Description

Maryland's Business License Information System (BLIS), is an Internet-based system that helps business owners determine which State permits and licenses are required to operate their business. The system also gives comprehensive information and contacts for all of Maryland's occupational licenses, as well as helpful links to other business-related sites throughout the State. In the past, a businessperson would need to contact numerous agencies and consultants to identify the types of licenses and permits needed to do business. Now, all this information can be accessed through BLIS.

How BLIS Works

BLIS may be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via the Internet. To operate the system, a customer first identifies the type of business they operate or plan to operate. BLIS then asks you to narrow the business category by selecting a sub-category. Based on the information supplied, BLIS then creates a list of permits and licenses that may be needed to operate that particular business. From the list of permits and licenses, the customer may access a fact sheet on each permit or license type that describes the purpose of the license, the method and length of time needed to obtain the license, fees, a contact person and telephone number to call regarding the license, and other important information. Also, BLIS connects customers with electronic application forms where applicable to be downloaded and BLIS enables customers to apply for certain permits and licenses on-line. BLIS is a valuable tool for Maryland businesses because it saves businesses time and money and it makes permitting predictable.