Bulletproof Handyman

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Columbia, Howard County, Maryland?

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

Columbia, Maryland is an unincorporated community in Howard County with no separate city government. Handymen and contractors must obtain a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license from the state for any residential work—there is NO dollar threshold exemption. The MHIC license costs $281.25 (application) plus $63 (exam) and requires proof of 2+ years experience, passing the PSI exam, and maintaining $500,000 general liability insurance. Additional trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are required if performing those specific trades. Howard County issues construction licenses only for commercial/new construction work; MHIC licensees are exempt from the county construction license requirement for residential work.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Columbia

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

⚠️ What Requires a License

Business License — Columbia

Not required at the city level.

Setting Up Your Business in MD

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in MD: $150 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Columbia

  1. Step 1: Verify your experience — Gather documentation of at least 2 years of experience in home improvement work, construction, or related education (apprenticeship, trade school, etc.).
  2. Step 2: Register with Maryland SDAT — Register your business with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (free) at dat.maryland.gov. The MHIC will require proof of this registration.
  3. Step 3: Register with Maryland Comptroller — Register with the Comptroller of Maryland's Central Registration Division for sales tax purposes (free) at marylandtaxes.gov.
  4. Step 4: Study for the PSI Exam — Obtain study materials for the MHIC PSI exam (55 questions, open-book, 2.5 hours, 70% passing score). Schedule your exam at PSI's website.
  5. Step 5: Pass the PSI Exam — Take and pass the exam ($63 per attempt). You must pass before submitting your MHIC license application.
  6. Step 6: Prepare financial documentation — Gather personal financial statements (bank statements, tax returns, net worth documentation) to demonstrate financial solvency to the MHIC. If you do not meet their guidelines, you will need to post a $30,000 or $100,000 surety bond.
  7. Step 7: Obtain general liability insurance — Secure a general liability insurance policy with at least $500,000 coverage (required as of June 1, 2024). Provide proof of insurance with your application.
  8. Step 8: Submit MHIC application — Complete the MHIC Contractor Application form and submit it to the Maryland Home Improvement Commission with all required documentation. Application fee: $281.25. Guaranty Fund Assessment: $100. Processing Fee: $22.50.
  9. Step 9: Obtain trade licenses (if applicable) — If you perform electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, apply for the appropriate state trade license from the Board of Master Electricians, Board of Plumbing, or Board of HVACR Contractors.
  10. Step 10: Form an LLC (optional but recommended) — File Articles of Organization with Maryland SDAT ($150 online filing fee). Annual report fee: $300 per year.
  11. Step 11: Obtain Howard County onsite utility registration (if applicable) — If you perform water/sewer connection work, register with Howard County at $77.00.
  12. Step 12: Verify permit requirements — Before starting any job, contact Howard County Building Department to determine if permits are required for the specific work.

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.