Where to renew depends on your state and license type
Security licenses are issued and renewed by your state — usually the state police, the attorney general's office, or a dedicated licensing board. The agency that issued your original license is the one that handles renewal. You cannot renew in a different state or through a private company, and you cannot renew online in most states, though some allow you to submit paperwork by mail or through a portal after you start the process in person.
The first step is to find out which agency in your state handles security licenses. Search "[your state] security guard license renewal" or call your state police non-emergency line and ask for the licensing division. Write down the mailing address, phone number, and website. Many states post renewal forms and timelines on their websites; some require you to renew in person at a specific office.
Start the renewal process 60 to 90 days before your license expires. Most states will not renew more than 30 days early, and if you wait until after expiration, you may have to pay a late fee or reapply from scratch. Check your license card for the expiration date and mark your calendar now.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's licensing agency — usually the state police or attorney general — at least 60 days before your license expires to find out what forms and fees you need.
- Most states require you to renew in person or by mail, not online, and some require a background check or fingerprinting as part of renewal.
- Renewal fees vary by state and typically range from $50 to $300, and some states charge extra for expedited processing.
- If your license expires before you finish renewal, you cannot work as a security guard until the new license arrives, so do not wait until the last week.
- Some states require proof of current training or continuing education hours before they will renew your license.
What documents and fees you will need
Every state requires a renewal form, which you can usually read from the licensing agency's website or request by phone. Fill it out completely and sign it in front of a notary public — most states will not accept an unsigned form. Bring the completed form, your current license card, and a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to the renewal office, or mail them if your state allows it.
You will also need to pay a renewal fee. The amount varies widely by state — some charge $50, others charge $200 or more. Ask the licensing agency what payment methods they accept (cash, check, credit card, money order) and whether they charge extra for mailing or expedited processing. Some states require a separate fee for fingerprinting or a background check, which may be done at the same office or at a separate location.
A few states require proof that you have completed continuing education hours since your last renewal. If your state has this requirement, you will need a certificate or letter from the training provider showing the number of hours and the date completed. Ask the licensing agency how many hours are required — it is typically between 4 and 16 hours per year — and which types of training count.
In-person renewal at a licensing office
If your state requires in-person renewal, call ahead to find out the office hours and whether you need an appointment. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot. Bring all required documents, the renewal fee, and a second form of ID if you have one. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
At the office, a staff member will check your documents, take your payment, and may take a new photo for your renewed license. Some states fingerprint you at the same visit; others send you to a separate fingerprinting vendor. Ask before you leave whether your new license will be mailed to you or whether you can pick it up in person. Most states mail licenses within two to four weeks.
If you cannot get to the office during business hours, ask whether your state allows a representative to renew on your behalf. Some states do, but they usually require a notarized power of attorney form. It is faster to go yourself if you can.
Mail-in renewal if your state allows it
Some states allow you to renew entirely by mail. Check the licensing agency's website or call to confirm your state is one of them. If it is, read the renewal form, fill it out, sign it in front of a notary, and mail it with a copy of your current license, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the form, not to a general state office address. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the agency received it. Keep a copy of everything you send. The agency will mail your new license to the address on file, usually within three to six weeks of receiving your packet.
If you do not hear back within six weeks, call the licensing agency to confirm they received your renewal. Mail can be delayed or lost, and you need to know whether to resend your packet or whether your renewal is being processed.
What to do if your license expires before renewal arrives
If you submitted your renewal on time but your new license has not arrived by the expiration date, you may still be able to work. Some states issue a temporary renewal certificate or letter that you can carry while you wait for the physical card. Call the licensing agency and ask whether they can issue a temporary document and whether your employer will accept it.
If no temporary document is available and your license expires, you cannot legally work as a security guard until the new license arrives. Do not work without a valid license — it can result in fines, loss of your license, or criminal charges. If your renewal is delayed, contact the licensing agency when ready and ask for an expedited reissue or a temporary certificate.
To avoid this situation, submit your renewal at least 90 days before expiration. If you are close to the important date and have not started, call the licensing agency and ask whether they can process a rush renewal or whether you should renew in person instead of by mail.
Renewal fees and processing times by common scenarios
| Scenario | Typical Fee | Processing Time | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard mail-in renewal | $75–$200 | 3–6 weeks | Requires notarized form and certified mail. |
| In-person renewal at office | $75–$200 | 2–4 weeks (mailed after visit) | Faster if you pick up in person; some offices allow same-day pickup. |
| Renewal with fingerprinting | $100–$250 | 4–8 weeks | Extra fee for fingerprinting; may require separate appointment. |
| Expedited or rush renewal | $150–$350 | 1–2 weeks | Not available in all states; call to ask before submitting. |
Common reasons renewal applications are rejected
The most common reason a renewal is rejected is an unsigned form or a form signed but not notarized. The licensing agency will return it and ask you to resubmit. To avoid this, have a notary sign and stamp your form before you mail it or bring it to the office. Many banks, libraries, and UPS stores offer notary services for a small fee.
A second common reason is a missing or illegible copy of your current license or ID. Make sure both sides of your ID are copied clearly and that your license card is readable. If the agency cannot read your documents, they will ask you to resubmit.
Some states reject renewals if you have unpaid fines, outstanding criminal charges, or a history of violations. If you have any of these issues, call the licensing agency before you submit your renewal to ask whether you are still may be able to access. If you are not, you may need to address the issue first or reapply instead of renewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my security license online?
Most states do not allow fully online renewal. Some states have online portals where you can start the process or check the status of your renewal, but you will still need to submit a notarized form by mail or in person, and you may need to go to an office for fingerprinting or a photo. Check your state's licensing website to see what online options are available.
What if I lost my license card?
Call the licensing agency and ask for a replacement. You will usually need to fill out a form and pay a replacement fee (typically $25–$50). A replacement is not the same as a renewal — it just gives you a new card with the same expiration date. If your license is also expiring soon, renew at the same time to avoid two separate fees and trips.
Do I need to take a test to renew my license?
Most states do not require a written test for renewal. However, some states require proof of continuing education or training hours. A few states require a background check or fingerprinting, which is not a test but a verification step. Check your state's renewal requirements on the licensing agency's website or by phone.
How long does it take to get a renewed license in the mail?
Standard processing takes two to six weeks after the agency receives your process. Expedited renewal, if available, takes one to two weeks and costs extra. If you have not received your license within the stated timeframe, call the agency to confirm they received your process and ask for a status update.
What happens if I work with an expired license?
Working with an expired security license is illegal and can result in fines, loss of your license, or criminal charges depending on your state. Your employer can also be fined for employing an unlicensed guard. Always renew before expiration, and if your renewal is delayed, ask the licensing agency for a temporary certificate or letter you can carry while you wait.