Event Planning Permit Requirements in Baltimore, MD

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

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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 Report·1–7 business days (online)

   $100 LLC filing; $25 trade name; + $300/year SDAT Annual Report

   1–7 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–$25·Immediate (online)

   Free–$25

   Immediate (online)

1. Baltimore General Business License

   Baltimore City does not issue a generic business license for all businesses. Maryland business licensing runs through the state court system: businesses that sell goods need a traders license from the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City (fee based on average commercial inventory, $20-$2,125/year in Baltimore City per Md. Code, Bus. Reg. 17-1807). Most pure service businesses need no traders license. Baltimore City's Department of Finance issues only specific license types (e.g., late-night commercial operations, going-out-of-business sales), and location-based businesses need a DHCD use & occupancy permit.

   Official government source

   $0 general licensing for a pure event-planning service; traders license only if selling goods (Bus. Reg. 17-1807 scale)·1–2 weeks

   $0 general licensing for a pure event-planning service; traders license only if selling goods (Bus. Reg. 17-1807 scale)

   1–2 weeks

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

   Events using Baltimore City parks, streets, or plazas require a Special Event Permit administered through the Department of Transportation (apply online at least 6 weeks ahead); park events carry separate park fees. Event planners often file on the client's behalf; insurance typically required.

   Official government source

   Varies; $35 non-refundable application fee for private park events, plus park impact/venue fees (other event fees unverified)·2–6 weeks (apply at least 30 days in advance for most events; 60+ days for large events)

   Varies; $35 non-refundable application fee for private park events, plus park impact/venue fees (other event fees unverified)

   2–6 weeks (apply at least 30 days in advance for most events; 60+ days for large events)

3. Baltimore City Temporary Use / Special Event Permit (if applicable)

   Large outdoor events on private property within Baltimore City require a Temporary Event Permit from DHCD (temporary events and structures on private property). Events outside the city, in Baltimore County, fall under Baltimore County's separate permitting.

   Official government source

   Per DHCD fee schedule (unverified)·2–4 weeks

   Per DHCD fee schedule (unverified)

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Baltimore Business Licensing
• Maryland Secretary of State — Business Registration
• IRS EIN Application

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