Dorchester County Circuit
206 High Street
Cambridge, Maryland 21613
The license year runs from May 1st through the following April 30th. Online applications and renewals can be accessed by creating an account with Maryland Business Licenses Online.
The most recent changes to Miscellaneous State Business Licenses in 2022 Senate Bill 496 can be found on the Comptroller of Maryland TAX ALERT dated 11/14/2022. Please review this Tax Alert as changes are made to Non-Resident Construction, Traders, Restaurant and Chain Store licenses.
Business License Requirements
The License Department at the Circuit Court for Dorchester County issues Licenses for businesses located in Dorchester County. Licenses can be obtained during our regular hours of operation from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except holidays.
Applicants who will buy and sell merchandise in Maryland, should register to obtain a Sales and Use Tax account number using the Comptroller of Maryland website. The website includes convenient online services and information for Starting a New Business in Maryland. . Maryland Business Express is also a great resource to help you plan and start your business.
Applicants may use a REGISTERED Trade Name for their business. To register a Trade Name visit: State Department of Assessments and Taxation or call 410-767-1330.
To obtain a business license, applicants are required to provide the following information: (1) full name of corporation or sole proprietor; (2) full location address and mailing address, if different; (3) EIN # (Federal Identification number if corporation) or Social Security number; (4) telephone number; and (5) workers' compensation number for those who are employers.
Type of Payment
The Clerk’s Office can only accept cash, checks or money orders. Online Credit Card & eCheck payments are processed through: Maryland Business Licenses Online.
Several of the licenses available include:
- Traders
- Chain Store
- Construction
- Restaurant
- Vending Machines
- Cigarette and Special Retail Cigarette
- Cleaning, Dying, Pressing & Laundry
- Peddler
- Storage Warehouse
If you have more than one business location, you may be considered a chain store.
The following websites offer additional information on business licenses and opening a Maryland business:
- Maryland Business Resources - includes startup information and an alphabetized list of all State licenses and permits.
- Comptroller of Maryland - Business Information Services - Starting a New Business in Maryland, for convenient online services for tax information, business license information, and a Business Owner's Toolkit