Prince George's County Business License: DPIE Licenses, Use and Occupancy and Local Rules

Operating a business in Prince George's County means navigating multiple layers of licensing and permitting. The county's Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) handles many business licenses, but not all. Understanding which licenses the DPIE issues, which it doesn't, and where to find each requirement you need is essential before opening your doors. This guide walks you through Prince George's County business licensing step by step.

Disclaimer: This content is informational only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Licensing rules and fees change, and requirements vary by business type and location. Consult a qualified attorney or CPA for your specific situation, and always confirm details directly with the agencies listed below before proceeding.

What Prince George's County DPIE Actually Issues

The Prince George's County DPIE Licensing Center is the primary source for several county business licenses. However, the county does not issue all business licenses, and we could not confirm the full license list or fee schedule, so confirm both with the DPIE.

The DPIE does issue business licenses in these categories:

• Building contractors
• Mobile vendors
• Pawn dealers
• Secondhand dealers

Applications for these Prince George's County business licenses are submitted through the county's online system. We have not verified the full application requirements or fee schedule. Call the DPIE Licensing Center at 301-883-3840 to confirm which license types apply to your business, request an application, and ask about the current filing fee.

Equally important: the Prince George's County DPIE does not issue trader's licenses or commercial contractor licenses. Those come from the Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county. This distinction trips up many new business owners. If you need a trader's license in Prince George's County, contact your county Clerk's office, not DPIE.

Use and Occupancy Permits: Required at Your Specific Location

Beyond a business license, most businesses need a Use and Occupancy (U&O) permit. This permit is location-specific. It confirms that your proposed business use is allowed at your exact address and that the property meets all county safety, zoning, and operational requirements.

A business license and a Use and Occupancy permit are not interchangeable. The license covers a type of business activity. The permit says your specific location is approved for that use. You typically need both.

To obtain a Use and Occupancy permit for your Prince George's County location:

1. Identify the exact street address where you will operate
2. Verify that the zoning allows your business type (check with the county zoning office if unsure)
3. Ensure the building meets all safety and code requirements (the DPIE may inspect)
4. Gather required documentation, which may include proof of zoning compliance, a floor plan, or proof of ownership/lease
5. Submit your U&O application and fee to the DPIE
6. Receive written approval before occupying the space

Processing times vary by license type. Call 301-883-3840 to ask how long the U&O permit review typically takes for your business and to request an application.

Prince George's County Home Occupation Permits

If you plan to run your business from home, you may need a home occupation permit in addition to your business license. Home occupation rules vary by county, and the Prince George's County permit process and fee have not been verified. Home occupation rules in general often limit things such as:

• No external business sign or advertising visible from the street
• No client, customer, or visitor traffic beyond normal residential use
• No employees outside the immediate household working from the location
• No hazardous materials, equipment, or activities
• Business use limited to a portion of the home

Not all business types qualify for home operation. Service businesses, consulting, and freelance work often qualify. Retail, restaurants, and high-traffic operations typically do not. Contact the DPIE at 301-883-3840 to confirm whether your specific business can operate from home and what conditions would apply to your home occupation permit.

Building Permits and Contractor Licensing in Prince George's County

If your business involves construction, renovation, or building work, you need both a Prince George's County building permit and proper contractor licensing.

A Prince George's County building permit is required before any structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or similar work begins. The DPIE issues these permits and sends inspectors to verify that work meets the county building code. Building permits are not optional, and operating without one can result in fines and forced removal of unpermitted work.

For contractors, licensing requirements depend on the trade:

Building Contractors: Building contractor licenses in Prince George's County are issued by the DPIE through the online system. Call 301-883-3840 to confirm current requirements and fees.

Electricians and Electrical Work: Master electrician licensing details for Prince George's County are not fully verified at this time. Contact the DPIE at 301-883-3840 to confirm current electrician license requirements, whether you need a master electrician license, and the application process.

Plumbing and Plumbers: If you are a plumber working in the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) service area, which covers most of Prince George's County, WSSC, not the county DPIE, handles plumbing contractor requirements. Contact WSSC directly for plumbing licensing and permit requirements.

Trader's Licenses and General Business Operating Licenses: A trader's license is a state-law license for sellers of goods, issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, not the DPIE. It is not a general business operating license.

Alcoholic Beverage Licenses

If your business serves beer, wine, or liquor, such as a restaurant or bar, you need a Class B alcoholic beverage license from Prince George's County. Be aware of these key rules:

In 2022, an emergency law (HB 1050) raised the county cap on Class B licenses from 185 to 215 licenses. The annual license fee was listed as $2,305 as of that 2022 law. However, these figures have not been re-verified for 2026, and fees may have changed. Contact the Prince George's County Board of License Commissioners to confirm the current cap, the current annual fee, and any other requirements before applying.

