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Office of the State Fire Marshal

Explosive Licenses with Blasting authorization

Helpful information

The Blaster’s Permit and Testing Application qualifies an individual load and fire a blast in the state of Maryland.

Required background checks

  • ATF background and fingerprint check required with your application
  • 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 permit

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

  • Type of blasting operations conducted by your place of employment: general above ground, general below ground, demolition, or special.
  • Employment history
  • Number of years of experience in blasting/explosives
  • Copy of legal form of identification, including a driver's license.
  • Copies of any training and/or military experience
  • Copies of all blaster permits / explosive license / electronic detonator certificate held

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 $60.00 application fee  online
  • Have the application notarized
  • Permit must be renewed every 3 years

Blasting permit

Application processing time

Allow 3-5 business days for review and up to 30 days for final issuance.

Blasting categories requirements

  • General Aboveground: All phases of blasting operations in quarries, Open pit mines, and aboveground construction.
  • General Underground: All phases of blasting operations in underground Mines, shafts, tunnels, and drifts.
  • Demolition: All phases of blasting in demolition projects.
  • Special: Special blasting as described on the permit. 

Blasting site notifications

Blasting Site Notifications must be submitted to the OSFM at least 24-hours prior to each blast. Notifications need to include:

  • The name of the company or contractor performing the blasting
  • the location,
  • date,
  • approximate time, and
  • geographical coordinates (longitude and latitude).

Read all the general requirements

Questions?