All states

Low-voltage licensing

Maryland

State-level license requiredAlarm license is separateLast verified May 23, 2026

Maryland requires state-level Electrical Contractor licensing through the Maryland State Board of Master Electricians. Additionally, alarm and electronic security work falls under the Maryland Security Systems Technicians Licensing Board, which is a separate licensing scheme.

Regulatory agency

Maryland State Board of Master Electricians

License classifications

The license types relevant to low-voltage work in Maryland.

  • ME - Master Electrician

    Individual licensure required to qualify a contractor business. Covers full electrical including low-voltage.

    Exam required
  • SST - Security Systems Technician

    Issued by the separate Security Systems Technicians Licensing Board. Required for burglar / fire alarm and electronic security installation.

    Exam required

State-wide requirements

Workers' compensation
Required
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years

Common pitfalls

Mistakes we see installers make when navigating Maryland licensing.

  • Maryland licenses TWO boards depending on scope: Master Electricians for general electrical/low-voltage; Security Systems Technicians for alarm and electronic security. Doing both means holding both licenses.
  • Counties (notably Montgomery, Prince George's, Anne Arundel) have their own contractor registration layered on the state license.
  • Biennial renewal with CE requirements on both boards.

Sources

Last verified May 23, 2026. See something out of date? Email us.

Stay compliant without thinking about it

Add your Marylandlicense to your free Sub.Trade profile. We'll email you ~30 days before it expires so you don't lose a job over a lapsed renewal. Buyers see that you're current; you only deal with renewal once every cycle.

Disclaimer: This page summarizes public regulatory information for the convenience of low-voltage installers. It is not legal advice. State requirements change. Always verify current rules with the state agency before applying for, renewing, or relying on a license.