A security systems agency is an individual or firm licensed to conduct a business that provides security systems services. Security systems services include providing on a person's residence or commercial property the service of three things:

1. surveying the property for purposes of installing a security system,
2. physically installing, maintaining, or repairing a security system, or
3. responding to a distress call or an alarm sounding from a security system.

Who Should Apply?

You may apply for a Security Systems Agency License if you are an individual or firm who seeks to engage, or solicits to engage, in the business of providing Security System Services in the State of Maryland.

The individual for whom the License is sought shall be:

1. of good moral character, reputation and qualification; and
2. at least 18 years old.

How To Apply

​The Maryland State Police application for a Security Systems Agency License can ONLY be completed through the Licensing Portal. Please answer all questions accurately, completely and honestly. Once completed, the application will be electronically submitted in the Licensing Portal. 

Please allow 90 business days for the completion of the application process. 

If the Licensing Division does not receive the renewal application, satisfactorily completed, by the expiration date, the applicant must begin as a new applicant and complete all requirements necessary for an initial application.

All original and renewal applications require FBI and CJIS fingerprint submissions. CJIS requires that any ink fingerprint card submission must be completed on their CJIS-015 (revised: 09/2020) purple fingerprint cards. Additionally, applicants must submit upload a color passport style photograph of the applicant in the Licensing Portal. The photograph must be taken within the last 30 days. They must also upload an Application for Tax Verification and the Article of Corporation.

Initial – Out of State: Total $130.00

Initial - Instate: $100.00

An application fee of $100.00 is required for each initial application if the submitter is not a unit of the State. A separate fee of $30.00 is required to cover the cost of processing fingerprint cards from out of state Agency License holders only. As of April 15^th 2012, in State applicants must submit electronically obtained fingerprints. Therefore, any Maryland resident will only submit the Application fee of $100.00 along with the receipt for having their electronic fingerprints taken. The fees are non-refundable. If electronic fingerprints are obtained /submitted for the application, the fingerprint fee is paid directly to the private provider taking the electronic fingerprints. DO NOT SUBMIT PAYMENT TO THE STATE POLICE FOR FINGERPRINTS IF THEY HAVE BEEN TAKEN AND SUBMITTED BY WAY OF AN AUTHORIZED PRIVATE PROVIDER OR THE MARYLAND MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION.

Renewal - Out of State: Total $130.00

Renewal - InState​: Total $100.00

An application fee of $100.00 is required for each initial application if the submitter is not a unit of the State. A separate fee of $30.00 is required to cover the cost of processing fingerprint cards for out of state applicants only. The fees are non-refundable. If electronic fingerprints are obtained /submitted for the application, the fingerprint fee is paid directly to the entity taking the electronic fingerprints. DO NOT SUBMIT PAYMENT TO THE STATE POLICE FOR FINGERPRINTS IF THEY HAVE BEEN TAKEN AND SUBMITTED BY A WAY OF AN AUTHORIZED PRIVATE PROVIDER OR THE MARYLAND MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION.

For a complete list of MSP application fees, please see the Licensing Division Fee Schedule.​​​

Application fees are non-refundable​​.

When Should I Renew?

The Maryland State Police shall electronically transmit notification of License expiration to the Agency on or about 90 days prior to expiration of the Security System Agency License.  It is the Security Agencies responsibility to ensure the Secretary receives their renewal application, with all required documents, prior to implementation of late fees or expiration of their license.

Initial license expire three (3) years after its date of issuance and upon the end of the term of the license, the license is renewable for a three (3) year term if:

1. the Secretary receives the renewal application and proof of insurance or bonding as required in § 18-401 of this title at least 15 days before the license expiration date for the renewal to be issued and mailed before the license expires;
2. the Secretary receives the renewal fee;
3. that, if the complete renewal application and proof of insurance or bonding as required in § 18-401 of this title are not received at least 15 days before the license expiration date, a fee of $ 25 per day shall be charged against the agency until the day the license expires, at which time the agency shall be considered closed;
4. that an agency may not be issued a license under this title until all outstanding obligations are satisfied with the Secretary; and
5. that the submission of a false statement in the renewal application or the submission of altered or false documents that are otherwise required is cause for revocation of the agency license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Statutes

Below you will find links to PDFs of relevant Maryland statutes, provided for your convenience. Please note that laws change over time. The below documents were created on June 12, 2013, and are for reference purposes only. To obtain the most recent text of any legislation, please go online to LexisNexis to access the up-to-date Maryland code.

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