Event Planning Permit Requirements in Annapolis, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a event planning in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Verified 2026-08-28 6 stops $200–$700 est. 2–4 weeks to obtain business license and state registrations; allow 4–8 weeks if you need special event permits for client events in public spaces
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if operating as a business entity (LLC or corporation) or if you have employees. Free from the IRS. You will need an EIN to open a business bank account and sign vendor contracts professionally.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Maryland

2 stops

  1. Maryland Business Registration

    Register with SDAT via Maryland Business Express (LLC Articles of Organization $100; trade name $25, filed with SDAT — not a county clerk). All Maryland LLCs/corporations must also file the SDAT Annual Report each year ($300, due April 15).

    Official government source

    $100 LLC filing; $25 trade name; + $300/year SDAT Annual Report1–7 business days (online)

  2. Maryland Sales Tax Permit (if applicable)

    Event planning coordination services are not subject to Maryland sales tax. If you sell taxable tangible goods (decorations, floral arrangements, supplies), you must register with the Comptroller of Maryland (free) and collect the 6% sales tax on those goods.

    Official government source

    Free–$25Immediate (online)

City of Annapolis / Anne Arundel County

3 stops

  1. Annapolis — No General Business License Required

    Neither the City of Annapolis nor the State of Maryland requires a general business license for an event planning business. Annapolis licenses only specific activities (peddlers/mobile vendors, bed-and-breakfasts, rental housing, trade contractors) through the City Clerk and Licenses & Permits Division. Businesses selling goods need a Maryland trader's license from the Anne Arundel County Clerk of the Circuit Court, and opening a commercial space in Annapolis requires a Certificate of Use from Planning and Zoning.

    Official government source

    $0 — no general business license exists; activity-specific licenses, if applicable, have their own feesNot applicable

  2. Annapolis Special Event Permit (for events in public spaces)

    When coordinating events that use Annapolis public streets, parks, or other public property, a Special Event Application must be submitted through the city's Citizen Self Service portal (css.annapolis.gov) and is reviewed by each involved city department; city park reservations go through the Department of Recreation and Parks (410-263-7958). As the event planner, you may handle the application for your client. Insurance and lead-time requirements vary by event — confirm with the special events coordinator (410-263-7996).

    Official government source

    Fees vary by event size and city services required — confirm with the cityApply well in advance; review involves multiple departments

  3. Anne Arundel County Special Events Permit (if applicable)

    Events in Anne Arundel County outside Annapolis city limits need a county Special Events Permit when they expect 500 or more attendees and use public streets, rights-of-way, county waters, or other public property, or will obstruct traffic or require county services beyond normal operations. Private events on private property not open to the public are exempt. The permit is issued by the county Department of Inspections and Permits, Licensing Division; tents and associated trade permits may need separate permits.

    Official government source

    Service charges based on required county personnel, equipment, and inspections; $100 late fee if filed within 90 days of the eventApply no later than 90 days (and no earlier than 1 year) before the event; county review takes up to 30 business days

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$700 · 2–4 weeks to obtain business license and state registrations; allow 4–8 weeks if you need special event permits for client events in public spaces

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