MBE Only Certification 

The Department of Social and Economic Mobility (DoSEM) is the State’s Official Certification Agency.

Firms may hold certification as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) in addition to DBE certification. MBE firms are eligible to meet minority business participation goals on State-funded contracts in addition to contracts funded by counties and cities within Maryland that accept certification for their minority business participation programs.

• It takes several months to complete the entire process once a complete application package has been received.
• All Maryland firms or Out of State firm applying for MBE certification must be registered and in Good Standing with the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation (SDAT). Use the following link to check a firm’s Good Standing status or register a business Register Your Business Online, or contact SDAT at 888-246-5941.
• Submitting an incomplete application package will delay the overall certification process.
• Please follow the Documentation Checklist appropriate to your business structure.
• Don’t hesitate to contact OMBE with questions at any time.
• ​410-865-1269
• [email protected]

Steps to Submit an Application for MBE Certification

1. Download the MBE Only Application.
• Print or save to your desktop.
2. Read the instructions for completing the application.
3. Complete all sections of the application.
• Leave all information unredacted.
• All documents must be in .PDF format.
• Do not leave blanks on the application.
• Note “N/A” in areas that are not applicable.
• For areas marked as “N/A,” include a brief statement why that information is not applicable.
4. MBE PNW Update.
• Download and complete the required Personal Net Worth (PNW) Form.
• Read the PNW Guidelines (Instructions) and MBE PNW Overview for guidance on completion of the PNW.
• Print PNW form or save it to your desktop.
• This is the official form to be used for MBE/DBE/ACDBE Certification.
• A PNW Worksheet is required with your application. Applicants may use the USDOT’s PNW form and submit it with the MBE application.
5. Review the appropriate MBE Only Document Checklist for submitting applications.
• These are the official checklists to be used for MBE/DBE/ACDBE Certification.
6. Application Submission:
• Apply for certification here.
7. Retain a copy of the entire application package for your files.