Maryland Security Guard License Guide
Maryland certifies individual security guards through the State Police Licensing Division. You’ll need MPCTC‑approved training (12 hours), LiveScan fingerprints, and an employer to verify and submit your online application and fees. Certification lasts three years; renewal requires 8 hours of continuing training, a new LiveScan receipt, and a $10 fee.
How to get a security guard license in Maryland
Direct answer: To get a security guard license in Maryland, complete 12 hours of Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission–approved training, submit LiveScan fingerprints, and apply through the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal. Your employing security guard agency or employer must verify and submit your application and fees. Certification is valid three years. Source.
Requirements last verified: 2026-09-25
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP), Licensing Division — Security Guard Certification. Apply via the MDSP Licensing Portal. Program page: MDSP Security Guard Certification. |
| Fees | Initial application: $15; Renewal: $10; Renewal late fee: $5/day, up to $150. Fingerprinting fees are separate and paid to the LiveScan provider. MDSP; DPSCS Fingerprinting Services. |
| Experience/training | No prior experience hours required. Must complete 12 hours of initial security training approved by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission (MPCTC). MDSP; MPCTC Security Guard Training. |
| Exam | No state exam. Background check via LiveScan fingerprints required; training completion is mandatory. MDSP. |
| Minimum age | 18 years old. MDSP. |
| Employment status | Must be employed by, or an applicant for employment with, a licensed security guard agency or a security guard employer to be eligible. MDSP; Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. §19-401. |
| Insurance/bond | Not required for individual certification. Security guard agencies/employers must maintain commercial general liability insurance under §19-504. See MDSP employer guidance: Security Guard/Special Police Employer. |
| Renewal | Valid for 3 years. Renew through the Licensing Portal at least 90 days before expiration; include 8 hours of MPCTC-approved continuing training, new LiveScan receipt, and $10 fee. Late fee $5/day if not received at least 30 days prior (max $150). MDSP. |
How to get a security guard license in Maryland: step by step
- Confirm employment eligibility. You must be employed by, or have a conditional offer from, a licensed security guard agency or security guard employer. §19-401.
- Complete 12 hours of initial training. Take an MPCTC-approved security guard course and retain your completion document. MPCTC.
- Get LiveScan fingerprints. Use the following at the LiveScan site: Authorization No. 9300000802; ORI MDMSP6000; Reason: MD Bus. Occ. & Prof. §§19-101 & 19-701. Submit within 30 days of application. MDSP; DPSCS.
- Prepare your photo and documents. Upload a passport-style color photo taken within 30 days, your training document, and the LiveScan receipt. MDSP.
- Create your MDSP Licensing Portal account. Start the Security Guard Certification application and upload documents. Licensing Portal.
- Have your employer verify and submit. Your agency/employer confirms your identity and application details, then submits the application and pays the state fee electronically. MDSP.
- Wait for MDSP processing. Allow up to 90 days for review and background check. Watch email for any requests. MDSP.
- Receive your certification. MDSP mails your certification card; it’s valid for three years. Keep your contact info updated in the Portal. MDSP.
Maryland security guard license requirements in detail
Training: 12 hours to qualify; 8 hours to renew
Maryland requires 12 hours of initial security training, approved by the MPCTC, before certification; renewal requires 8 hours of approved continuing training. MDSP recognizes recent police service as an alternative to initial training. See MPCTC Security Guard Training and MDSP Security Guard Certification.
Fingerprinting and background check
Submit LiveScan fingerprints to Maryland CJIS and the FBI using Authorization 9300000802 and ORI MDMSP6000. LiveScan submissions are only valid for 30 days for application purposes; vendor and CJIS/FBI fees are paid to the provider. MDSP; DPSCS Fingerprinting Services.
Employer verification is mandatory
Your application is initiated by you but must be verified and submitted by your licensed security guard agency or security guard employer, including forwarding state fees. Md. Code §19-401; MDSP Licensing Portal instructions.
Processing times and validity
MDSP may take up to 90 days to decide your application. If approved, certification is valid for three years from the year of issuance. MDSP.
Insurance applies to agencies/employers, not individuals
Individual guards do not need to carry insurance to be certified; however, security guard agencies and security guard employers must maintain commercial general liability insurance under §19‑504. MDSP’s employer guidance reiterates this requirement: Security Guard/Special Police Employer.
Costs: what you’ll pay and when
Expect the $15 MDSP application fee (renewal $10), plus LiveScan vendor/CJIS background check charges that vary by provider. If you want a full breakdown of typical out-of-pocket expenses, see our detailed Maryland security guard license cost guide. Official fees and late-fee rules are posted on the MDSP Security Guard Certification page.
Related Maryland pathways
Many candidates pursue investigative roles later in their careers. If that’s your goal, bookmark our step-by-step Maryland Private Investigator License guide to understand prerequisites, exams, and agency requirements unique to PI work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Maryland security guard certification without a job offer?
No. You must be employed by, or an applicant for employment with, a licensed security guard agency or a security guard employer; your employer verifies and submits the application and fees to MDSP. See §19‑401 and the MDSP certification page here.
How long does it take to get certified?
MDSP advises allowing up to 90 days after your employer submits a complete application and fees. Processing includes document review and a background investigation; MDSP may contact you for an interview. Source.
Is there a Maryland security guard exam?
No state exam is required. Instead, Maryland mandates 12 hours of initial training approved by the MPCTC, plus LiveScan fingerprints and a background check. MPCTC; MDSP.
What continuing education is required for renewal?
You must complete 8 hours of MPCTC‑approved continuing security training and include a new LiveScan receipt with your online renewal. Renewal is due at least 90 days before expiration; late fees apply if MDSP does not receive it at least 30 days prior. MDSP.
Do individual guards need insurance?
No. Insurance requirements apply to licensed security guard agencies and security guard employers, not to individual certifications. Agencies/employers must maintain commercial general liability insurance under §19‑504. MDSP employer guidance: link.
Ready to move forward confidently? License Navigator can guide you through training, fingerprints, and employer coordination so you submit a complete, on-time Maryland security guard certification application.
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Licensing Navigator researches business licensing requirements and organizes them into practical, state-by-state guidance. Our pages are research aids, not legal advice.