Excavation License in Maryland - License Required

What the Maryland Excavation Record Shows

Maryland requires excavation contractors to hold a Excavation Contractor License before performing licensed work. Of 36 US states that license excavation work, Maryland's regime applies a partial screen, combining some but not all of the exam, bond, and insurance requirements seen in peer states. Licensing is administered through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), which issues the credential, maintains the public license roster, and adjudicates consumer complaints.

The specific entry requirements for excavation contractors in Maryland are: no exam mandate, 1 year of documented work experience, no surety bond, liability insurance with at least $300K in coverage, and no continuing-education mandate. License fees in this classification run $50-$200.

For homeowners in Maryland, verification is straightforward: use Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)'s official license lookup to confirm the license number is active, matches the contractor's legal business name, and has no disciplinary history attached. Ask for a copy of the license and the certificate of insurance before signing a contract, and request the surety bond provider if bonding is required. If defective work or non-performance occurs, the state complaint process is the formal path to recovery, file promptly, document everything, and retain copies of contracts, invoices, and correspondence.