Private Investigator Licensing in Maryland

Private Detective Agency Application

$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.

Private Detective Agency Renewal

$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.

Biennially by the date issued.

Security Guard Agency Application (29-12D)

Mail

• $200 (individual business owner or unincorporated business)
• $375 for incorporated firms

• 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

Mail

• $200 (individual business owner or unincorporated business)
• $400 for incorporated firms

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

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