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Security Guard
Total cost: $250-$425
Yes
License Required?
12 hrs
Unarmed Training
12 hrs
Armed Training
$250-$425
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$50
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$50
Training Fee
$100-$200
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$50
Armed License Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
$50
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Confirmed: SB 760 (2023) and SB 729 (2024) provisions effective 1/1/2025 mandating security guard training, creating Security Guard Employers, and converting all applications to electronic submission via the Licensing Portal.
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 under § 19–412 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article
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
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard Certification
Card Name
Processing Time
90 days
Valid Period
2 years
Overall licensing difficulty: 2/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Security Guard Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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
Not sure if you need a security guard license? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Maryland with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
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Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in Maryland verified against Maryland State Police - Licensing Division, March 2026.