Event Planning Permit Requirements in Annapolis, MD

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

Updated 2026-03-16 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. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

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 General Business License

    Event planning businesses operating in Annapolis must obtain a general business license from the city. The application requires your business entity information, primary business address, and description of services. If you work primarily from home coordinating events elsewhere, a home occupation permit may also be required. Renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $30–$150/year1–2 weeks

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

    When coordinating events that use Annapolis public parks, streets, plazas, or other public venues, a Special Event Permit is required from the city. As the event planner, you may be responsible for obtaining this permit on behalf of your client. Permit requirements typically include event details, expected attendance, proof of general liability insurance ($1M minimum), and sometimes a site plan or traffic management plan.

    Official government source

    $50–$500 depending on event size, venue, and city fee schedule2–6 weeks (apply at least 30 days in advance for most events; 60+ days for large events)

  3. Anne Arundel County Temporary Use / Special Event Permit (if applicable)

    Events held on unincorporated Anne Arundel County land outside city limits, or large outdoor events on private property in the county, may require a Temporary Use Permit from the county. This is separate from any city permit. Requirements include proof of insurance, site plan, and sanitation provisions for large gatherings.

    $75–$3502–4 weeks

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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Official Sources

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