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How to become a security guard in Maryland

Here's exactly what Maryland requires, and the official portal to apply. Finish it and you can start getting booked on XGuard.

Guard license

Maryland Security Guard Certification (MD State Police)

Certification is only issued while sponsored by a licensed agency or registered employer (Bus.Occ.&Prof. Title 19) — it isn't a free-standing individual license.

Training12 hrs initial training approved by the MD Police Training & Standards Commission
Cost$15 initial application fee
Min age18
ExamNo written exam — fingerprint-based background check instead
RenewsEvery 3 years ($10 renewal fee + 8 hrs continuing training)
  1. 1Line up an employerCertification is gated through employment — you must be employed by (or have an offer from) a licensed security guard agency or a registered security guard employer (mode:agency).
  2. 2Complete initial trainingComplete 12 hours of initial security guard training approved by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission.
  3. 3Submit your applicationComplete Livescan fingerprinting, create a Licensing Portal account, and submit your sworn application, a passport-style photo, and the $15 fee.
  4. 4Employer verifies, MSP decidesYour employer completes an online verification; MSP conducts a background investigation and decides within 90 days. Renew every 3 years (8 hrs continuing training + $10 fee).
Open the official portal
Armed / firearm

Maryland Wear & Carry Permit for Security Guards

This is Maryland's general Wear & Carry Permit (COMAR 29.04.01.12) — the credential armed security guards use, gated on 21+ and current employer sponsorship.

Training16 hrs MSP-approved firearms safety course (8 hrs for renewal)
Cost$125 original application ($75 renewal, $20 replacement)
Min age21
ExamMSP 29-14 Certified Qualification Score Sheet (range qualification) required
Renews2 yrs after initial issuance (to your birth month), then 3-year renewal terms
  1. 1Complete firearms trainingComplete an MSP-approved 16-hour firearms safety training course and obtain a signed MSP 29-14 Certified Qualification Score Sheet.
  2. 2Prepare your documentsComplete LiveScan fingerprinting and gather a passport-style photo.
  3. 3Get employer sponsorshipAs a security guard applicant, attach your employer's company sponsorship to your Licensing Portal application along with the $125 fee.
  4. 4Await decision & renewMSP decides within about 90 days. The permit is valid until your birth month 2 years after issuance, then renews for 3-year terms (8-hr refresher course each time).
Open the official portal
Agency / master

Maryland Security Guard Agency License

This is Maryland's sole-trader route (25+, experience path, §19-301) — an individual can hold the agency license directly and be their own qualifying owner.

TrainingNo classroom hours — an experience path instead (e.g., 5 yrs full-time police officer or licensed private detective in MD; or 3-5 yrs qualifying detective/investigative/fire-investigator/corrections experience with required training)
Cost$200 (individual/unincorporated) or $375 (incorporated firm); $750 if a dual detective+security agency firm
Min age25
ExamNone stated — background investigation plus proof of insurance instead
RenewsEvery 3 years, renewable for an additional 3-year term
  1. 1Confirm your experience pathYou'll need one of: 5 yrs as a full-time MD police officer or licensed private detective, 3 yrs as a detective/investigative law-enforcement role, or 5 yrs as a fire investigator/correctional supervisor — each with the required training.
  2. 2Get insuredSecure commercial general liability insurance meeting Maryland's statutory minimum — $1M if you'll run 5+ guards, $500k under 5 (Bus.Occ.&Prof. §19-504).
  3. 3Prepare your applicationComplete Livescan fingerprinting, gather your passport-style photo and proof of insurance, and set up a Licensing Portal account.
  4. 4Submit & waitSubmit the agency application with the applicable fee ($200 unincorporated sole owner / $375 incorporated firm); allow up to 90 days for MSP review. Renews every 3 years.
Open the official portal

Once you're licensed

Create your free XGuard profile now — upload your license the moment you have it, and we'll verify it and start matching you to paid security work near you.

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XGuard guides you to the official process; the state issues your license. Figures are sourced from official regulators and verified before publishing, but requirements can change — always confirm on the official portal linked above.