The effort to maintain a healthy local business environment is a major team effort. Each newsletter this year, we plan to spotlight one of the support organizations that helps provide critical guidance to our community’s businesses. Beyond putting faces to names, we’ll also share some insider tips on how to best take advantage of their resources.
This month, we invite you to:
Meet: the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court for Frederick County
The Clerk of the Court, Sandra Dalton, is a locally-elected State official with the responsibilities established and regulated by the laws of Maryland and the Rules of the Supreme Court of Maryland. Since 1658, the office of Clerk of Court has provided the citizens of Maryland with a variety of essential services. The revenue collected by the clerks for these services is distributed to city, county, and state governments.
Each year the Clerk's office files, processes and maintains civil, criminal and juvenile actions. The Clerk's office records land deeds, mortgages, plats, conveyances and other precious documents. The Clerk administers oaths of office to Notaries Public, County officials, Judges and Governor appointees. The Clerk also issues business and marriage licenses and performs civil marriage ceremonies.
Working with Businesses
Many business licenses may be obtained from the Clerks of the Circuit Court. Last fiscal year alone, local staff helped process and issue licenses for over 3,000 businesses across Frederick County!
These licenses include (in order of frequency issued) :
Trader’s License
Chain Store License
Restaurant License
Cigarette & Special Retail Cigarette License
Other Tobocca Product Retailer & Tobacconist License
Electronic Smoking Device Retailer/Retailer Vape Shop Vendor
Construction Firm License
Out-of-State Contractor License
Cleaning, Dyeing, Pressing, and Laundering License
Junk Dealer or Scrap Metal Processor’s License
Micro Market License
Peddler’s License
Storage Warehouse License
Vending Machines
Amusement Machine/ Operator’s License
For New Businesses
A sizeable portion of those contacting the office are new business owners. The team takes pride in helping answer questions and demystifying the process for those taking on the challenge of launching their first business.
If you are considering opening a business in Frederick, please contact the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at (301) 600-1965 to determine whether you need to obtain a license through the organization.
Some Helpful Tips:
To obtain one of the above licenses, all businesses - whether a sole proprietorship or corporate/LLC/etc. owned - must first be registered with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).
All businesses applying for a trader’s license should be prepared to provide their Sales & Use Tax Number (available through the State’s Comptroller Office).
Businesses will also be asked for their Federal Tax Number (or SSN in cases of Sole Proprietors).
Businesses that plan to have employees must provide their Workman’s Compensation Policy # (or Certificate of Compliance if not required.)
Remember, obtaining one of the above licenses is not the only step of approval needed for your business to legally operate. As examples — a restaurant must also obtain a Food Service Facility license from the Frederick County Health Department; you or professionals you hire may need individual occupational and professional licenses; and every business must meet local Land Management & Code requirements (such as obtaining local vendor/peddlers permits, building permits and/or a Certificate of Occupancy).
Need help navigating the rest of the Start Up process?
Maryland Business Express - The State of Maryland offers step-by-step guidance for opening your business, from registering to purchasing insurance, and everything in between.
Maryland Licensing One Stop Portal: Included in the resource mentioned above, the State has also created an online licensing portal which allows you to register for licenses and permits issued by state agencies (such as mechanic licenses, real estate and home inspection registrations, and insurance licenses).
The City of Frederick Start Up Guide- The City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development team can also help walk you through any relevant local regulations and resources. Explore their website or schedule a meeting to discuss more here.
For Existing Businesses
Existing businesses are reminded that licenses issued by the Clerk of Court’s office are required to be renewed on an annual basis. License renewal occurs each spring. Existing licenses holders should receive a reminder for application in the mail.
Questions? The Office of the Clerk of Court loves helping existing businesses too! Contact their team at (301) 600-1965.
Looking to start or grow a business in Frederick?
Schedule a meeting with The City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development to learn more about local resources and processes.