The Maryland State Police manages the registration and licensing of publicly owned law enforcement dogs used by state and local agencies in Maryland.
Where do I send an application?
K9 registration is completed online only. Use the online application to register a law enforcement canine.
Once approved, the handler ID card and canine ID tag will be mailed to your department.
Who needs to apply?
Any publicly owned dog used for law enforcement work by a state or local government agency in Maryland must be registered with the Maryland State Police.
How do I apply?
Handlers, supervisors, or commanders must register the canine and handler online before the K9 begins service. Allow up to 14 days for processing. There is no cost for registration.
When do I need to renew?
A K9 license remains active until the dog:
- Retires from service
- Transfers to another agency
- Passes away
If a canine is assigned to a new handler, the department must notify the Maryland State Police and update the registration.
Statutes
The statutes pertaining to Law Enforcement Canine Registration can be found in §2–313 and §3–201 of the Public Safety Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Current versions of any statute can be found at LexisNexis or on the Maryland General Assembly's website.
K9 registration requirements are outlined in Maryland law under Public Safety Article §2–313 and §3–201. Current laws are available through the Maryland General Assembly or legal code websites.