HVAC Contractor Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, MD

1. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification

   Federal law requires all HVAC technicians who purchase or handle refrigerants to be certified under EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Certification is available in Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), and Universal categories. Certification is obtained through an EPA-approved testing organization such as ESCO Institute or NATE.

   Official government source

   $20–$60 (exam fee)·1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

   $20–$60 (exam fee)

   1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors — HVACR License

   HVAC/R contractors in Maryland must be licensed by the State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (Maryland Department of Labor) under Business Regulation Article 9A and COMAR 09.15 — not primarily by MHIC. Licensing is tiered (apprentice, journeyman, master, limited) with experience-hour and exam requirements. Contractors who sign or approve HVACR contracts must carry general liability insurance of at least $300,000 and property damage coverage of at least $100,000, with the Board named as certificate holder.

   Official government source

   Set by the HVACR Board (tiered licenses) — confirm current fees; MHIC ($281.25) applies only if the firm separately does home-improvement work·6–10 weeks

   Set by the HVACR Board (tiered licenses) — confirm current fees; MHIC ($281.25) applies only if the firm separately does home-improvement work

   6–10 weeks

1. Montgomery County — Mechanical Permit

   Silver Spring operates under Montgomery County jurisdiction. HVAC contractors must obtain a mechanical permit from the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services for each installation or replacement project, applying online; plans and Manual J calculations are required for some work, and inspections must be passed.

   Official government source

   Minimum permit fee $80.84 (one- and two-family dwellings) or $130.59 (all other mechanical permits), plus equipment fees such as $28.61 per 100 MBH of heating or per five tons of cooling — FY27 DPS fee schedule·One-for-one replacements issued immediately online; applications needing plan review generally within 3 business days

   Minimum permit fee $80.84 (one- and two-family dwellings) or $130.59 (all other mechanical permits), plus equipment fees such as $28.61 per 100 MBH of heating or per five tons of cooling — FY27 DPS fee schedule

   One-for-one replacements issued immediately online; applications needing plan review generally within 3 business days

Official Sources

• Montgomery County Permitting Services
• Maryland Home Improvement Commission

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