What handyman work requires a license in Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel County, Maryland?

Work that typically requires a license or a licensed trade professional includes: ANY home improvement work on 1–3 unit residential properties performed for pay, including: painting, drywall repair, carpentry, roofing, siding, deck construction, kitchen/bathroom remodeling, basement finishing, window/door replacement, flooring, and general renovation.; Electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires separate state and county electrical license in addition to MHIC).; Plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires separate state and county plumbing license in addition to MHIC).; HVAC system work (requires separate state and county HVAC license in addition to MHIC).; Gas fitting work (requires separate state and county license in addition to MHIC).; Any work on condominium units (MHIC license required; work on common areas of condominiums or buildings with 4+ units may have different rules).. Always verify with your local licensing authority.

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel County, Maryland?

Q: What can a handyman do without a license in Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel County, Maryland?

Common examples include: NOTHING — Maryland has no dollar-threshold handyman exemption. Any home improvement work performed for pay requires an MHIC license.; The only exception is subcontractors working under an MHIC-licensed contractor—subcontractors may work without a license when performing work for a licensed contractor.; Even minor repairs, painting, drywall work, or fixture replacements performed for pay on a 1–3 unit residential property require an MHIC license.; Work on your own property (not for pay) does not require a license.; Work on commercial buildings (4+ units, non-residential) may have different licensing requirements—verify with MHIC.; Unlicensed work is a criminal offense in Maryland and contracts may be voided entirely..

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

Glen Burnie is an unincorporated community in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Any handyman performing home improvement work for pay must obtain a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license—Maryland has NO dollar-threshold exemption. The MHIC license costs approximately $403.75 to obtain (application, processing, and Guaranty Fund fees) plus a $63 PSI exam fee, and requires $500,000 minimum general liability insurance. Since Glen Burnie is unincorporated, there is no city business license; all licensing flows through Anne Arundel County. Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) require separate state and county licenses.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

NOTHING — Maryland has no dollar-threshold handyman exemption. Any home improvement work performed for pay requires an MHIC license.
The only exception is subcontractors working under an MHIC-licensed contractor—subcontractors may work without a license when performing work for a licensed contractor.
Even minor repairs, painting, drywall work, or fixture replacements performed for pay on a 1–3 unit residential property require an MHIC license.
Work on your own property (not for pay) does not require a license.
Work on commercial buildings (4+ units, non-residential) may have different licensing requirements—verify with MHIC.
Unlicensed work is a criminal offense in Maryland and contracts may be voided entirely.

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Glen Burnie

Based on the MD threshold, handymen in Glen Burnie commonly take on:

Even minor repairs, painting, drywall work, or fixture replacements performed for pay on a 1–3 unit residential property require an MHIC license.
Work on commercial buildings (4+ units, non-residential) may have different licensing requirements—verify with MHIC.

⚠️ What Requires a License

ANY home improvement work on 1–3 unit residential properties performed for pay, including: painting, drywall repair, carpentry, roofing, siding, deck construction, kitchen/bathroom remodeling, basement finishing, window/door replacement, flooring, and general renovation.
Electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires separate state and county electrical license in addition to MHIC).
Plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires separate state and county plumbing license in addition to MHIC).
HVAC system work (requires separate state and county HVAC license in addition to MHIC).
Gas fitting work (requires separate state and county license in addition to MHIC).
Any work on condominium units (MHIC license required; work on common areas of condominiums or buildings with 4+ units may have different rules).
All home improvement contracts must be in writing and comply with Maryland home improvement law (Md. BR §8-101 et seq.).

Business License — Glen Burnie

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: $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 Glen Burnie

Step 1: Register your business entity with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). You may form an LLC ($100 filing fee) or operate as a sole proprietor. Register a trade name (DBA) if needed (~$25 fee). Visit https://businessexpress.maryland.gov or call (410) 767-1330.
Step 2: Study for and pass the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) exam. The exam is administered by PSI Exams (1-800-367-1565). Exam fee is $63. Minimum passing score is 70%. Study materials are available from MHIC at https://labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/.
Step 3: Submit your MHIC license application to the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. Required documents include proof of exam passage, proof of business registration with SDAT, and proof of general liability insurance ($500,000 minimum). Application fee is $281.25 + $100 Guaranty Fund + $22.50 processing = ~$403.75. Mail to: Maryland Home Improvement Commission, 500 N. Calvert Street, Room 202, Baltimore, MD 21202. Or apply online at https://labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic/.
Step 4: Obtain general liability insurance of at least $500,000 (required before MHIC license approval). Contact an insurance broker or agent for quotes.
Step 5: If you plan to perform electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work, obtain separate state licenses from the Maryland State Board of Electricians, Board of Plumbing, or Board of HVACR Contractors. Then obtain corresponding county-level licenses from Anne Arundel County Licensing Division (contact (410) 222-1434 for fee schedules and application procedures).
Step 6: Verify with Anne Arundel County Inspections and Permits (https://www.aacounty.org/inspections-and-permits/) which building permits are required for your specific projects. Obtain permits before starting work.
Step 7: Keep your MHIC license, insurance, and all trade licenses current. Renew your MHIC license every two years (renewal fee ~$281.25 + $175 Guaranty Fund assessment).

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.