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State Overview
Maryland underwent its most significant security guard regulatory overhaul in decades with SB 760 (effective January 1, 2025). The law now requires private employers with in-house security or loss prevention staff to register as Security Guard Employers with MDSP and carry significant liability insurance, a requirement that caught many businesses off guard.
Maryland's security market is dominated by the Baltimore-Washington corridor, with heavy demand from federal government contractors, defense/intelligence facilities, Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland medical systems, and Port of Baltimore security operations. The DC adjacency creates significant overlap with federal security clearance requirements.
Key Facts
CRITICAL (Jan 1, 2025): New Security Guard Employer registration required for ANY private employer with in-house security or loss prevention staff
Insurance requirement: $500K commercial general liability for fewer than 5 guards; $1M for 5 or more
Loss prevention employees (retail, warehouse) now counted under the security guard definition
12 hours initial training required; 8 hours CE every 3 years renewal
All applications now electronic only, paper applications discontinued December 27, 2024
Security Guard Agencies required to report use-of-force incidents (effective June 2024)
Partial online training permitted for initial (some modules); full online for renewal CE
eLearning, initial
Some modules online
eLearning, renewal
Training Hours
12 hrs initial + 8/3 yrs CE
Renewal: 3 years
License Fee
$25 certification
3-5 weeks
Governing Agency
Maryland State Police - Licensing Division
MD Business Occupations & Professions Article, Title 19
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Private employers with in-house loss prevention not realizing SB 760 applies to them
Attempting to file paper applications after December 27, 2024, they are rejected
Not updating liability insurance to meet the $500K/$1M threshold under SB 760
Frequently Asked Questions
My company has loss prevention staff, do we now need to register as a Security Guard Employer?
Yes, effective January 1, 2025. SB 760 explicitly includes loss prevention employees under the security guard definition. Any private employer with in-house loss prevention must register with MDSP and carry the appropriate liability insurance ($500K or $1M depending on staff count).
We use a contract security agency, do we still need to register as a Security Guard Employer?
Generally no, if all security staff are employed through a licensed security agency, your company does not need a separate Security Guard Employer registration. The agency's license covers their employees. Consult MDSP or legal counsel if you have a hybrid arrangement.
What is the penalty for not registering as a Security Guard Employer?
Failure to register after the January 1, 2025 deadline can result in civil penalties. MDSP has indicated it is actively enforcing the new requirement. Register through the MDSP Licensing Portal immediately if you have not done so.
Practical Tips
If you have ANY in-house security or loss prevention staff as a private employer, verify your SB 760 registration status immediately
The MDSP Licensing Portal (electronic only), submit all applications at licensingportal.mdsp.maryland.gov
Use-of-force incident reporting (required since June 2024), ensure your agency or employer has a reporting process in place
Insurance documentation must be current, MDSP may audit employer registrations
Recent Regulatory Changes
Licensed Security Guard Agencies may now employ and apply for Special Police Officers (SPOs) to protect client property, after the December 2025 override of SB 455. Applications run through the MDSP Licensing Portal.
SB 760 fully effective: ALL guards must be certified (previously voluntary); employers must register; electronic applications only; paper applications discontinued Dec 27, 2024
See the "Regulatory Changes" tab for full history →