How long does it take to register a business in Maryland?

Processing times vary: 5-7 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in Maryland?

Yes, most cities in Maryland require a general business license. Requirements vary by location and industry. Contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific requirements.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in Maryland?

The LLC filing fee is $100. Annual fees are $300. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $500.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within Maryland. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the Maryland Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

Maryland Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your Maryland LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to Maryland businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for Maryland

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in Maryland?

$100

Filing Fee

5-7

Processing (days)

620K

Total Businesses

75K/yr

New Businesses

Proximity to Washington DC

Leading biotech and cybersecurity hub

Highly educated workforce

Access to federal contracts

Starting a Business in Maryland

Top Cities for Business

Baltimore585,708
Columbia104,681
Germantown89,529
Silver Spring81,015
Waldorf77,368

Popular Industries

Biotechnology
Cybersecurity
Healthcare
Federal Government
Finance

Cost to Start a Business in Maryland

LLC Filing Fee$100

Annual Report Fee$300/year

Name Reservation (optional)$25 for 30 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$500

Processing time: 5-7 business days

Maryland Tax Overview

Maryland has income tax rates from 2-5.75% plus county taxes. Corporate tax is 8.25%. Sales tax is 6%.

Maryland Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance

Business Name Ideas for Maryland

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Chesapeake Table
Maryland Cuisine
Baltimore Kitchen
Local Dining
Bay Area Eats
Fresh Flavors

barbershop

Baltimore Cuts
Premium Grooming
Chesapeake Barbers
Classic Style
Maryland Shave
Expert Service

construction

Maryland Builders
Quality Construction
Chesapeake Build
Building MD
Baltimore Construction
Trusted Partners

consulting

Baltimore Strategy
Business Growth
Chesapeake Advisors
Strategic Solutions
Maryland Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

Maryland Mercantile
Local Goods
Chesapeake Market
Quality Products
Baltimore Supply
Premium Retail

Home Services

Maryland Home Care
Complete Solutions
Chesapeake Services
Professional Care
Baltimore Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

Baltimore Tech Labs
Innovation
Chesapeake Digital
Tech Solutions
Maryland Software
Custom Development

healthcare

Maryland Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Chesapeake Medical
Patient Care
Baltimore Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

Maryland Properties
Dream Homes
Chesapeake Realty
Expert Service
Baltimore Living
Premium Properties

fitness

Baltimore Fitness
Peak Performance
Chesapeake Strong
Community Fitness
Maryland Athletics
Elite Training

Official Maryland Business Resources

Maryland SDAT

Business registration

Comptroller of Maryland

Tax information

Maryland SBDC

Business counseling

How to Register a Business in Maryland

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your Maryland LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Annual Report + Personal Property Return ($300)
Maintain resident agent
Pay state taxes
Obtain local licenses

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for Maryland Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your Maryland Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the Maryland Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.