Maryland certifies security guards through the Maryland State Police Licensing Division under the Maryland Security Guards Act (Business Occupations and Professions Article, Title 19). Since January 1, 2025, when Senate Bill 760 took effect, certification also requires training approved by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission (MPTSC).
Who needs certification
- Guards who work for a licensed security guard agency or a security guard employer. You can apply only if you work for one or are applying to one. You cannot get certified on your own first.
- Not required for marine guards and ship watchmen, commissioned special police officers, or unarmed employees of bars, taverns and restaurants.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old, of good moral character and reputation, and meeting the State Police standards in COMAR 29.04.01.02.
- No disqualifying crime under Public Safety Article 5-101 and no violent crime under Criminal Law Article 14-101.
- Former police officers must have no formal findings of unlawful or excessive force, or of making a false statement, from their time in law enforcement.
- 12 hours of MPTSC-approved initial training, or work as a police officer within the 3 years before you apply.
The 12-hour course
- The commission approves training programs but does not teach them. Approved providers are listed on its website, and some security agencies run their own approved programs.
- The required objectives cover the requirements and limits of certification, recognizing the elements of crimes under Maryland law, the legal limits on arrest and detention, what counts as use of force, when force is allowed or prohibited and how it must be reported, the legal consequences of using force, de-escalation through time, distance, cover and communication, and the rules on carrying weapons.
- They also cover dealing with people in crisis, people with disabilities, juveniles and people with behavioral health concerns, and how to get help for someone who needs it.
How to apply
- Fingerprints first. Get Livescan prints for state and FBI checks after signing the FBI Privacy Act Statement. The prints are good for 30 days, so submit your application inside that window.
- Photo. A digital color passport-style photo taken within the past 30 days.
- Application. Create it in the State Police Licensing Portal and upload your training certificate. You get an application number and PIN by email. Give them to your employer.
- Your employer submits it. The agency reviews your application, confirms your information and submits it with the fee.
- Decision within 90 days. The State Police run a background investigation, may interview you, and email a decision. The certificate comes by mail and is valid for 3 years.
- Cost: $15, plus the Livescan vendor's fee. Fees are non-refundable.
Armed guards
- The permit is the credential. Maryland has no separate armed guard license. Guards may not be armed without a valid handgun permit, known as the Wear and Carry permit (COMAR 29.04.01.12).
- Permit requirements. You must be 21, or an active member of the armed forces, National Guard or uniformed services. You need the State Police-approved 16-hour Firearms Safety Training Course from a Qualified Handgun Instructor and Livescan fingerprints. The application is $125, and a renewal is $75.
- Only qualified weapons. You may carry only a weapon you have qualified with, after filing it with your qualifying score at the State Police Handgun Permit Section. Your agency keeps a copy of your permit and a record of your weapon.
- Permit renewal. Your first permit runs to the last day of your birth month 2 years after it is issued. Renewals last 3 years and need an 8-hour course. Renew at least 14 days before expiration and you can keep carrying while the renewal is pending. If the permit expires, you reapply as a new applicant, 16-hour course included.
Renewal
- Certification lasts 3 years. Apply through the Licensing Portal at least 90 days before it expires.
- Complete 8 hours of MPTSC-approved continuing training. If you were certified before the training rule and never took the 12-hour course, you must take it to renew.
- Include a new Livescan receipt and the $10 fee.
- Late fee: $5 a day, up to $150, if the State Police do not receive your renewal at least 30 days before expiration. It is waived for hardship such as hospitalization or a call to active military duty.
- Update your email or mailing address within 30 days, because reminders go there.
How tessura helps
Armed guards in Maryland track a 3-year certification, a handgun permit on its own cycle and a renewal deadline that falls 90 days before expiration. tessura is free for guards: keep your certification, training certificates and permit in the credential wallet and get reminders at 60, 30 and 7 days before each expires. Since Maryland wants renewals 90 days early, start as soon as the window opens.
tessura is not affiliated with the Maryland State Police, the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission or any state agency. Rules change, so confirm anything you rely on with the State Police Licensing Division.