Alcoholic beverage licensing in Maryland is complex. Requirements often include distance restrictions from schools and other licensed establishments, proof of proper training, and other conditions. Consult with the Board of License Commissioners or a licensing attorney who specializes in beverage licenses if you plan to serve alcohol.

Prince George's County Business Taxes and Recurring Costs

Beyond initial license and permit fees, your business in Prince George's County will face several ongoing taxes and costs. Budget for these from day one.

Business Personal Property Tax

If your business owns tangible personal property, equipment, vehicles, inventory, machinery, or furniture, you owe Prince George's County business personal property tax. The county rate is $2.50 per $100 of assessed property value. Property is assessed as of January 1 each year, and the Form 1 return is due to SDAT on April 15. Confirm the county billing and due dates with the county. Failure to report and pay can result in penalties and interest.

Local Income Tax

Prince George's County imposes a local income tax of 3.20% (calendar year 2026) on county residents. For sole proprietors and single-member LLCs, this tax applies to business profits in addition to Maryland's state income tax (which ranges from 2% to 6.5% depending on income). Combined state and local rates can reach 9.70% or higher.

Sales Tax

If you sell taxable goods or services, you must collect Maryland's 6% state sales tax. Prince George's County does not impose a separate county sales tax, but you must register for a Sales and Use Tax License through the Maryland Comptroller before you can legally sell taxable items.

County-Specific Taxes on Admissions and Hotels

If your business charges admission to entertainment, sports, or recreation events, Prince George's County imposes an admissions and amusement tax of 10% on top of the state sales tax. If you operate a hotel or short-term rental, the county imposes a 7% hotel tax on room charges. These are in addition to state sales tax and must be collected and remitted to the county.

Special Tax Exemption for UMD Discovery District

If your company qualifies as a tenant or tenant company in the UMD Discovery District, qualified companies may be exempt from the state's 3% information technology and data services tax. Review the Maryland Comptroller's Tax Bulletin 56 to determine if your company and business activities qualify for this exemption.

The Application Process: Step by Step

Getting licensed in Prince George's County involves several steps and multiple agencies. Here's the typical process:

1. Determine which licenses apply to you. Use this guide and call the DPIE at 301-883-3840 to confirm all required licenses for your business type. Ask whether you need a home occupation permit, a Use and Occupancy permit, a building permit, and/or a trader's license.
2. Check zoning compliance. Confirm that your proposed location and business use are permitted under county zoning rules. If you are unsure, contact the county zoning office.
3. Gather required documentation. This typically includes proof of identity, proof of business formation (articles of organization or incorporation from the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation), proof of address, proof of ownership or lease, and any trade-specific licenses or certifications (such as an electrician's license or contractor credentials).
4. Submit your application online or in person. The county encourages online application through its system. Provide all required documents and pay the application fee. Keep confirmation of submission for your records.
5. Coordinate with the DPIE for inspection if required. For a Use and Occupancy permit or building permit, the DPIE may conduct an on-site inspection. Ensure the property is ready and compliant when they arrive.
6. Receive your license and permits in writing. Do not assume you are approved until you hold the actual license document. Review all terms and conditions and note any renewal dates.
7. Plan for renewal. Ask the DPIE whether your license requires renewal and when. Mark your renewal date on your calendar and begin the renewal process before expiration to avoid operating without a valid license.

Processing times vary by license type and application complexity. Ask the DPIE for an estimate when you submit your application.

Key Contact Information

Prince George's County DPIE Licensing Center: 301-883-3840. This is your primary contact for county business licenses, Use and Occupancy permits, building permits, home occupation permits, and contractor licensing questions. Call before you apply to confirm requirements and current fees.

Clerk of the Circuit Court: Contact your county Clerk for trader's licenses and other licenses issued by the Circuit Court (not the DPIE).

Board of License Commissioners: For questions about alcoholic beverage licensing.

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT): For business personal property tax reporting, deadlines, and filing requirements.

Maryland Comptroller (Tax Service Division): For income tax, sales tax registration, and business tax questions.

Getting licensed to operate in Prince George's County requires time, careful attention to local rules, and direct contact with the agencies involved. Start early, ask questions, confirm all requirements before you spend money, and never assume a license is valid until you hold it in hand.

This content is informational. It does not constitute legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult a qualified attorney or CPA before launching your business.