Individuals applying for a State of Maryland Security Guard Certification, need to be employed or are seeking employment with a security provider licensed in the state. Hence, there are individual requirements coupled with employment. These requirements are posted throughout the template.

In addition to the Security Guard Certification, individuals seeking the status of an armed guard are required to obtain a Wear and Carry Permit.

According to the Maryland State Police Website, the fees for a handgun wear and carry permit are as follows:
$75.00 Original/Initial
$50.00 Renewal
$0.00 Retired Law Enforcement Officers of Maryland State or a County/ Municipality
$32.75 Fee for fingerprints

See: A list of all fees for licensing applications.

Maryland has established an online portal for electronic application of Firearms.

See: Online Firearm Application System

The initial handgun permit expires on the last day of the holder’s birth month following two (2) years after the date the permit is issued. Permits that have been modified or are a duplicate expire on the date provided on the initial permit.

See: More information on handgun wear and carry permits.

See: A presentation on the certification process

Maryland expressly does not permit out of state reciprocity.

See the FAQ’s for Security Guards at: Maryland Security Guard Certifications

According to the Maryland State Police website, a person must be a minimum of 18 years old to obtain a handgun wear and carry permit

According to the Maryland State Police website, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or possess documentation that you are allowed to work in the U.S.

None required

According to the Maryland State Police Website:
1.   Active, Former, and Retired Maryland Law Enforcement Officers​​ and retired or former federal law enforcement officers, who permanently reside in Maryland and who were assigned in Maryland during their employment- as long as the application is submitted within one year from the date the officer either retired in good standing or separated in good standing and/or the officer has a valid LEOSA permit/certification/identification, the Handgun Permit Unit may accept that the applicant has a good and substantial reason to wear, carry, or transport a handgun as a reasonable precaution against the apprehended danger originating from his/her law enforcement position. ​

2.   For retired or former federal law enforcement officers and retired or former out-of -state law enforcement officers, who permanently reside in Maryland but were not assigned in Maryland during their employment, LEOSA is a nationally recognized credential and a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit is not required or necessary.  The Maryland Police & Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) may serve as the certifying agency for LEOSA if eligible and the application and guidelines can be found on the MPCTC website at Should you desire a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit you will be required to provide a good and substantial reason to wear, carry, or transport a handgun as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger.

A handgun wear and carry permit is required

§ 19-406. Possession of certification card
(a)   In general.- At any time that a certified security guard provides a security guard service, the security guard shall carry the certification card issued under § 19-405 of this subtitle.

(b)   Display upon officer’s request.- On request of a law enforcement officer, a certified security guard shall show the security guard’s certification card.

§ 19-407. Badge; clearance card
(b)   Clearance card required.- Whenever a security guard is in uniform, the security guard shall clearly display and wear the clearance card issued by the Secretary which identifies the security guard.

§ 19-402. Qualifications and requirements.

(a)   In general.- To qualify for certification as a security guard, an individual shall:

(3) be of good moral character and reputation;

All original applications require FBI and CJIS fingerprint submissions.

According to Maryland public safety code ann. § 5-306:

An applicant cannot presently be an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance unless the habitual use of the controlled dangerous substance is under legitimate medical direction. Furthermore, an applicant cannot have been convicted of a crime involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance

For armed officers, Maryland will deny a weapon permit to any individual who:
  1.   Has been convicted of a crime involving the involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance;
  2.   Is not presently an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance unless under legitimate medical direction;

See: A wear and carry permit application

No baseline requirement

Background and criminal history checks are done by the Maryland State Police in conjunction with FBI review.

Armed applicants are subject to the following review:
•   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.

See: A wear and carry permit application

None