Exhibitors Affidavit

A promoter may not allow an exhibitor to participate in a show if the exhibitor has not submitted a photocopy of a valid Trader's License or an Exhibitor's Affidavit (available from any Clerk of the Circuit Court or the State License Bureau) prior to the show.

Unless a show is promoted by one of the exempt entities listed below, an exhibitor DOES NOT need to obtain a trader's license if:

1. The show is promoted by:
   
   • A church as defined in Section 5-301 of the Corporations and Associations Article;
   • Any government agency or unit;
   • An amateur radio organization;
   • An antique vehicle, machine and equipment organization;
   • A volunteer fire department or rescue squad;
   • A model train collectors' association;
     

OR

1. AND has not participated in more than three shows during the previous 365 days. 

An exhibitor who has a valid Trader's License for a fixed place of business in Maryland does not have to obtain another Trader's License provided the exhibitor presents a photocopy of the license to the promoter prior to the show.

The photocopy of a Trader's License or an Exhibitor's Affidavit must be conspicuously displayed during the show.

Within seven days after the conclusion of the show, a promoter must forward all Exhibitor Affidavits to the Comptroller of Maryland, State License Bureau, P.O. 2397, Annapolis, MD  21404-2397.

If an exhibitor does not meet the requirements outlined above, the procedure for handling temporary licenses is still in effect.

A promoter or exhibitor who fails to comply as required by law shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, may be fined up to $100.00 or imprisoned for up to 30 days. The legal requirement for the Exhibitor's Affidavit can be found in the Business Regulation Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Section 17-1804.