Maryland Service Dog Registration

Register Your Service Dog in Maryland

For handlers in Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown or Silver Spring: an ID card, certificate and digital ID in a few minutes.

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Maryland Service Dog Laws at a Glance

Written by: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP)
Medically Reviewed by Evelyn Daley MSW, LCSW
Published: Last updated:

The ADA protects service dog handlers in every state. Maryland adds its own rules in Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. §§ 7-704, 7-705 — here is what that means for you, with a link to each official source.

Public access lawMd. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. §§ 7-704, 7-705
Service dogs in trainingCovered — Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 7-705
Fake service dog penaltyNo general state offense
Harming a service dogWillfully killing/injuring a service animal: misd., up to 2 yrs/$2,500; interfering with its use: up to 1 yr/$1,000 + restitutionMd. Code, Crim. Law § 10-626
Dog license feeNo license fee for a service dog in actual use, if the owner files the required affidavit with the local licensing agency.Md. Code, Local Gov't § 13-104
Where to file a complaintMaryland Commission on Civil RightsFile within 180 days of the incident.

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Maryland Service Dog FAQ

Do I have to register my service dog in Maryland?

No. Neither the ADA nor Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. §§ 7-704, 7-705 requires registration, and businesses may not demand it.

What can a business in Maryland ask about my service dog?

Only two questions: is the dog required because of a disability, and what task is it trained to perform. No documents, demonstrations or pet fees.

Can I take a service dog in training into public places in Maryland?

Yes. The ADA doesn't cover dogs in training, but Maryland does under Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 7-705.

What happens if someone harms or interferes with my service dog in Maryland?

Maryland treats it as a specific offense under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 10-626: Willfully killing/injuring a service animal: misd., up to 2 yrs/$2,500; interfering with its use: up to 1 yr/$1,000 + restitution. Report it to local police, and keep vet bills and witness details.

Do I pay a dog license fee for my service dog in Maryland?

No license fee for a service dog in actual use, if the owner files the required affidavit with the local licensing agency (Md. Code, Local Gov't § 13-104). Your dog may still need to be licensed and vaccinated.

How do I file a complaint if I'm refused access in Maryland?

File with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights within 180 days of the incident, or with the U.S. Department of Justice at ADA.gov.

Can I fly with my service dog from Baltimore/Washington (BWI)?

Yes. Airlines at Baltimore/Washington (BWI) must accept trained service dogs in the cabin free of charge; most ask for the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form in advance.

Are service dogs allowed in rental housing in Maryland?

Generally yes. Trained service dogs are a reasonable accommodation under the federal Fair Housing Act and Md. Code, State Gov't § 20-706, so landlords should waive no-pet rules and pet fees, with narrow exceptions such as some small owner-occupied buildings.

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Official Sources

  1. Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. §§ 7-704, 7-705 — service animal public access
  2. Md. Code, Crim. Law § 10-626 — harming or interfering with a service dog
  3. Md. Code, Local Gov't § 13-104 — dog license fee
  4. Md. Code, State Gov't § 20-706 — housing
  5. Maryland Commission on Civil Rights — complaints
  6. ADA Requirements: Service Animals (U.S. Department of Justice) — federal rules
  7. Service Animals (U.S. Department of Transportation) — air travel

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This summary of Maryland law was last reviewed in October 2026 and is general information, not legal advice. United States Service Dogs is a private registration service, not a government agency.