Security Systems Agency License

Find out the qualifications and application process to become a licensed security systems agency in Maryland. 

A Security Systems Agency License is required for any individual or ​​firm, who wishes to engage in the business of providing security systems services on residential or commercial property in the State, including:

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

Process updates/changes

• January 2025 - All Professional Licensing applications are converted from a paper application submission process and fee collection to an electronic submission and fee collection process in the Licensing Portal.​

Who should apply

Any individual or ​​firm, who wishes to engage in the business of providing security systems services on residential or commercial property in the State.

Qualifications

An applicant may be either an individual or a firm. The individual or firm representative shall be at least 18 years old and of good moral character and reputation​.

Pre-application requirements

• Fingerprints:
  • Maryland Residents: Submit Livescan fingerprints to the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and the FBI. Authorized Livescan vendors can be found at Fingerprinting Services. Below is the information that you will need to provide to the Livescan technician for fingerprinting:

    • Agency Authorization Number: 9700004860
      Agency ORI Number: MDMSP6000
      Reason Fingerprinted: MD Business Occupations and Professions Sections 18-101 through 18-701 &18-3A​​;

Livescan fingerprints are only valid for 30 days from the date that they were submitted to CJIS and the FBI. Your Security Systems Agency application must be submitted to the Maryland State Police within this 30-day period or new Livescan fingerprints will be required.

• Non-Maryland Residents: If the agency representative is not a resident of Maryland, please email the Professional Licensing Unit to obtain the appropriate fingerprint cards and instructions for submission; 

Applicants must sign and date the FBI Privacy Act Statement - PDF before submitting their fingerprints.​

• Proof of an executed fidelity bond or commercial general liability insurance of at least $50,000, as required under § 18–401 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article;
• A digital color passport style photograph taken within 30 days prior to the date that you submit the application;
• At least two recommendations, signed, under oath, by reputable citizens of the applicant's state of residence or the state where business is to be conducted;
• Maintain, in an office in the State, documents or other records that are made in the State or relate to a service performed in the State.

How to apply

1. Create or log into your existing Licensing Portal account
2. Complete the application in the Licensing Portal
3. Upload the pre-application requirements and any additional documentation to the document section of the application
4. Pay the required application fee electronically upon submission of the application to the Maryland State Police
5. The Licensing Division will review your application for completion, complete a background investigation, and may contact you for an interview.
6. Within 90 days, you’ll receive an email confirming whether you’re approved or disapproved. 
7. If your application is approved, you will receive your certification via the US mail. Your certification is valid for 3 years from the year of issuance. 
8. If your application is disapproved, you’ll need to contact the Licensing Division for more information. 

Please allow 90 days for completion of the application process.

License renewal

A security systems agency license is valid for three years and is renewable for an additional 3 years.

At least 90 days prior to expiration, the Licensing Division will electronically send the licensee a renewal notice which will state:

• ​the date on which the current license expires;
• if the completed renewal application and proof of insurance or bonding as required in § 18-401 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article, 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;
• the amount of the renewal fee;
• that an agency may not be issued a Security Systems Agency license until all outstanding obligations are satisfied with the Secretary; and
• that the submission of a false statement in the renewal application or in the annual statements is cause for revocation of the license.

The Maryland State Police must receive the renewal application at least 15 days before expiration.

Application fees

Acceptable methods of payment include Visa or MasterCard. Application​ fees are non-refundable.

All application fees are collected electronically in the Licensing Portal. Application fees do not include fingerprint fees. 

• Original / Initial: $100.00

• Renewal: $100.00

• Renewal late fee: $25.00 per day *

• Ink Fingerprint Cards (Non-MD Residents): $30.00

* Renewal late fees begin if the renewal application is not received at least 15-days prior to the expiration date. Late fees accumulate until the day the license expires, at which time the agency shall be considered closed. The Licensing Division may not certify any applicant that has outstanding late fee obligations.

Application timeline

• Applicant: Once the above pre-application requirements have been satisfied, the initial application can be completed within 45-60 minutes. Renewal applications can be completed within 20-30 minutes.
• Licensing Division Processing Time: Once the completed application and the required fees are received, the applicant will be notified of the decision within 90 days.
• Incomplete Applications: Applications received by the Licensing Division will be reviewed for completeness​ within 5-10 business ​days. Applicants who submitted an incomplete application will be notified via email within 5 business days of the review. Failure to respond within 15 days will result in the application being cancelled.

Statutes

The laws regarding Maryland Security Systems are codified as Title 18 of the Business Occupations and Professions 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.​​​

Advisories & Documents

Visit the archive section to download any prior Advisories and documents.

Questions?