Which permits does your market need?
Pick your city or county, tell us whether you'll have food, use public space, or set up tents and cooking, and get the permits that apply to you and your vendors, with fees, deadlines and official links. Covers 225 US cities and counties.
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Tell us about your event.
Permits for your market in Baltimore County, MD.
In Baltimore County, MD, a for-profit vendor market or craft show needs a Public Exhibition License (apply to Permits, Approvals and Inspections 60 days ahead); nonprofit events use a free Gathering Permit filed 14 days ahead. Food vendors need a County Health temporary permit, and vendors need Maryland trader's and sales tax licenses.
Not shown, based on your answers: parks and public space, fire safety, tents and cooking, food vendors. See everything for Baltimore County.
Event permit.
Public Exhibition License (temporary event)
File the application with a detailed site plan for outdoor events, the event organizer's details, estimated attendance and three recent events. A License Agreement (Right of Entry License) is required for events on County-owned property, and events at Recreation and Parks facilities follow that department's rules.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections; issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court
- When
- For-profit events with public entertainment, performance or exhibition of any kind, including the craft shows, antique, expo and trade shows listed on the form. Events run by nonprofits use the Nonprofit Gathering Permit instead.
- Fee
- $177.00 for a one-day or consecutive-dates temporary event (form Rev 5/2023)
- Timing
- Application must be filed at least 60 calendar days before the event
Nonprofit Gathering Permit
Outdoor events need a detailed site plan, and a copy of the permit goes to the Police Department. The form says there is no fee for the permit but other fees and services may apply.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections
- When
- Public entertainment, picnics and gatherings held by a nonprofit person, club, association or corporation, indoors or outdoors, with or without admission, including festivals, fundraisers and block parties. Not for gatherings in private residences.
- Fee
- No fee for the permit (other fees may apply)
- Timing
- Submit at least 14 calendar days before the event
Vendor and business licenses.
Trader's License (or Exhibitor's Affidavit)
The Comptroller says a trader's license from the Clerk of the Circuit Court and a sales tax account are required, with a license year of May 1 to April 30. Baltimore County's Permits office says to request business licenses through Maryland Business Express or the Clerk at 410-887-2607. Fees are not listed on this page.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Baltimore County Clerk of the Circuit Court (statewide rules enforced by the Comptroller's License Bureau)
- When
- Anyone selling goods in Maryland other than a grower or manufacturer. Exhibitors at a show do not need their own trader's license when the show is promoted by an exempt entity the Comptroller lists (for example a church, government agency or volunteer fire department), or when they give the promoter an Exhibitor's Affidavit saying they get under 10 percent of annual income from like goods at the show. Either way they must not have done more than three shows in the previous 365 days.
Sales tax.
Temporary Sales and Use Tax License (30 days)
A vendor emails the event date, name and location plus business details to the Comptroller's temporary license desk (or calls 410-767-1543 or 410-767-5462) and collects the 6 percent or 9 percent Maryland sales and use tax, as the Comptroller states. Vendors at three or more events a year should register for a permanent license.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Comptroller of Maryland
- When
- Vendors without a permanent Maryland sales and use tax license who sell at one-time events such as craft shows and fairs. Maryland has one statewide rate and no local sales taxes.
- Timing
- Temporary license is valid for 30 days
Flea market and show sales are taxable
The Comptroller's tax tip says flea market sales are taxable like any other sale, a seller must get a license before collecting, and the license must be displayed where sales are made. A 30-day permit is available by phone from the Special Events Section; frequent sellers should get a permanent license through the Combined Registration Application.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Comptroller of Maryland
- When
- Vendors at flea markets and similar markets, including private individuals (casual and isolated sales under $1,000 of a seller's own household goods are exempt; dealers and resale goods are not).
What the rules ask of you about vendors.
A show promoter may not let an exhibitor take part unless the exhibitor has given a photocopy of a valid Trader's License or an Exhibitor's Affidavit before the show. Exhibitors must display it, and the promoter must forward all Exhibitor Affidavits to the Comptroller's State License Bureau within seven days after the show. Non-compliance is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 or up to 30 days in jail. Official page
When to apply.
- Public Exhibition License (temporary event): Application must be filed at least 60 calendar days before the event
- Nonprofit Gathering Permit: Submit at least 14 calendar days before the event
- Temporary Sales and Use Tax License (30 days): Temporary license is valid for 30 days
Collect your vendors' permits with their applications.
Make the vendor licenses, sales tax registration and food permits above required documents on your application, and check them before you approve anyone.
Check with the office.
This checklist summarizes official government pages read on 2026-10-10. It isn't legal advice; rules, fees and deadlines change. Special events contact: Miscellaneous Permits and Licenses, 410-887-3616, paimiscpermits@baltimorecountymd.gov. Full page and sources for Baltimore County.
Common questions.
What permits do I need to host a vendor market?
Usually an event permit from the city or county, licenses and sales tax registration for vendors, and temporary food permits for anyone selling food. Parks, streets, tents and cooking can add more. Pick your city above to see the exact list.
Do I need a permit for a pop-up market on private property?
It depends on the city. Some only require permits on public property; others, like zoning temporary-use permits, apply anywhere. The checklist shows what each city's official pages say.
How far ahead should I apply for an event permit?
Often 30 to 90 days. The median deadline across 111 places in our study is 45 days, and 43 want 60 or more.
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