Maryland Security Guard License Cost
In Maryland, the security guard license costs $15 to apply and $10 to renew, plus separate fingerprint/background check fees collected by CJIS (currently $51.25 in‑person). Late renewals accrue $5/day up to $150. Requirements include 12 hours of initial training and, at renewal, 8 hours of continuing training.
Direct answer (51 words): The Maryland security guard license cost is $15 for an original application and $10 for renewal, paid through the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal. Fingerprinting/background checks are extra—CJIS lists $51.25 in‑person for a full State+FBI check, and private vendors may add a service fee. Late renewals accrue $5/day (max $150).
Requirements last verified: 2026-09-16
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Maryland State Police (MSP), Licensing Division — Security Guard Certification. See qualifications, fees, timelines and the online Licensing Portal on the MSP page. Official MSP Security Guard Certification. |
| Application fees | Original/Initial: $15; Renewal: $10; Renewal late fee: $5/day up to $150. Fees are paid electronically in the Licensing Portal and exclude fingerprint fees. MSP fee schedule and policy. |
| Fingerprint / background check | LiveScan required under MSP Authorization 9300000802; fingerprints must be submitted within 30 days of application. CJIS lists a full State+FBI check at $51.25 in‑person (includes $20 CJIS service fee); private providers may add their own service fee. MSP fingerprint timing; DPSCS CJIS fingerprinting; CJIS fee example ($51.25 in‑person); Private provider service-fee notice. Note: FBI increases its fee by $3 on Oct. 1, 2026. DPSCS notice. |
| Training | Initial: 12 hours MSP/MPSTSC‑approved security training before application; Renewal CE: 8 hours approved continuing security training. MSP qualifications; MPSTSC security guard training overview. |
| Minimum age | 18 years old. MSP qualifications. |
| Exam | No state exam is listed; approval is based on eligibility, training, background check, and employer sponsorship. MSP how to apply. |
| Insurance / bond | No insurance is required for an individual certification. Security guard agencies (employers) must maintain commercial general liability insurance per statute. MSP agency license page (see insurance) and Bus. Occ. & Prof. §19‑504. |
| Renewal | Valid for 3 years from the year of issuance. Renew via the Licensing Portal; submit 8 hours CE, new LiveScan receipt, and $10 fee. Late fees: $5/day up to $150 if MSP doesn’t receive your renewal at least 30 days before expiration. MSP renewal rules. |
| Processing time | MSP indicates up to 90 days after receipt of a complete application and fees. MSP processing timeline. |
How to apply for a Maryland security guard license (and what it costs)
- Create an account and start your application in the MSP Licensing Portal. Your employer will finish and submit it with the fee. MSP portal instructions.
- Complete 12 hours of initial security training approved by MPSTSC (keep your completion proof). MPSTSC training overview.
- Get LiveScan fingerprints for “Security Guard Certification” (Auth. #9300000802) and upload the receipt. Expect CJIS fees (currently $51.25 in‑person) plus any private provider service fee. DPSCS CJIS fees & vendors; CJIS fee example.
- Upload a passport‑style photo (taken within 30 days) and any required disclosures. MSP application checklist.
- Your licensed security guard employer reviews and submits your application with the $15 initial fee (or $10 renewal). MSP fees.
- Wait for MSP review (allow up to 90 days). MSP will notify you by email; your certification is mailed if approved. MSP processing timeline.
Security guard license cost in Maryland: itemized
Budget at minimum for state‑mandated fees: $15 (initial application) plus the fingerprint/background check collected by CJIS (currently $51.25 in‑person, which includes CJIS’s $20 service fee). Private fingerprint vendors may add their own service charge, and training tuition is set by providers. MSP fees; CJIS fee example; DPSCS vendor notice.
Maryland security guard renewal costs and late fees
Renewals cost $10 and require an 8‑hour approved CE course and a new LiveScan receipt. MSP assesses $5/day if your renewal is not received at least 30 days prior, capped at $150; once expired, you must file a new original application. MSP renewal policy; MSP Late Fees & Expiration Advisory.
Training requirements and who pays the fees
MSP requires 12 hours of initial training and, for renewal, 8 hours of continuing training approved by MPSTSC. Your employer must review and submit your application and fees in the MSP portal, though employers and applicants can agree on who reimburses costs. MSP application & training rules; MPSTSC training.
Related Maryland licensing paths in protective services
If you plan to advance into investigations, compare total costs and steps for a private investigator license in Maryland or review this detailed Private Investigator License Requirements in Maryland (2026 Guide) to see how training, background checks, and application fees differ from security guard certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the minimum total I should budget to get certified?
At a minimum, plan for $66.25 in state‑mandated fees: $15 (MSP initial application) plus $51.25 for a CJIS in‑person State+FBI check. Private vendors may add a service fee, and you’ll also pay for the required 12‑hour training course. MSP fees; CJIS fee example; DPSCS vendor notice.
Do I pay the fee or does my employer?
MSP requires your employing licensed security guard agency to review and submit your application and the associated fees through the Licensing Portal. Employers often cover fees, but reimbursement arrangements vary by company policy. MSP how‑to‑apply.
Is there an exam for Maryland security guards?
No exam is listed. Approval is based on eligibility (age, character, no disqualifying crimes), completion of the required training, a criminal history background check, and employer sponsorship. MSP qualifications.
How long does approval take?
MSP indicates up to 90 days after it receives a complete application and fees. You’ll be notified by email; approved certifications arrive by mail and are valid for 3 years from the year of issuance. MSP processing timeline.
Are fingerprints reusable or transferable?
No. For certification and renewal, MSP requires a new LiveScan receipt, and fingerprints must be no more than 30 days old when you submit your application. MSP fingerprint timing.
What happens if I miss my renewal deadline?
Late fees of $5/day (up to $150) apply if MSP doesn’t receive your renewal at least 30 days before expiration. If the certification actually expires, you must submit an original application and meet all initial requirements again. MSP Late Fees & Expiration Advisory.
Ready to move forward? License Navigator can walk you through each MSP portal screen and help you budget every fee so you don’t leave money—or time—on the table.
Want it filed for you? Talk to a licensing expert
Published by
About this publication
Licensing Navigator researches business licensing requirements and organizes them into practical, state-by-state guidance. Our pages are research aids, not legal advice.