Maryland requires consumer reporting agencies to register with the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation if you “intend to conduct consumer credit reporting services in the State of Maryland.”

Last week I wrote about Rhode Island’s registration requirement (click here) for background screening companies … enter Maryland.

If you are a background screening company providing consumer reports on Maryland residents, please review COMAR 09.03.07 regarding the annual registration requirements for “consumer reporting agencies.”  The term “consumer reporting agency” is defined in Maryland Code, Commercial Law Article § 14-1201.  The scope of COMAR 09.03.07.01 is as follows, “This chapter governs certain registration requirements and business operations of consumer reporting agencies who collect credit information and furnish consumer reports on residents of this State. The provisions of this chapter are to promote accuracy in consumer reports.”  COMAR 09.03.07.03 requires, “A consumer reporting agency which issues consumer reports on residents of this State shall register with the Commissioner….”

As I said about Rhode Island, do not be lulled into complacency by use of the word “credit” as the definition of “consumer reporting agency” refers to an entity that “assembles or evaluates credit information and other information about consumers” for purposes of a consumer report.

Author’s note: COMAR 09.03.07.02 refers to § 14-1201(f) for the definition of “consumer reporting agency” but it appears that this term if currently defined in § 14-1201(e)(1).

Happy Registration!