Not yet re-checked against the Maryland Home Improvement Commission; verify before relying on it.
Maryland subcontractor insurance & compliance requirements
If you're a general contractor hiring subcontractors in Maryland, here are the certificates and documents you should collect and keep current, and how TradeGuard tracks them automatically.
Documents to collect from subcontractors in Maryland
The core compliance documents a GC should require and keep current for each sub.
Required for residential home improvement work.
Certificate of Insurance for General Liability coverage.
Certificate showing workers' comp for the sub's employees. Who must carry it depends on the state and the number of employees.
Used to report what you pay the sub on Form 1099-NEC. For payments made in 2026 or later the IRS reporting threshold is $2,000 (it was $600).
Some owners and contracts require it, and some states require it on public projects.
Some owners and contracts require it for site supervisors.
Public owners require one on larger public contracts; the threshold depends on the owner and the state.
Public owners usually require it alongside the performance bond.
Often required with a bid on public work; it backs the bidder's promise to sign the contract at the bid price.
The bond the state requires for a contractor's license or registration; ask the sub for a copy.
Home improvement contractors must be licensed by MHIC. Commercial contractors need a separate license. All subs performing home improvement work need MHIC registration.
Maryland operates an approved state OSHA plan. Maryland has an approved state OSHA plan (MOSH) covering private and public sector
$20,000 surety bond for MHIC home improvement license
- MHIC: Maryland Home Improvement Commission
- MOSH: Maryland Occupational Safety and Health
- WCC: Maryland Workers Compensation Commission
Summary for Maryland
Maryland has its own OSHA plan. MHIC license required for home improvement. Commercial work varies by county.
Track all of this automatically in Maryland
TradeGuard asks each sub for these documents through an upload link and shows what's missing for Maryland, with alerts before anything expires.
No credit card required · Cancel anytime · See how COI tracking works
Maryland compliance FAQ
Do subcontractors need a contractor license in Maryland?+
Home improvement contractors must be licensed by MHIC. Commercial contractors need a separate license. All subs performing home improvement work need MHIC registration.
Does Maryland follow federal OSHA or a state OSHA plan?+
Maryland runs its own OSHA-approved state plan. Maryland has an approved state OSHA plan (MOSH) covering private and public sector
Is a surety bond required for contractors in Maryland?+
Yes. $20,000 surety bond for MHIC home improvement license
This page is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm current rules with the relevant Maryland agencies before relying on them.