BALTIMORE, MD—Starting January 1, 2025, new requirements will take effect in Maryland for businesses employing security guards or in-house loss prevention personnel. The Maryland State Police Licensing Division is reminding individuals and businesses of these upcoming changes.

According to the new legislation, any business or individual employing one or more security guards or loss prevention personnel must license these employees as security guards. This requirement extends to all businesses except those specifically exempted under Business Occupations and Professions Article, §19-101(n).

In addition to licensing, the newly designated “Security Guard Employer” must register online with the Maryland State Police Licensing Division and provide proof of insurance.

The Maryland State Police Licensing Division also announced that beginning January 1, 2025, all Professional License applications will transition to a fully electronic format. Applications include Security Guards, Security Guard Agencies, Security Guard Employers, Private Detectives, Private Detective Agencies, Dual Agencies, Security System Technicians, Security System Agencies, Special Police, Railroad Police, and Bullet Proof Body Armor. Applications will need to be submitted and paid for online through the Licensing Portal. Paper applications will no longer be accepted after December 27, 2024. All paper applications must be physically received at the Licensing Division, located at 1111 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD by Friday, December 27, 2024.

For more information about the new legislation and the electronic application process, individuals and businesses can visit the Maryland State Police Licensing Division website or sign up for a virtual training session.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo: Maryland State Police Licensing Division via MDSP.