Maryland Business License Rules and Requirements

Maryland Business License Rules and RequirementsMaryland Business License Rules and RequirementsMany types of businesses in Maryland are exempt from having to obtain business licenses to operate. Only certain types of businesses that are regulated by state law must be licensed. Types of Maryland BusinessesThat Need a License Businesses that must usually obtain licenses from their local Clerk of the Court include auctioneershawkerspeddlersbilliard parlorschain storesany store where cigarette or tobacco products are soldcommercial garagesoperators of console machinesconstruction firmsjunk dealerslaundry establishmentsmusic or jukebox vendorsother vending machine companiespinball machine owners/vendorsplumbersgas fittersrestaurantsstorage warehousestraders and traders showsthose engaged in wholesale dealer-farm machinery The business must be physically located in Maryland for licensing rules to apply.The type of license or licenses requiredcan depend on the exact nature of the busin ess, and you may require mora than one. You can contact your local Clerk of the Court or call the State License Bureau at 410-260-6240 to find out if your particular business requires a license. You can also search by your industry for licensing information onMarylands Business License Information Systemonline. Some counties require licensing in addition to state licenses. Your local Clerk of the Court can tell you if your county is one of them. Businesses in Maryland That Need Special Licensing If you are planning to operate a bank, credit union, consumer loan company, mortgage company, sales finance company, or a collection agency, youll need special licensing. Call 410-230-6100 for licensing information. TheMaryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulationdetails additional requirements for employers. If you need a professional or occupational license, call the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing toll-free at 888-218-5925. Youll most likely need this typ e of license if youre in real estate, or if youre a plumber, pilot, engineer, electrician or locksmith, among other professions. Child care providers and assisted living facilities also require their own special licensing. Brick-and-Mortar vs. zugreifbar Business Licensing in Maryland Maryland does not make any particular distinction between brick-and-mortar businesses and online businesses. The nature of your business will determine the type of licensing you need regardless of whether you operate and/or sell merchandise from a land-based facility or on the Internet. Business License Exemptions for Maryland Non-Profits Non-profit organizations that obtain tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service do not require business licenses in Maryland. The Statute of Limitations for Failure to Obtain and File a Business License in Maryland The statute of limitations on licensing investigation and penalties for failure to obtain and file a business license is four years in Maryland. How to Get Necessary Business Licenses in Maryland Maryland makes it relatively easy to make sure all your licensing requirements are met. The Department of Commerce offers the Maryland Business Portal online that will walk you through all the steps necessary to register your business with the state, whether youre just starting out or youre relocating into the area. The DOC also offers licensing links on its webpage to take you through the licensing process. County-level licensing links are included.