Licensing and Regulatory

State License Bureau

I. POLICY

The State License Bureau (SLB) is responsible for administering, monitoring, and enforcing the use of business licenses in Maryland and refers to any State of Maryland Business License that is required under Title 17 of the Business Regulation Article, to be obtained, before certain business types may operate in the State. These licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for each county throughout the State and Baltimore City. The licenses are valid between May 1st and April 30th of the following year. Examples of these license types include Traders, Chain, Restaurant, Vending, Construction, Exhibitor Affidavits, etc. Businesses are also required to open a sales and use tax account with the Comptroller in addition to registering with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

SLB provides each Clerk of the Court with serialized license materials (stickers/tags) for transient vendors and cigarette and vending machines before April 1st of each year.

SLB reviews new business licenses for accuracy and monitors monthly statistical data relevant to the number of business licenses issued by the Clerks of the Court, including monitoring data contained in the Judiciary’s E-license system relevant to delinquent licenses (businesses with tax liabilities).

Field Enforcement Bureau Agents will periodically notify the State License Bureau of any businesses that are no longer operating (out of business) or conflicting information/errors discovered on a Business License.

II. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for business licenses are located on the FEB network drive in the SOP folder.

III. CANCELLATION

None.

The following regulations govern State License Bureau activities:

  • Business Regulation, Title 17.