Maryland Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

⚠️ Mixed Requirements: Maryland has both state-level electrical licensing and county-level restricted licenses for low voltage work. Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction.

Current Requirements (2024-2025)

Maryland's low voltage licensing is complex, with the state Board of Electricians issuing master, journeyman, and apprentice licenses, while individual counties maintain their own restricted license programs for low voltage work. As of 2024, the state has updated its licensing structure, replacing the Inactive Master Electrician status with Uninsured Master Electrician designation.

State-Level Licensing

The Maryland State Board of Electricians, operating under the Department of Labor, issues statewide electrical licenses. For low voltage work connected to building power, these licenses may be required:

Master Electrician License

Authorizes all electrical work including low voltage systems. Required for pulling permits and operating as an electrical contractor statewide.

Journeyman Electrician License

Allows electrical work under master electrician supervision, including low voltage installations.

County-Level Restricted Licenses

Many Maryland counties offer restricted licenses specifically for low voltage work:

Restricted Low Voltage License

Authorizes installation, maintenance, and repair of low voltage equipment and wiring operating at 50 volts or less. Available in select counties including Baltimore, Montgomery, and Prince George's.

Key Requirements:

Voltage Threshold: 50 volts or less for restricted licenses
Geographic Limits: County licenses valid only within issuing county
License Duration: 2 years (biennial renewal)
Statewide Authority: Only state master/journeyman licenses

Systems and Work Covered

Restricted License Authorized Work:

Security Systems: Burglar alarms, intrusion detection
Access Control: Card readers, electronic locks
CCTV/Surveillance: Camera systems, recording equipment
Fire Alarms: Detection and notification systems
Communications: Intercom, nurse call, paging
Data/Telecommunications: Voice and data cabling
Audio/Video: Sound systems, home theater
Low Voltage Lighting: Under 50 volts

Important Note:

Work requiring connection to building electrical systems over 50 volts typically requires a state electrical license, not just a county restricted license.

License Requirements - State Level

Master Electrician Requirements

Experience: 7 years with 4 years as journeyman
Education: May substitute for some experience
Examination: Pass master electrician exam
Insurance: Required for active status

County Restricted License Requirements (Example: Baltimore County)

Experience: 3 years in the trade
Supervisory: 2 years supervising electrical work
Documentation: Affidavits from licensed electricians
Examination: County-specific restricted license exam

Financial Requirements

State License Fees:

Master Electrician Application: $100
Master License Fee: $150 (biennial)
Journeyman Application: $50
Journeyman License: $75 (biennial)

County Restricted License (Baltimore County Example):

New Restricted License: $130
Renewal: $130 (biennial)
Expiration: June 30 of even-numbered years

Major County Requirements

Baltimore County

Restricted license available for 50V or less
3 years experience required
Biennial renewal on June 30 of even years
$130 fee for new license and renewal

Montgomery County

Low voltage specialty license available
Separate fire alarm endorsement
Local examination required

Prince George's County

Limited electrician license for low voltage
Specific requirements for telecommunications
Fire alarm systems require additional certification

ESA Certification Option

The Electronic Security Association (ESA) certification may be recognized by some Maryland jurisdictions:

National certification program
May satisfy some local requirements
Check with specific county for acceptance

Legal Authority

Maryland Code, Business Occupations and Professions § 6-101: Master Electricians
COMAR 09.06.01: Board of Master Electricians Regulations
County Codes: Vary by jurisdiction (Baltimore County Code § 17-3-101, etc.)
Maryland Department of Labor: State licensing authority

Important Considerations

Jurisdiction Shopping: Cannot use county license outside issuing county
Fire Marshal Approval: Required for fire alarm systems
Permit Requirements: Vary significantly by county
Home Rule Counties: May have unique requirements
2024 Update: Inactive Master status replaced with Uninsured Master designation

Contact Information

Maryland State Board of Electricians
Department of Labor
500 North Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 230-6163
Email: dloplmasterelectricians-LABOR@maryland.gov
Website: www.labor.maryland.gov/license/elec

Baltimore County (Example)
Permits and Inspections
111 W. Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
Phone: (410) 887-3351
Website: www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Renewal and Continuing Education

State License Term: 2 years (biennial)
County License Term: Typically 2 years, varies by county
Continuing Education: 10 hours for master electrician renewal
Code Updates: Must include current NEC changes
Online Renewal: Available for state licenses

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Maryland has a complex multi-jurisdictional licensing system with significant variations between counties. Always verify current requirements with both the Maryland Department of Labor and the specific county where you plan to work before beginning any project. Last updated: January 2025.

Last updated: January 2025

Low Voltage License Maryland