Licensed Roofer in Maryland: How to Verify Before You Hire

Maryland requires residential roofers to hold a license from the Maryland Home Improvement Commission — one of the more consumer-protective licensing schemes in the country. The MHIC license comes with a mandatory bond, a contractor-funded guaranty fund that can compensate homeowners for contractor failures, and real enforcement teeth. Knowing how to verify a roofer's MHIC license before you sign a contract is one of the most important steps any Maryland homeowner can take.

This guide covers what the MHIC license requires, how to look up a roofer in the Maryland DLLR database, what bond and insurance apply, and what the penalty is for hiring or working without a license in Maryland.

Does Maryland require roofers to be licensed?

Yes. Maryland requires any contractor performing residential roofing work to hold a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license issued through the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation at dllr.state.md.us. The MHIC license covers all home improvement work on residential property, including roofing, and applies to contractors performing work valued at $500 or more. There is no separate roofing-specific license — the MHIC license is the credential.

The MHIC has been operating since 1963 and maintains one of the most comprehensive contractor regulation systems in the United States. MHIC-licensed contractors must pass a written exam, demonstrate financial solvency, carry a $20,000 surety bond, and contribute to the Maryland Home Improvement Guaranty Fund. That fund can pay claims up to $20,000 per project when a licensed contractor fails to complete work or causes damage.

The license applies to the contracting business, not individual workers. A roofing company with multiple crews must hold an MHIC license as the entity. Subcontractors performing work under a licensed prime contractor may have different requirements, but the entity with whom you sign a contract must be MHIC-licensed.

Where do I verify a roofer's MHIC license in Maryland?

Search the Maryland DLLR license lookup at dllr.state.md.us/license/mhic. Enter the contractor's business name or MHIC license number. The results show the license number, license holder name, current status (active or inactive), and expiration date. An active license with a current expiration date is what you need before any roofing work begins.

When searching by name, try variations — some contractors register under a legal entity that differs from their trade name. Try searching with fewer words, and add or remove "LLC," "Inc.," or "Co." If you have the MHIC number, use it directly for an exact match.

The DLLR database also shows any disciplinary actions taken against the licensee. A contractor with a history of complaints or license suspensions should be scrutinized carefully. According to the MHIC, thousands of consumer complaints are filed each year — checking the record before you hire is easier than filing a complaint after work goes wrong.

What bond and insurance does a Maryland roofer need?

Maryland MHIC-licensed roofing contractors are required to carry a $20,000 surety bond. The bond protects homeowners if the contractor fails to perform, abandons the project, or causes financial harm they refuse to remedy. In addition to the bond, contractors must carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage for employees. Ask for certificates of insurance directly and verify the policies are active before any work begins.

The $20,000 Guaranty Fund contribution is separate from the surety bond but provides an additional layer of protection specific to Maryland. If a licensed contractor causes harm and the bond is insufficient or the contractor cannot be located, the Guaranty Fund can compensate homeowners for up to $20,000 per project. This protection is only available if the contractor is MHIC-licensed — another reason to verify before hiring.

Workers' compensation is especially important for roofing given the industry's injury rate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently ranks roofing among the most dangerous occupations in the country. If an uninsured roofer is injured on your property, you as the homeowner may face liability under Maryland law.

What are the penalties for unlicensed roofing in Maryland?

Maryland imposes fines of up to $5,000 for a first offense of performing home improvement work without an MHIC license, and up to $10,000 for each subsequent offense. Each project can constitute a separate violation. Beyond fines, contracts signed with unlicensed contractors may be unenforceable in Maryland courts — meaning a homeowner who discovers their roofer is unlicensed may be able to void the contract and recover payments made.

Maryland's attorney general actively pursues unlicensed contractor cases. The MHIC investigates complaints and can refer cases for criminal prosecution in egregious situations. Storm-chasing contractors who travel to Maryland after major weather events and solicit work without MHIC licenses are a recurring enforcement problem. The $10,000 fine for repeat offenders reflects how seriously the state treats this issue.

What should I verify beyond the MHIC license before hiring a Maryland roofer?

Beyond the MHIC license, verify that the contractor has a Maryland business address, confirm workers' compensation and general liability coverage directly with the insurer, require a written contract before signing anything, and confirm that permits will be pulled for the work. Most roofing replacement jobs in Maryland require a building permit from your county or municipality. A contractor who discourages permits is a warning sign.

Payment terms matter. Maryland law specifically restricts advance payments on home improvement contracts — contractors generally cannot collect more than one-third upfront. Be cautious of any roofer demanding large deposits before materials are ordered or delivered. Get a final lien waiver upon project completion.

CheckLicensed.com lets you look up any Maryland MHIC license number instantly to confirm status and expiration before you hire. Roofing is one of the top categories for home improvement fraud in Maryland. Two minutes on a license lookup can save you thousands.