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Office of the State Fire Marshal

Explosives Licensing

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is dedicated to ensuring safety and quality within the fire and explosive-related industries. Get information about licenses, permits, fees and the application process for the use of explosives.

Explosives dealer licenses

(retail, wholesale, dealer, possess, store)

This license allows the sale, possession, storage, or distribution of explosives in Maryland.

Required background checks

  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) background and fingerprint check required
  • Maryland criminal records check required

Fingerprinting

All Maryland residents must use electronic (LiveScan) fingerprinting through an approved provider. Call 410-859-7152 to receive:

  • Livescan pre-registration form
  • Approved fingerprint service locations

Information and documentation required for a license

Failure to provide the required documentation will result in denial of application.

  • Type of explosive and the purpose for which the explosives will be used
  • A copy of the ATF permit number
  • If the applicant is:
    • an individual, the citizenship of the individual
    • a partnership, association, or corporation, the names, addresses, and citizenship of the partners of the partnership or officers and directors of the association or corporation
  • Proof of liability insurance in the amount that the State Fire Prevention Commission sets
  • The number of a workers’ compensation insurance policy or binder
  • A certificate of compliance with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act
  • Complete sets of legible fingerprints for each applicant, officer, agent, or employee handling explosives

Application submission

  • Applications sent by the certified fireworks company may be submitted by:
    • U.S. Mail: Office of the State Fire Marshal P.O. Box 436 Linthicum, MD 21090
    • Email:  [email protected]
  • Pay the application fee online, as calculated below:

    • Retail: $ 75.00

    • Users: $150.00 

    • Wholesale / Retail $300.00 

    • Magazines (Class A 500 lbs or more): $150.00 

    • Magazines (Class B less than 500 lbs): $ 75.00 

      • Type of License: = $
        No. of Magazines: _____ @ $75.00 _____ @ $150 = $
        No. of Vehicles: _____ @ $25.00 = $

  • Have the application notarized

License to Deal in Explosives Application

Application processing time

  • New: allow 3-5 business days for review and up to 30 days for final issuance. An inspection of the magazines must be conducted prior to the final issuance of this license.  

Renewal: required every 3 years. Allow 10 to 30 days for final issuance.

Explosive Manufacturing License

This license is for manufacturing explosives in Maryland.

Required background checks

  • ATF background and fingerprint check required
  • Maryland criminal records check required
  • Fingerprints must be submitted electronically

Fingerprinting

All Maryland residents must use electronic (LiveScan) fingerprinting through an approved provider. Call 410-859-7152 to receive:

  • Livescan pre-registration form
  • Approved fingerprint service locations

Documentation and information required for a license

Be sure to have the following information and documentation to submit with your application:

  • Type of explosive and why the explosives will be used
  • Copy of the ATF permit number
  • If the applicant is:
    • an individual, the citizenship of the individual
    • a partnership, association, or corporation, the names, addresses, and citizenship of the partners of the partnership or officers and directors of the association or corporation
  • Proof of liability insurance in the amount that the State Fire Prevention Commission sets
  • The number of a workers’ compensation insurance policy or binder
  • A certificate of compliance with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act
  • The place where the explosives will be stored and used
  • The specific purpose for using the explosives
  • Complete sets of legible fingerprints for each applicant, officer, agent, or employee handling explosives
  • Notarize application

Application submission

  • Applications can be submitted by:
    • U.S. Mail: Office of the State Fire Marshal, P.O. Box 436 Linthicum, MD 21090
    • Email:  [email protected]
  • Pay the application fee online, as calculated below:
    • 0 - 499 lbs. is $ 150.00
    • 500 - 4,999 lbs. is $ 300.00
    • 5,000 – 9,999 lbs. is  $ 750.00
    • 10,000 or greater is  $1,500.00
  • Have the application notarized

Note: Licenses must be renewed every 3 years.

Explosive licensing license button

Application processing time

An inspection of the magazines must be conducted prior to the final issuance of this license.  Please allow up to 30 days for final issuance of this license. 

For renewal applications please allow 10 to 30 days for final issuance.

Questions?