How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in Maryland

Maryland does not issue its own adjuster license for independent or staff adjusters. There is no state-level licensing requirement for adjusters working in Maryland, and the state does not offer a public adjuster license either.

Despite the absence of a state license, most independent adjusting firms and insurance carriers require adjusters to hold a license from a Designated Home State (DHS). A DHS license demonstrates professional competency and is necessary for obtaining non-resident licenses in states that do require adjuster licensing. The most common DHS choices are:

• Florida — Popular for its streamlined process and broad reciprocity
• Texas — Popular for its pre-licensing course exam exemption

Since Maryland does not issue its own adjuster license, there are no state-mandated pre-licensing education requirements. However, if you pursue a DHS license from another state, you will need to meet that state's pre-licensing requirements. For example, Texas requires a 40-hour pre-licensing course, while Florida requires 40 hours for public adjusters but none for all-lines adjusters.

1. Choose a Designated Home State for your adjuster license (Florida and Texas are the most common choices)
2. Complete that state's licensing requirements (exam, pre-licensing education if required, application, and fees)
3. Obtain your DHS license
4. Use your DHS license to apply for non-resident licenses in states where you want to work
5. Register with independent adjusting firms to get on their deployment rosters

Maryland has no continuing education requirements for adjusters because it does not issue the license. Your CE obligations are determined entirely by your DHS state. Florida and Texas both require 24 hours of CE every 2 years.

Since Maryland does not issue adjuster licenses, reciprocity is managed through your DHS state. A Florida or Texas home state license provides access to non-resident licensing in most other states that require adjuster licensing.

• Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA)
• NIPR — National Insurance Producer Registry

Maryland's DC/Baltimore metropolitan area represents a significant urban insurance market with substantial property, auto, and liability claims volume. The state's eastern counties along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast have exposure to hurricanes, tropical storms, and coastal flooding. While no state license is needed to adjust claims in Maryland, obtaining a DHS license is essential for building a career as an independent adjuster and gaining access to multistate deployment opportunities.