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How to become a licensed security guard in Maryland. State license required. Unarmed training: 12 hours. Armed training: 12 hours. Total initial fees: $250-$425. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Yes
License Required?
12 hrs
Unarmed Training
12 hrs
Armed Training
$250-$425
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Maryland requires Security Guard Certification through the Maryland State Police Licensing Division. Effective January 2025, new laws require electronic applications and expanded employer registration requirements.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
12 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training must be approved by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission
Armed training available
12 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must demonstrate proficiency with duty firearm
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard Certification
Card Name
Processing Time
90 days (electronic via Licensing Portal)
Valid Period
2 years
18+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
Yes
Required
Yes
Fingerprinting
Yes
Federal Check
Yes
State Check
Disqualifying Offenses
Drug screening not required by state
Yes
Company License
Yes
Insurance Required
Yes
Bonding Required
Employer Training Obligations
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
Fingerprint Fee | $50 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $100-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $50 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $250-$425 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
6 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Refresher training required for renewal
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required
Renewal Fee
$50
Regulatory Board
Security guard licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require refresher training covering updated laws, use-of-force guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
Maryland does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state security guard licenses.
Security guard license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Most states require new applicants to complete state-specific training and background checks regardless of prior credentials.
Maryland transitioned to fully electronic applications in January 2025. The state now requires all employers of security/loss prevention staff to register as 'Security Guard Employers' and submit proof of insurance.
Effective January 2025, all applications are electronic through the Licensing Portal.
Newly designated 'Security Guard Employers' must register and submit proof of insurance.
Former police officers employed within past 3 years may be exempt from training.
Processing takes approximately 90 days.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Maryland.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#26 of 51
Cost
#29 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$36,110
25th percentile
Median
$38,590
+1% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$48,040
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
27,220 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Security Guards (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+3.5%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+35,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
137,700
per year (avg.)
1.0M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–15 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Maryland State Police - Licensing Division — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Maryland State Police - Licensing Division — Licensing Requirements
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Maryland requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 12 hours. All licensing is managed through the Maryland State Police - Licensing Division.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.