Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, MD

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Maryland (6% state rate; Maryland has no local sales taxes). Retail product sales are taxable. Some services are also taxable — notably cleaning of a COMMERCIAL or industrial building (janitorial/commercial cleaning) under Md. Tax-General §11-101(m): commercial cleaning businesses must collect 6% on the service itself, while residential cleaning is not taxable. Sales of photographs (portrait/wedding) are taxable as tangible personal property. Registration with the Comptroller of Maryland is free.

   Official government source for Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online via bFile)

   Free

   Immediate (online via bFile)

1. Maryland State Board of Electricians — Master Electrician License

   Electricians performing electrical work in Maryland must be licensed by the Maryland State Board of Electricians (formerly the Board of Master Electricians). A Master Electrician license requires passing a state exam and documented experience; journeyperson and apprentice electricians are also licensed statewide.

   Official government source for Maryland State Board of Electricians — Master Electrician License (opens in a new tab)

   $25 initial application; $31.50 renewal (exam fee paid separately to the testing service)·4–8 weeks

   $25 initial application; $31.50 renewal (exam fee paid separately to the testing service)

   4–8 weeks

2. Montgomery County — No General Business License (activity-specific licenses only)

   Silver Spring is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, so all local permits come from the county. Neither Maryland nor Montgomery County requires a general business license. Only specific activities are licensed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court License Department — e.g., retail sales require a Trader's License; garages, vending machines, and construction have their own licenses. Most service businesses need no county business license; confirm any activity-specific license with the Clerk's License Department (licenses expire April 30 annually).

   Official government source for Montgomery County — No General Business License (activity-specific licenses only) (opens in a new tab)

   $0 for most businesses; Trader's License (retail only) fee varies by inventory value·Not applicable for most businesses; Trader's License typically issued within days

   $0 for most businesses; Trader's License (retail only) fee varies by inventory value

   Not applicable for most businesses; Trader's License typically issued within days

3. Montgomery County / Silver Spring Electrical Permit (per project)

   An electrical permit must be obtained from the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) for each electrical project; Silver Spring is unincorporated and has no separate city building department. Permits are applied for online via DPS ePermits by a licensed Maryland master electrician, and required inspections must be passed upon completion.

   Official government source for Montgomery County / Silver Spring Electrical Permit (per project) (opens in a new tab)

   Minimum permit fee $111.94 (one- and two-family dwellings) or $186.56 (all other electrical permits), plus equipment-based fees — FY27 DPS fee schedule effective July 1, 2026·1–5 business days

   Minimum permit fee $111.94 (one- and two-family dwellings) or $186.56 (all other electrical permits), plus equipment-based fees — FY27 DPS fee schedule effective July 1, 2026

   1–5 business days

Official Sources

• Maryland Board for Master Electricians — Master Electrician License
• Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services

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