Business License Information

To obtain a license, you must first determine what type of license you need, if any. The Clerk's Office issues several types of licenses. The Clerk's Office will be happy to provide information regarding any of the licenses we issue and to assist with any of your procedural questions. Contact us at (301) 932-3308. However, we cannot provide any legal advice or be responsible for determining the type of license you should purchase.

You can quickly obtain access to information on the permits and licenses you may need to start, relocate, or expand a business in Maryland by using the following links:

• Maryland Business Resources (includes startup information and an alphabetized list of all State licenses and permits)
• Comptroller of Maryland - Business Information and Services (includes business license tips, frequently asked questions, employer withholding information, tax registration)
• Department of Assessment and Taxation (contains information on how to obtain a trade name)
• Maryland Business Express Online Portal

How to Apply

1. Complete the application by providing the following information to the Clerk:
   • Type of license for which you are applying
   • Owner's name (Individual, Corporation, etc.)
   • Location address
   • Mailing address
   • Social Security Number or Federal Tax Identification Number
   • Phone Number
   • Worker's Compensation Policy Number or Certificate of Compliance Corporate ID Number and number of employees (if applicable)
   • Amount of inventory, if applying for a Trader's License
   • Sales and Use Tax Number, if applying for a Trader's License
   • Number of Vending Machines, to include the address of each location
   • SDAT Account Number
2. The application must be signed by the Owner or a Corporate Officer.
3. Pay required license fees to the Clerk of the Circuit Court- cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard accepted.

For more information regarding Tobacconists and Other Tobacco Products Retailers, please read the following handouts from the Comptroller's Office:
TT-13 (frequently asked questions)
TT-68 (House Bill 88 - Other Tobacco Products Retailers, Tobacconists)

Trader's License

Trader's license fee is based on the wholesale value of your retail inventory. Please refer to the following chart for the fees. Each type of license is subject to a $2.00 issuing fee, which is separate from the license fee listed below.

Home Improvement Licenses