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What if the MHIC lookup shows your old business name?

Short answer. Your MHIC records are out of date. If you moved from a sole proprietorship to an LLC, the LLC needs its own license, so apply for it, update your records under COMAR 09.08.01.11, and be upfront with the client.

  • COMAR 09.08.01.11
  • COMAR 09.08.01.04

Work it through

You're the contractor. Pick what you'd do, then see how each choice plays out.

A potential client says they verified your MHIC license online but the website shows your license under a different business name — your old sole proprietorship before you formed the LLC.

"The names don't match. Are you really licensed?"

  1. Honest response

    If you changed business structures (sole prop to LLC) without updating MHIC records, you're technically in violation of COMAR 09.08.01.11 (duty to notify of changes) and potentially 09.08.01.04 (corporate licensing). The LLC needs its own MHIC license. Fix this immediately — apply for the corporate license and update your records. In the meantime, transparency with the client is the right approach.

  2. Wrong

    Changing from a sole proprietorship to an LLC isn't a 'name change' — it's a different legal entity. Under COMAR 09.08.01.04, the LLC needs its own MHIC license with a qualifying individual. Operating the LLC under the sole proprietorship's license is a violation. Get this fixed before it becomes a complaint.

All 10 mhic licensing & renewal questions

  1. What should a new MHIC contractor do before the first job?
  2. What happens if your contractor liability insurance lapses in Maryland?
  3. How do you meet the MHIC financial solvency requirement at renewal?
  4. What does the MHIC require to renew a contractor license?
  5. Do you need to update your MHIC license when you form an LLC?
  6. Do you have to tell the MHIC when your business address changes?
  7. What if the MHIC lookup shows your old business name?
  8. Why does the MHIC review your credit report?
  9. Can unpaid supplier bills put your MHIC license at risk?
  10. How should a contractor respond to an MHIC compliance audit?