Maryland to Require Security Guard Licensing, Proof of Insurance

Starting January 1, 2025, Maryland will begin requiring businesses employing security guards or in-house loss prevention personnel to meet new licensing and certification requirements and provide proof of insurance.

According to the legislation (Senate Bill 760 (2023), any business or individual employing one or more security guards or loss prevention personnel must license these employees as security guards.

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

A security guard agency or security guard employer that employs five or more individuals as security guards must maintain commercial general liability insurance, including errors and omissions and completed operations with a $1,000,000 total aggregate minimum. Those employing fewer than five individuals as security guards must have $500,000 total aggregate minimum.

The Maryland State Police Licensing Division also announced that beginning January 1, 2025, all license applications will transition to a fully electronic format. Applications will need to be submitted and paid for online through the licensing portal.