License Categories and Requirements - Home Improvement Commission

License Categories

• Contractor
  A contractor may perform or agree to perform a home improvement for a homeowner.
• Salespersons
  A person may only be licensed to represent up to two licensed contractors in the selling of home improvements.
  

License Requirements 
Any applicant who has had a conviction of a misdemeanor relating to a home improvement transaction or a felony must provide the Commission with copies of conviction records.

All applicants must take and pass the licensing exam before they can apply for a license.  Contact PSI Examinations.

Contractors:

• Applicants for a contractor's license must provide proof of at least two years of experience in home improvement work, construction and/or related education.
• Applicants must provide proof of financial solvency based on the scope and size of their business in relation to total assets, liabilities, a full credit report and net worth. Any applicant who does not meet the financial solvency guidelines may purchase a surety bond or obtain an indemnitor.
• If a contractor represents a corporation, articles of incorporation and a Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of Assessments and Taxation must be submitted.
• A contractor using a trade name must first check with the Commission to make sure the name is available for use with the Commission and then register the name with the Department of Assessments and Taxation.
• A certificate of trade name registration must be submitted with the license application.
• Proof of current $50,000 liability insurance must be filed with the application for licensure.

Liability Insurance
Applicants and licensed contractors must show proof of current $50,000 liability insurance at the time of application for both original and renewal licenses. This insurance must be in effect at all times. Contractors must give the Commission notice of cancellation of liability insurance at least 10 days before the effective date of the cancellation.

License Period
The license period is two years from the date of issuance of the original license.

Temporary licenses are no longer issued. The provision for temporary licenses was removed from the law in 1999.