Transient Lodging (Hotels and Bed & Breakfast)
| Licensing & Permit Process
A hotel is a building or portion of a building where, for compensation, lodging or lodging and meals are provided or offered to three or more transient visitors. The definition of a hotel includes motel but not bed & breakfast.
A bed and breakfast is a detached house that is owner occupied with no more than five guest rooms for rent and customarily serves breakfast to guests. A bed and breakfast is not a short-term residential rental.
The owner, operator or responsible manager of a hotel or bed & breakfast must obtain a transient lodging license.
For assistance with services, email HHSMail@montgomerycountymd.gov
When must one obtain a Transient Lodging (Hotels and Bed & Breakfast) License?
A transient lodging license must be obtained for each hotel or bed and breakfast prior to operating in Montgomery County. This license does not apply in Chevy Chase Village, Town of Chevy Chase, City of Gaithersburg, Town of Garrett Park, Town of Kensington, Town of Laytonsville, Town of Poolesville, City of Rockville, Town of Somerset, and Town of Washington Grove.
How does one obtain a Transient Lodging (Hotels and Bed & Breakfast) License? Are there any fees?
Any person desiring to operate a Transient Lodging (Hotels and Bed & Breakfast) Facilities in Montgomery County must obtain a license. A license must be obtained before operating a Transient Lodging facility. See the Montgomery County 2022 Fee schedule to determine fees that may apply.
What is the process for applying for a Transient Lodging (Hotels and Bed & Breakfast) License?
- Apply online and submit the application and the fee.
- Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.
- The application and attachments will be reviewed and the license issued.
- An inspection must be passed prior to the transient lodging license being issued.
Transient Lodging Process Guide
2. Review
- Have a Plan: to ensure we can process your documentation properly - you must have a plan. - Describe plan type.
- Review: be sure to double check all of your paperwork to ensure faster processing time.
- Submit online: We now offer an easy online form powered by Seamless Docs - (Seamless Docs sign up and documentation). We provide online applications to decrease the use of paper and our impact on the environment. PDF applications should be mailed to Licensure & Regulatory Services office (2425 Reedie Drive, 9th floor, Wheaton, MD 20902) or faxed to 240-777-3088.
3. Approval
If approved you will hear back us within 10 - 14 business days. The final part of the process will be to find the inspector specific to your area.
-
- 240-777-3986