What you need to do to get an armed security license

An armed security license is issued by your state, not the federal government, and the path to getting one depends on which state you live in. Most states require you to complete a training course (usually 40 to 80 hours), pass a background check, and pass a written exam before you can carry a firearm on the job. Some states also require you to be licensed as an unarmed security guard first, which adds another step. The whole process typically takes two to four months from start to finish, though it varies by state.

The first thing to do is contact your state's licensing authority—usually the state police, the department of public safety, or a dedicated licensing board. They will send you the exact requirements for your state, the list of approved training providers, and the process forms you need. Do not start a training course until you have this information, because requirements differ significantly from state to state, and taking the wrong course will delay you.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's licensing authority (usually state police or a public safety department) publishes the exact requirements and approved training providers for your state.
  • Most states require 40 to 80 hours of classroom and range training, a background check, and a written exam before you can carry a firearm as a security guard.
  • Some states require you to hold an unarmed security license first, which adds four to eight weeks to the timeline.
  • The background check will examine your criminal history, mental health records, and firearm-related disqualifications, so be honest about anything in your past.
  • After you pass the exam and background check, your state will issue a card or certificate that you carry while working.

The background check and disqualifications

Every state requires a background check before issuing an armed security license. The check will look at your criminal history (felonies and certain misdemeanors), your mental health records, any domestic violence convictions or restraining orders, and whether you have ever been denied a firearm permit. If you have any of these in your past, you may be disqualified, though the rules vary by state.

Be honest on your process. Lying about your background is itself a disqualification and can result in criminal charges. If you have something in your history that concerns you, call your state's licensing authority before you explore and ask whether it will disqualify you. Some states have waiting periods after certain convictions or allow you to petition for a waiver; others do not. Getting a straight answer now is better than paying for training and then being denied.

Finding and completing an approved training course

Your state's licensing authority will provide a list of approved training providers. Do not enroll in a course that is not on that list—the state will not recognize it, and you will have wasted your money. The course covers firearms safety, state and federal law, use-of-force rules, de-escalation, and range time where you fire and may have access to with a handgun.

Most courses run for one to two weeks full-time, or spread over several weekends. You will need to bring or rent a handgun (usually a 9mm or .40 caliber), and you will need to pass a shooting qualification—typically hitting a target at 7, 15, and 25 yards with a certain number of rounds. The course provider will tell you what gun to bring and what ammunition to use. After you finish, the provider will give you a certificate of completion, which you will need for your process.

The written exam and what it covers

After you complete your training course, you will take a written exam administered by your state. The exam tests your knowledge of state and federal firearms law, use-of-force rules, when you can and cannot draw your weapon, and how to handle common security situations. Most exams are 50 to 100 multiple-choice questions, and you usually need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass.

Your training course will prepare you for the exam, and most providers give you practice tests. If you fail, you can usually retake it after a waiting period (often 30 days). Some states charge a fee to retake the exam; others do not. Ask your training provider what the retake policy is before you sit for the first attempt.

Submitting your process to your state

Once you have your training certificate and have passed the exam, you will submit an process to your state's licensing authority. The process will ask for your personal information, your training certificate, proof that you passed the exam, and authorization for the background check. Some states require you to submit fingerprints (usually taken at a police station or through a private fingerprinting service) as part of the background check.

The process fee varies by state—anywhere from $50 to $300. Some states charge an annual renewal fee as well. Check with your licensing authority about the exact cost and payment method. After you submit your process, the state will conduct the background check, which typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive your license by mail or be notified to pick it up in person.

Unarmed security license as a prerequisite

Some states require you to hold an unarmed security license before you can get an armed license. An unarmed license usually requires a shorter training course (8 to 16 hours), a background check, and a written exam. If your state has this requirement, you will need to complete it first, which adds four to eight weeks to your timeline.

Your state's licensing authority will tell you whether this applies to you. If it does, they will direct you to approved unarmed training providers. The good news is that the unarmed course is shorter and cheaper, and many of the topics overlap with the armed course, so you will not be starting from scratch.

Renewal and ongoing requirements

An armed security license is not permanent. Most states require you to renew every one to three years, depending on the state. Renewal usually involves paying a fee, passing a background check again, and sometimes completing a refresher training course. Some states require you to recertify your firearm qualification every year or every two years.

Your state will send you a renewal notice before your license expires. Do not let it lapse—working as an armed security guard without a valid license is illegal and can result in criminal charges. If your license does expire, you will usually have to retake the full training course and exam to get it back, rather than straightforward renewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an armed security license if I have a felony conviction?

Most states disqualify anyone with a felony conviction, but some allow you to petition for a waiver after a certain number of years have passed. Call your state's licensing authority and describe your conviction. They can tell you whether you are disqualified or whether a waiver is possible.

Do I need to own a gun before I take the training course?

No. Most training providers allow you to rent or borrow a handgun for the course, or they provide one. Ask your training provider what firearms are available before you enroll. You will need to own or have access to a gun for your job after you are licensed, but not before.

What happens if I fail the written exam?

You can retake it after a waiting period, usually 30 days. Some states charge a fee to retake; others do not. Your training provider will tell you the retake policy. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the material covered in the course.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

If your state does not require an unarmed license first, expect two to four months. If it does, add four to eight weeks. The timeline depends on how quickly you enroll in a course, how fast the state processes your background check, and whether you pass the exam on your first attempt.

Do I need to renew my armed security license?

Yes. Most states require renewal every one to three years. You will need to pay a renewal fee and pass a background check again. Some states also require a refresher training course or firearm recertification. Your state will send you a renewal notice before your license expires.