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How to get a Contract Security Company License in Maine

Maine licenses security guards statewide through the Maine State Police (MSP).1 For the Contract Security Company License you need a criminal background check2. Maine does not issue a state license for individual security guards3; see what applies instead. The board lists $100 for the application4 and $300 for the initial license2, each a separate charge. You renew every year5.

Last checked · 10 official sources

Who issues it

Maine State Police (MSP)

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $1004
Initial license fee: $3002

Renewal

Every year5

From another state

No reciprocity route6

On this page
  1. Who needs a Contract Security Company License
  2. Requirements for a Contract Security Company License
  3. How much a Contract Security Company License costs
  4. How to apply
  5. Renewal and continuing education
  6. Moving to Maine with a license from another state
  7. No state license for individual security guards
  8. Check a license or report a problem
  9. Laws and rules
  10. Common questions
  11. Security guard licenses in other states

Who needs a Contract Security Company License

Business that provides, or undertakes to provide, a security guard for another person (including street patrol and armored car service).7

Work that does not need this license:

  • Proprietary security organizations (security only for themselves) do not need this license.7

Requirements for a Contract Security Company License

Minimum age
18 years old8
Background check
Background check required2
No fingerprints required8
Good moral character judged on 5 years of government records; disqualified by a conviction punishable by 1 year or more or, within 5 years, a § 9412 crime; a $21 background check is included in the fee; anyone who lived outside Maine in the last 5 years must supply each state's criminal history record.2
Residency or citizenship
Citizen or resident alien of the United States; copy of U.S. birth certificate or resident alien card.2
Social Security number
SSN on the application.2
Surety bond
$10,0006 (Resident licensee ($50,000 if non-resident))
Business requirements
Partnerships: each partner qualifies; corporations: an agent qualifies and at least one principal officer signs; application lists all employees who will work as guards.8
Also required
Disqualifying answers: under 18, fugitive, drug abuser, dangerous mental disorder, incapacitated, dishonorable discharge within 5 years, illegal alien, or conviction questions.2

How much a Contract Security Company License costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$1004Treasurer, State of MainePaid with the application
Fingerprint and state background check$212Treasurer, State of MaineIncluded in the $121 paid with the application
Initial license fee$3002Treasurer, State of Maine–

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

How to apply

  1. Download the MSP Contract Security - New Application and complete all pages (3-page application, P-3E and DHHS Form 577 releases with a witness over 18).2 Form (PDF, maine.gov)3
  2. Attach a color photo taken within 6 months, a copy of your U.S. birth certificate or resident alien card, military discharge if any, and criminal history records from any other state you lived in during the last 5 years.2
  3. Mail the packet with a $121 check to "Treasurer, State of Maine" to MSP Weapons and Professional Licensing, 164 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.2
  4. After approval (about 6-8 weeks), file the surety bond ($10,000 resident / $50,000 non-resident) and pay the $300 issuance fee.2 Form (PDF, maine.gov)3
  5. Report every new guard to the Commissioner before they start, and file the signed background statement within 60 days.9
Application form
Form (PDF, maine.gov)3
Processing time
About six to eight weeks; an approval letter and bond form follow.2

Renewal and continuing education

How often
Every year5
When it expires
One-year term, renewable annually; renewal packet lists guards hired since the last license (Addendum B) and needs a continuation bond.10
Renewal fee
$2215 ($200 statutory renewal fee (refundable if renewal denied) plus $21 background check)
If it expires
If not renewed within 60 days after expiry, you must apply as a new applicant with the original fees.4
Renew online
maine.gov3

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Maine Contract Security Company License. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Moving to Maine with a license from another state

These are the routes MSP publishes for the Contract Security Company License.

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
No reciprocity: out-of-state companies apply like any other applicant and post a $50,000 non-resident bond.6

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Dishonorable discharge disqualifies; include a copy of any military discharge.2

No state license for individual security guards

Maine does not issue a state license for individual security guards.3

  • Proprietary (in-house) security organizations and their employees; on-duty public employees; law-enforcement officers with their appointing authority's permission (unless employed by a contract security company); locksmiths.1
The official wording

“2. This section does not apply to the following: [...] B. Any person employed by a person possessing a valid license to be a contract security company…”3

Maine Legislature (Office of the Revisor of Statutes), 32 M.R.S. 9404(2)(B)

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a security guard in Maine, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Maine is on the Maine license lookup page.

Look up a license
maine.gov3

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

Can I transfer my security guard license to Maine?

No reciprocity: out-of-state companies apply like any other applicant and post a $50,000 non-resident bond.6 Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Contract Security Company License in Maine?

Every year5. The renewal fee is $2215.

Security guard licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. 32 M.R.S. §9404Maine Legislature (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)Dated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  2. Contract Security - New ApplicationMaine State Police (Department of Public Safety)Checked November 7, 2026
  3. Professional Investigator and Contract Security LicensesMaine State Police (Department of Public Safety)Checked November 7, 2026
  4. 32 M.R.S. §9407Maine Legislature (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)Dated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  5. 32 M.R.S. §9408Maine Legislature (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)Dated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  6. 32 M.R.S. §9409Maine Legislature (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)Dated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  7. 32 M.R.S. §9403Maine Legislature (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)Dated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  8. 32 M.R.S. §9405Maine Legislature (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)Dated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  9. 32 M.R.S. §9410-AMaine Legislature (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)Dated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  10. Contract Security - Renewal ApplicationMaine State Police (Department of Public Safety)Checked November 7, 2026