Maryland makes only certain business documents available online.
While the state of Maryland makes a few select documents such as property assessment information available online, a state business license is not one of those documents. To obtain a copy of a state business license, you must contact the Comptroller of Maryland online, via telephone or in person.
Instructions
Determine if the business must have a license
1. Find out if the business, whose business license you wish to obtain, actually needed a license. In Maryland, only specific companies need a business license. So, if you are affiliated with a business started a long time ago by a parent or business partner and are unsure whether the business filed for a license, it is a good idea to determine whether the business activities mandate the corporation to obtain a license at all. Businesses that must obtain a license in Maryland include: chain stores, restaurants, warehouses, construction firms, junk dealers and laundromats. See the business license FAQs on the Comptroller of Maryland's website for a full list of businesses that must obtain licenses.
2. Send an email to the Maryland State License Bureau. Once you have determined that the business in question must have obtained a license, you can contact the license bureau via email at slb@comp.state.md.us
Copies of business licenses are made available only to persons affiliated with the business. You will be asked to explain in what capacity you are connected to the business. An email works great in that you will have proof of correspondence if a dispute should later arise between you and the license bureau.
3. Call the Maryland State License Bureau. If you need faster service, give them a call at 410-260-6240 from central Maryland or toll-free 1-866-239-9359, Monday -- Friday, 8:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.
Remember to make note of the time of your call and, if possible, obtain the name of the person you spoke with. You will be asked to provide identification documents and prove that you are affiliated with the business. If, what you later submit is found to be insufficient, you can save a lot of time and effort by locating the original person who gave you the instructions.
4. Go to the State License Bureau in person. If you already have all the documents, the fastest way to obtain a copy of your license is to visit the bureau in person. They are located at:
LLG Treasury Building
80 Calvert Street, Room 314
Annapolis, Maryland 21404-1751
To avoid an unnecessary trip, first confirm (over the phone or via email) that the documentation you have is sufficient to get a copy of the business license.
