50-State Security Licensing Compliance Guide
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Private Investigator Licensing in Maryland

A private investigator listening to a clients issue

Private investigation licenses are typically issued for individuals and organizations conducting investigative services. This guide contains information about private investigator licensing in Maryland. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

Company Licenses

Maryland Security Company Licenses

Maryland Private Investigation Agency License

Agency:Maryland State Police

Initial Registration

Form:

Private Detective Agency Application

Agency Fee:

$375 for incorporated entities or $200 for unincorporated entities. Combined security and detective agency licenses are available for $375 for unincorporated entities and $750 for incorporated entities.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Private Detective Agency Renewal

Agency Fee:

$400 for incorporated entities or $200 for unincorporated entities. Combined security and detective agency renewal fees are $400 for unincorporated entities and $800 for incorporated entities.

Due:

Biennially by the date issued.

Maryland Security Guard Agency License

Agency:Maryland State Police
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Security Guard Agency Application (29-12D)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:
  • $200 (individual business owner or unincorporated business)
  • $375 for incorporated firms
Required Attachments:
  • Confirmation document from approved Electronic Fingerprint Processing Center
    • Staple the confirmation in the upper left front corner of the application
    • In-state applicants do not include payment for fingerprints obtained and submitted through an electronic fingerprint processing center - these payments are made directly to the center
    • Out-of-state applicants submitting fingerprint cards, submit a check or money order made payable to the Maryland State Police for the required fee for each requested certification
  • Two photographs of the applicant (2" x 2" square, light background, head and shoulder full face, no hat, no dark glasses) taken within 30 days of the filing of this application
  • A list of all members of the board of directors, trustees, governors, or similar body (names and addresses)
  • A list of any person not listed previously having any direct or indirect interests in or control of the firm or corporation (names and addresses)
  • Copy of the Articles of Incorporation
  • Foreign Corporations must submit a copy of registration with the Maryland SDAT
  • Minutes of directors meeting electing officers of the corporation and specifying their duties
  • Resolutions created after the original dates of incorporation
  • Individual Business Owners must attach a list of full names, addresses, positions or title, and interest of every partner, officer, and supervisory employee of the firm
  • Unincorporated or Partnership Applicants must attach a list of full names, addresses, and full details of all persons having direct or indirect interest, dominion, or control over the business to be operated by the applicant
  • Naturalized Citizens must attach a copy of naturalization paperwork
  • Non-US citizens must attach a copy of Employment Authorization Card
Background Check Requirements: ACCESS PREMIUM DATA

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:
  • $200 (individual business owner or unincorporated business)
  • $400 for incorporated firms
Due:

Licenses must be renewed triennially in either January or July, depending upon the date of the initial application. 

Notes:

Renewal notices with instructions will be mailed 90 days before the expiration of the license. 

Individual Licenses

Maryland Individual Security Licenses

Maryland Private Investigator License

Agency:Maryland State Police

Initial Registration

Form:

Private Detective Certification

Agency Fee:

$15

Notes:

Individuals operating independently must also apply for an agency license.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Private Detective Certification Renewal

Agency Fee:

$10

Due:

Triennially

Learn about security licensing in other states:

Firearm Qualification - An additional qualification attached to license applications for armed private investigators.

Private Investigator Apprentice - Apprentices are issued limited licenses and can only operate under the direction of a licensed investigator.

Qualified Representative - A licensed private investigator who is responsible for the operation and management of an investigative agency.

Reciprocity - When a private investigator is allowed to do business in a different state under the license issued by their home state.

National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
Industry association that sponsors education and certification efforts for members.

National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS)
Private investigation and security advocacy group.

United States Association of Professional Investigators (USAPI)
Industry association focused on education and certification.