trust
How to verify a Maryland small business before you hire them (2026 checklist)
Six-step checklist using Maryland state registries (SDAT, DLLR, MIA, BBB), federal sources, and review platforms to verify a Maryland contractor before you pay them a deposit.
## Why Maryland business verification matters
In the Maryland DC suburbs, you have more small contractors per square mile than almost anywhere else in the country. That density is good — competitive pricing and high quality. It also means there are more unlicensed operators and short-lived LLCs.
Frequently asked questions
Why Maryland business verification matters
In the Maryland DC suburbs, you have more small contractors per square mile than almost anywhere else in the country. That density is good — competitive pricing and high quality. It also means there are more unlicensed operators and short-lived LLCs.
Step 1: Maryland SDAT lookup (mandatory)
Every Maryland LLC, corporation, partnership, and trade-name is recorded by SDAT.
Step 2: Maryland DLLR verification (trade-specific)
Maryland DLLR regulates trade licensing:
Step 3: Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA)
https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/Producer-Lookup.aspx
Step 4: Federal verification
- EIN on W-9 - SAM.gov for federal contract work - Better Business Bureau
Step 5: Review platforms
- Google Business Profile - Yelp - Angi (home services) - Nextdoor - Houzz - Facebook reviews
Step 6: Communication and physical verification
- Real local physical office? - Maryland local phone number? - Maryland addresses + images on website? - Local references? - Maryland vehicle plates?
Common Maryland verification failures
- "Maryland handyman" without Home Improvement Commission license - Out-of-state contractor without SDAT registration - "Maryland business" with no SDAT listing
What to do
If a contractor is unlicensed, pause payments, document, file complaint (DLLR), contact AG Consumer Protection 1-888-743-0023.
Related
- Maryland SDAT: https://dat.maryland.gov - Maryland DLLR: https://www.dllr.state.md.us - Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection: https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD
Also from the 301 Business Directory network
301 is part of the Good AiDeas network of small-business directories. If you're researching service businesses across the DC area, these sister sites cover the rest: