On-site Systems - Property Transfer Inspectors
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Information for On-site Sewage Disposal System Property Transfer Inspectors (PTIs)
Licensing Requirements and Fee
During the 2021 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation creating new licensing requirements for all persons providing services for the inspection of on-site sewage disposal systems for property transfers in the State. In November of 2025, the authority to issue property transfer inspection licenses was transferred to the State Board of On-Site Wastewater Professionals, codified in COMAR 26.31.01.
With all inspections, a Standard Inspection Form (download MS Excel) must be completed following this Guidance Document. The completed inspection form must be retained for a minimum of 5 years, and provided to MDE upon request by The Department. Any additional reports may be made for the inspector's records and/or for clients, but the MDE Standard Inspection Form must also be completed with each inspection.
To Become a Licensed Property Transfer Inspector
Submit this application with a check to the P.O. Box listed on the application --AND--
Be on this list for previously completing an MDE-approved inspection course –OR –
Submit a certificate for completing an MDE-approved inspection course with your application.
Once the Department receives your completed application, the licensee will receive a license as well as be added to the list of Licensed Property Transfer Inspectors.
License Renewals
Property transfer inspection licenses must be renewed every 2-years. It is the licensees’ responsibility to submit their renewal application prior to the license’s expiration.
To renew, submit a completed property transfer inspection application (same as above) with a check for the $150.00 licensing fee, and the “Renewal Application” box selected on the form. The application and payment must be mailed to the PO box listed on the application, with checks made payable to MDE. At this time, there are no CEU requirements to renew this license.
Renewal of a license requires the licensee to include their Social Security Number (SSN). Section 1-203 of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, established a requirement that the Maryland Department of the Environment verify through the office of the Comptroller that applicants for the renewal of any license or permit have paid all undisputed taxes and unemployment insurance contributions payable to the Comptroller or the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, or that applicants have provided for payment in a manner satisfactory to the responsible collection unit. This information will not be used for any purposes other than those described in this notice.
Currently approved property transfer inspection courses
MOWPA OSDS Inspection – Practices & Procedures
Proposed Emergency Regulation Action, June 2025
The statutory authority for COMAR 26.04.12, Env. Art. § 9-217.2, sunset on 6/30/2025. In response MDE repealed COMAR 26.04.12 and transfer the regulatory authority to the State Board of On-Site Wastewater Professionals under COMAR 26.31.01. In accordance with Env. Art. § 9-11A the State Board of On-Site Wastewater Professionals has the authority to issue licenses to individuals providing any on-site wastewater services. The requirements for Property Transfer Inspection Licensure remains unchanged. Proposed language of COMAR 26.31.01 (PDF) to be effective as of July 1, 2025.
Contact Info
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, or you would like more information, please contact the On-Site Systems Division via email at [email protected] or call (410) 537-3778.
