MBE Only Certification 

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is the State’s Official Certification Agency.

Firms with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification may meet minority business participation goals on federally-funded contracts issued by the U. S. Department of Transportation which include contracts administered by the MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration (MDOT MAA), the MDOT Maryland State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA), the MDOT Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA), and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs).

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 MDOT’s certification for their minority business participation programs.

Applicants who submit the Uniform Certification Application are evaluated for eligibility in both the MBE and DBE programs simultaneously.

  • There is no cost to apply for certification as an MBE/DBE.
  • It takes several months to complete the entire process once a complete application package has been received.
  • 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.

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.
    • 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 about why that information is not applicable.
  4. Download and complete the required Personal Net Worth (PNW) Form.
    • Read the PNW Guidelines (Instructions) and 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.
  5. Review the appropriate 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.

Application Assistance

OMBE conducts a free workshop every month to help applicants confidently prepare the application and navigate the certification process. Follow the link below for more information and to register.

More Info

Optional Application Review

On site application reviews are currently suspended due to COVID-19.