How Do I Get a Business License?

Please note the following updates due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

The Comptroller of Maryland’s processing of business licenses is being delayed to April 1, 2022 at the earliest. The Circuit Court will mail out business licenses as soon as they are received from the Comptroller’s Office.

Applying for a Business License

Any new business in Montgomery County must complete the following steps before its license is issued:

  1. Register your business and establish the legal entity with the Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation 410-767-1184.
  2. Download instructions and forms required for starting a new business in Maryland from the Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation.
  3. Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number from the IRS.
  4. File your combined registration form with the Comptroller of the Treasury to establish your tax accounts.
  5. Call 800-MDTAXES to open a Use & Sales Tax account with the Comptroller's Office.
  6. Register the trade name of your business with the Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation. Download the instructions for the trade name application and related form from the Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation.
  7. Learn about state and county licenses through the Business License Information System.

Filing a Business License Application in the License Department

To get a business license in Montgomery County, the following information must be provided in person or by mail:

  • Trade Name (Optional if registered)
  • Corporation/Owner’s Name
  • Type of Business
  • Location address and/or mailing address of the Business
  • Federal Tax ID or Social Security Number
  • Worker’s Compensation Number
  • Amount of Inventory

File the Application in person, between 8:30am and 3:15pm, at the License Department or mail/fax it to:

Montgomery County Circuit Court License Department
50 Maryland Avenue, North Tower 1st floor, Rm 1300
Rockville, MD 20850

Fax: 240-777-9451

Only the owner, officer, or partner can sign the business license if it is a corporation. If there are no employees, the owner also signs in the designated area. The License Department cannot process unsigned applications and will return them.

Download Application in English (PDF)

Download the Informacion Necesario Para Su Licencia de Negocio (PDF)

Man standing outside his store

The Clerk’s Office issues approximately 15,000 business licenses each year. These licenses include:

  • Traders (Retail Stores, Wholesale Car Dealers, Chain Stores)
  • Construction (New Homes and Commercial Buildings)
  • Garages
  • Junk Dealers
  • Laundry/Dry Cleaners
  • Plumbers and Gas Fitters
  • Storage Warehouses
  • Trade Shows (3 or more)
  • Vending Machines
  • Video, Pinball Games
  • Cigarettes ($125 fee + $2.00 issuing fee)
  • Other Tobacco Products (Tobacconist)

Additional Important Information about Business Licenses

Not Seeing What You Are Looking For? Need Some Help?

View
Our FAQs
Give Us
a Call