Md. Code, Business Regulation § 7–401

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not knowingly and willfully do business as a collection agency in the State unless the person has a license.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both.