Maryland Security Training Courses

Security Guard Card Requirements in Maryland

Becoming a security guard in Maryland is not like most of the other states. In fact, there is no such thing as a state security guard license in Maryland. Instead, security guards in Maryland are issued a security guard certificate. Maryland security guards are regulated by their employer through the Security Guard Agency. Applicants are also required to meet the requirements set by the Maryland State Police. 

Certification can be denied in the event of the following: 

1) The applicant or individual fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain certification as a security guard; OR

2) If, under the laws of the United States or of any state, the applicant or individual plead(s) guilty or nolo contendere to or is convicted of (1) a felony; or (2) a misdemeanor that’s directly related to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or individual to be certified as a security guard.

Minimum Requirements for Unarmed Security Guards in Maryland

In order to become an unarmed security guard in Maryland, a person must first get a certificate from Maryland's state agency. Applicants seeking their Maryland guard certificate must: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/CriminalInvestigationBureau/LicensingDivision/ProfessionalLicenses/SecurityGuardCertifications.aspx 

To be certified, an individual must:

• be 18 years of age or older
• be a U.S. citizen or legal alien
• submit a completed application to the state’s security agency: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Documents/Security Guard Certification Application (29-12E).pdf 
• submit to a background check showing that you don’t have a criminal record
• submit to drug screening
• submit a fingerprint card along with your application
• submit a passport-style photo
• pay a small licensing fee
• be able to write and speak in an English fluently
• be in good physical condition

It is important that complete the application electronically before printing and mailing. The application must be mailed to:

Maryland State Police
Licensing Division
1111 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
Attn.: Security Guard Unit 

The certification must be renewed every three years.

A separate application is required to be able to legally wear and carry a regulated firearm: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/CriminalInvestigationBureau/LicensingDivision/Firearms/WearandCarryPermit.aspx To receive a permit, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• An applicant between 18 and 21 years of age may only be issued a wear and carry permit to possess a regulated firearm required for employment.

• Has not been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor for which a sentence of imprisonment for more than one year has been imposed; or convicted of a criminal offense for which you could have been sentenced to more than 2 years incarceration.

• Has not been convicted of a crime involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance;

• Is not presently an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance unless under legitimate medical direction;

• Based on an investigation, has not exhibited a propensity for violence or instability that may reasonably render the person’s possession of a handgun a danger to the person or others;

• Has a good and substantial reason to wear, carry, or transport a handgun, such as finding that the permit is necessary as a reasonable precaution against danger.

• Has successfully completed the Maryland State Police approved firearms training course within 2 years prior to submitting the original or renewal application. 

A list of licensed security agencies is available here: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Documents/PLUAgencyList_11.16.21.pdf 

Armed Security Guard Card Requirements in Maryland 

In order to become an armed security guard in Maryland, applicants must be certified. The certification process, which is handled by the hiring company, will dictate if the position is an armed one or not. Since you will be using a gun, additional firearms training is also important. Although including similar requirements from the above, applicants seeking their Maryland guard card for armed duties must:

• be 21 years of age or older
• be a U.S. citizen or legal alien
• possess a valid social security number
• submit to drug screening
• have not committed any acts of fraud 
• submit a passport-style photo
• successfully pass a background check
• submit to fingerprint checks
• have no mental instability

It’s a good idea to already have a weapons permit and proof of firearms training and safety protocols from a certified instructor. 

Licensing Requirements in the State of Maryland

Security guard agencies must be licensed through the Maryland State Police: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/CriminalInvestigationBureau/LicensingDivision/ProfessionalLicenses/SecurityGuardAgencies.aspx 

To be licensed, the applicant must have the following experience:

• At least 5 years of experience as a full-time certified or licensed private detective; OR

• At least:

  • 5 years of experience as a full-time police officer with an organized police agency; and

  • completed successfully a police officer training course that is recognized and approved by the Maryland Police Training Commission; OR

• At least 3 years of experience in an investigative capacity as a detective while serving as a police officer with an organized police agency; OR

• At least:

  • 3 years of experience in an investigative capacity in any unit of the United States, of the State, or of a county or municipal corporation of the State for the purpose of law enforcement; and

  • completed successfully the police officer training required by the Maryland Police Training Commission; OR

• At least:

  • 5 years of experience as a full-time fire investigator for a fire department or law enforcement agency of the State or of a county or municipal corporation of the State; and

  • completed successfully the training certified by the Maryland Police Training Commission or the Maryland Fire-Rescue Education and Training Commission; OR

• At least:

  • 5 years of experience as a full-time correctional supervisor, ranked LT and above, in a correctional facility in the state; and

  • completed successfully the training required by the correctional training commission.

Applicants must:

• Complete an application: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Documents/Security%20Guard%20Agency%20Application%20(29-12D).pdf 

• Submit fingerprints and complete a background check

• Be of good character and reputation

• Provide a copy of the Articles of Incorporation and minutes of last meeting appointing officers of the corporation

• If employing more than five people, must provide a copy of a General Liability Insurance Policy of $1,000,000

• Pay a fee

It is important that complete the application electronically before printing and mailing. The application must be mailed to:

Maryland State Police
Licensing Division
1111 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208

Attn.: Licensing Services Section – Security Guard Agency Unit

The license must be renewed every three years.

A list of licensed security agencies is available here: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Documents/PLUAgencyList_11.16.21.pdf 

Get Your Maryland Guard Card with Top Gun Academy 

Even though you won't have a license in the traditional sense, you'll still be regulated. Once you’re hired by a Maryland security company, you’ll become a security officer with an official Maryland security guard certification. Top Gun’s training academy for security guards will help you enter your security career on the right foot. If you’re already a trained guard, Top Gun Academy can take you to the next level of performance. Contact Top Gun Security Academy to learn more about becoming the security professional you’ve always wanted to be.