residential structures (single-family homes and individual condo units) — requires MHIC license; Electrical work beyond simple fixture changes: new circuits, panel work, rewiring, any work affecting the electrical system — requires Master Electrician license; Plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement: new water lines, drain lines, gas piping, water heater installation, any work affecting the plumbing system — requires Master Plumber/Gas Fitter license; HVAC system work: installation, repair, or replacement of heating, cooling, or refrigeration systems — requires HVACR license (even apprentice-level work); Hardscape work: stone, pavers, masonry, retaining walls, and similar work — requires MHIC license; Structural modifications: load-bearing wall removal, roof framing, foundation work — requires MHIC license and building permits. Always verify with your local licensing authority.

How much can a handyman charge without a license in Baltimore, Maryland?

In MD, handyman jobs priced under $500 (labor and materials combined) generally do not require a contractor license. At or above $500, a licensed contractor is required.

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Baltimore, Maryland?

Q: What can a handyman do without a license in Baltimore, Maryland?

In MD, a handyman can take jobs under $500 (labor and materials combined) without a contractor license. Common examples include: Work on residential structures (single-family homes and individual condo units) valued at $500 or less in combined labor and materials (e.g., minor drywall repairs, painting, basic carpentry, fixture replacement); Light landscaping tasks: grass cutting, lawn fertilizer application, seeding, and basic yard maintenance; Demolition work (removal of structures or materials); Work as a subcontractor under a licensed MHIC contractor (not directly contracting with the homeowner); Minor plumbing fixture replacement (faucets, showerheads, toilet seats) on existing systems; Minor electrical fixture changes (replacing light fixtures, outlets, switches) on existing circuits.

By Ray Duke, Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

In Baltimore, Maryland, handymen and small contractors must comply with Maryland's Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) licensing requirements for any work exceeding $500 in combined labor and materials. Maryland does not have a traditional dollar-based handyman exemption; instead, all home improvement work above $500 requires an MHIC license, a passing score on the state exam, proof of two years' experience, a $500,000 general liability insurance policy (as of June 2024), and a surety bond or financial statement. Additionally, Baltimore City requires a nonresident construction license ($60 fee) and building permits for individual jobs. Specialty trades—electrical, plumbing, and HVAC—require separate state licenses beyond the MHIC.

The magic number in MD: $500. Jobs under $500 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $500 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Work on residential structures (single-family homes and individual condo units) valued at $500 or less in combined labor and materials (e.g., minor drywall repairs, painting, basic carpentry, fixture replacement)
Light landscaping tasks: grass cutting, lawn fertilizer application, seeding, and basic yard maintenance
Demolition work (removal of structures or materials)
Work as a subcontractor under a licensed MHIC contractor (not directly contracting with the homeowner)
Minor plumbing fixture replacement (faucets, showerheads, toilet seats) on existing systems
Minor electrical fixture changes (replacing light fixtures, outlets, switches) on existing circuits
Painting interior and exterior surfaces
Basic carpentry repairs and trim work (not structural modifications)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Baltimore

Based on the MD threshold, handymen in Baltimore commonly take on:

Work on residential structures (single-family homes and individual condo units) valued at $500 or less in combined labor and materials (e.g., minor drywall repairs, painting, basic carpentry, fixture replacement)
Minor plumbing fixture replacement (faucets, showerheads, toilet seats) on existing systems
Minor electrical fixture changes (replacing light fixtures, outlets, switches) on existing circuits
Painting interior and exterior surfaces
Basic carpentry repairs and trim work (not structural modifications)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Any home improvement work exceeding $500 in combined labor and materials on residential structures (single-family homes and individual condo units) — requires MHIC license
Electrical work beyond simple fixture changes: new circuits, panel work, rewiring, any work affecting the electrical system — requires Master Electrician license
Plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement: new water lines, drain lines, gas piping, water heater installation, any work affecting the plumbing system — requires Master Plumber/Gas Fitter license
HVAC system work: installation, repair, or replacement of heating, cooling, or refrigeration systems — requires HVACR license (even apprentice-level work)
Hardscape work: stone, pavers, masonry, retaining walls, and similar work — requires MHIC license
Structural modifications: load-bearing wall removal, roof framing, foundation work — requires MHIC license and building permits
Work on commonly owned areas of condominiums or buildings with four or more units — requires MHIC license (different jurisdiction than single-unit work)

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In MD, you can take jobs under $500 (labor + materials) without a contractor license. When a client asks, be straightforward: for jobs under this threshold, you're operating legally as a handyman. For larger projects, refer them to a licensed contractor or get licensed before bidding that work.

Business License — Baltimore

Required. Nonresident Construction License (for contractors); Use & Occupancy Permit (for office/warehouse spaces)

Setting Up Your Business in MD

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in MD: $100 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Baltimore

Step 1: Verify Your Experience — Confirm you have at least two years of documented home improvement, construction, or related work experience. Gather letters from previous employers or clients as proof.
Step 2: Register Your Business Entity — Form an LLC with the Maryland Secretary of State (filing fee: $100). File Articles of Organization at https://marylandcorporations.maryland.gov/. Obtain an EIN from the IRS (free).
Step 3: Obtain General Liability Insurance — Secure a $500,000 general liability insurance policy (required as of June 1, 2024). Shop quotes from multiple insurers; typical cost is $500–$1,500 annually depending on business size and claims history.
Step 4: Secure a Surety Bond — Obtain either a $30,000 surety bond (with financial statements) or a $100,000 surety bond (in lieu of financial statements). Contact a surety bond provider; typical cost is $300–$1,000 annually.
Step 5: Study for the MHIC Exam — Review the Maryland Home Improvement Law (Title 8, Business Regulation, Annotated Code of Maryland) and consider taking a prep course. The exam is 55 questions, open-book, 150 minutes, with a 70% passing score required.
Step 6: Register for and Pass the MHIC Exam — Register with PSI (the testing service) and pay the $63 exam fee. Schedule your exam at a local testing center. Pass the exam with a 70% score.
Step 7: Submit MHIC Application — Complete the MHIC application form and submit it to the Maryland Department of Labor with: proof of two years' experience, proof of insurance ($500,000 general liability), surety bond or financial statements, exam passing score, and application fees ($281.25 application + $100 Guaranty Fund + $22.50 processing = $403.75 total).
Step 8: Obtain Baltimore City Nonresident Construction License — If working in Baltimore City, apply for a nonresident construction license ($60 fee) through the Baltimore City Circuit Court Clerk's office (111 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21202; (410) 333-3700).
Step 9: Obtain Baltimore County Business License (if applicable) — If working in unincorporated Baltimore County, apply for a business license through the Baltimore County Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections ((410) 887-3030). Fee varies by business type and gross receipts.
Step 10: Pull Building Permits for Each Job — For every individual job in Baltimore City, pull building permits through the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) (443-984-5700). For Baltimore County jobs, pull permits through the county. Permit fees vary by project scope.

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.