Many businesses must be licensed through the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court. Whether a business must obtain a license from the Clerk depends upon the nature of the business, and can sometimes be a complex question. If you are considering opening a business in Washington County, or have questions about the licensing requirements for your existing business, please contact the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at (301) 790-7991 Ext. 1 to determine what, if any, license you need to obtain from us.
The licenses issued by this office are:
- Construction (does not cover home improvement work)
- Garages (storage of motor vehicles)
- Junk Dealers and Scrap Metal Processors
- Laundries and Dry Cleaners
- Peddler:
Foot Peddler
Motor Vehicle Peddler - Plumbers
- Restaurant
- Storage Warehouse
- Tobacco Sales:
Cigarette
Special Cigarette
Other Tobacco Products - Traders and Chain Stores (includes retail and wholesale)
- Vending Machines
Zoning Requirements !!!
The County and each of the municipalities have certain codes regarding building permits (if you are modifying your business space), zoning, and “change of use” permits (if the prior use of your location differed from your intended use) that must be met before commencing your business. Before investing time and money in the property you plan to use, please contact either the Washington County Permitting Department or, if your business will be located within the boundaries of one of the County’s nine incorporated towns, the Town, to ensure the property is zoned appropriately for your intended use and to learn of any specific zoning restrictions that may apply to the property. Points of contact are as follows:
| City of Hagerstown: | 301-739-8577 x138; [email protected] |
| Town of Boonsboro: | 301-432-5141; [email protected] |
| Town of Clear Spring | 301-842-2252; [email protected] (note: the _ after "clear") |
| Town of Funkstown | 301-791-0948; [email protected] |
| Town of Hancock | 301-678-5622; [email protected] |
| Town of Keedysville | 301-432-5795; [email protected] |
| Town of Sharpsburg | 301-432-4428; [email protected] |
| Town of Smithsburg | 301-991-3502; [email protected] |
| Town of Williamsport | 301-223-7711; [email protected] (note: the _ after "planning") |
| Washington County | Permitting Department; 240-313-2460; [email protected] |
More Information on Licenses
For more information on business licenses and opening a Maryland business, please visit the following sites:
- Maryland Business Resources (includes startup information and an alphabetized list of all State licenses and permits).
- Maryland Business Express Online Portal
- Comptroller of Maryland - Business Information and Services (includes business license tips, frequently asked questions, employer withholding information, tax registration).