What you need to do to become a licensed security guard

To get a security guard license, you must meet your state's age and background requirements, complete any required training courses, pass a background check, and submit an process to your state's licensing authority. The exact steps and timeline depend on which state you live in—some states issue licenses in weeks, others take two to three months. Most states require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a criminal background check with no disqualifying convictions.

The process typically involves three stages: meeting basic requirements, completing training, and explore for the license itself. Some states let you start training before you formally explore, while others require you to be sponsored by a security company first. A few states have minimal requirements; others require classroom hours, written exams, and fingerprinting. You will need to know which state you plan to work in, because requirements vary significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check before you can be licensed.
  • Training requirements range from no formal training in some states to 40 or more classroom hours in others, and some states require both classroom and on-the-job training.
  • You will explore to your state's licensing board or department of public safety, not to a federal agency, and the process usually includes fingerprinting and a background check fee.
  • Many security companies will sponsor your training and process if you are hired, so you do not always need to complete everything before finding work.
  • Your license typically lasts one to three years and must be renewed, sometimes with additional training hours required.

State licensing boards and where to explore

Each state has its own licensing authority, usually called the Department of Public Safety, Department of Consumer Affairs, or a dedicated Security Guard Licensing Board. You explore directly to that state agency, not to a federal office. To find your state's specific requirements and process process, search "[your state] security guard license" plus the name of the relevant department.

Some states allow you to explore as an individual; others require you to be employed by or sponsored by a licensed security company before you submit your process. If your state requires sponsorship, the company typically handles part of the paperwork and pays a portion of the fees. Contact your state's licensing board directly to confirm whether you can explore on your own or need a company to sponsor you.

Age, background, and basic may be able to access requirements

You must be at least 18 years old in every state. Most states also require a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Some states have no additional education requirement beyond that; others require you to demonstrate basic reading and math skills or pass a written exam.

A criminal background check is standard in all states. Disqualifying convictions usually include felonies, violent crimes, and crimes involving dishonesty or theft. Some states disqualify you for any felony; others only for felonies within a certain number of years. A few states allow you to petition for a waiver if your conviction is old enough. You will be fingerprinted as part of the process, and the state will run your prints through federal and state databases.

Some states also require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, though this varies. A few states allow non-citizens with valid work authorization. Check your state's specific rules before you begin the process.

Training courses and classroom hours

Training requirements fall into three categories: states with no mandatory training, states requiring classroom hours only, and states requiring both classroom and on-the-job training. Some states let you complete training before you are hired; others require you to be employed first.

States with no mandatory training include some in the South and Midwest. If your state has no requirement, you can explore for a license without any formal coursework, though many employers will require or pay for training anyway.

States requiring classroom training typically mandate between 8 and 40 hours, covering topics like legal authority, use of force, emergency procedures, and customer service. Common course names include "Security Guard Fundamentals" or "Basic Security Training." These courses are offered by community colleges, private security training companies, and sometimes by the security companies that will employ you. You usually pay $100 to $500 for the course, though employers often cover this cost.

States requiring on-the-job training typically mandate 40 to 100 hours of supervised work alongside an experienced guard before you can work independently. This training happens after you are hired and is usually unpaid or paid at a reduced rate. Your employer arranges this training, and you must document the hours completed.

Written exams and testing requirements

Many states require you to pass a written exam covering state laws, your duties and limitations as a guard, and basic security procedures. The exam is usually administered by your state's licensing board or by an approved testing center. You typically have one or more chances to retake the exam if you do not pass on your first attempt.

Exam content focuses on what you are legally allowed to do and what you are not. For example, you will be tested on whether you can detain someone, search property, or use force. The exam also covers your duty to report crimes, how to document incidents, and how to interact with law enforcement. Most exams are multiple-choice and take one to two hours. Study materials are usually available from your state's licensing board or from security training companies.

A few states do not require a written exam but instead require you to pass a practical skills assessment or an oral interview. Check your state's specific testing format before you prepare.

process process and fees

Once you have met your state's training and background requirements, you submit an process to your state's licensing board. The process typically includes your personal information, employment history, training certificates, and a signed consent form for the background check. You will be fingerprinted, usually at a police station, sheriff's office, or designated fingerprinting service. The state will run your fingerprints through the FBI and state criminal databases.

process fees range from $50 to $300 depending on the state. Some states charge a separate fingerprinting fee of $20 to $50. If you are explore through an employer, the company may pay these fees or split them with you. Processing time is typically two to eight weeks, though some states take longer during busy periods.

You will receive your license by mail once approved. Most licenses are valid for one to three years and must be renewed before they expire. Renewal usually requires paying a fee and sometimes completing additional training hours.

Working with a security company versus explore independently

Many people get their security guard license through a company that hires them first. The company pays for training, sponsors your process, and sometimes covers licensing fees. This route is faster if your state allows it, because the company handles paperwork and knows the local process.

If you want to explore on your own before finding work, check whether your state allows independent applications. Some states require you to be employed or sponsored by a licensed company before you can explore. Others let you get your license first and then use it to find work. explore independently takes longer and costs more out of pocket, but it gives you a license to show employers.

Either way, once you are licensed, you can work for any licensed security company in your state. Your license is not tied to a single employer.

License renewal and continuing requirements

Security guard licenses expire after one to three years depending on your state. To renew, you submit a renewal process to your state's licensing board, usually 30 to 90 days before your license expires. Renewal fees are typically $50 to $200.

Some states require continuing education hours to renew your license—often 4 to 8 hours per year covering updates to laws, new security procedures, or customer service skills. Your employer or a training company can provide these courses. Other states have no continuing education requirement and only require you to pay the renewal fee and confirm that you have no new disqualifying convictions.

If your license expires, you cannot work as a security guard until you renew it. Renewal is usually faster than the initial licensing process because you have already passed the background check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a security guard license if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the conviction. Felonies, violent crimes, and crimes involving dishonesty usually disqualify you permanently. Some states allow a waiver if the conviction is more than 5 to 10 years old. Contact your state's licensing board with details of your conviction to learn whether you are disqualified or can petition for a waiver.

Do I need to be employed by a security company to get licensed?

It depends on your state. Some states let you explore as an individual; others require sponsorship by a licensed security company. Check your state's licensing board website or call them directly to confirm the requirement for your state.

How long does it take to get a security guard license?

Timeline varies by state. If you already meet all requirements, the process and background check typically take 2 to 8 weeks. If you need to complete training first, add 1 to 4 weeks for classroom courses or several weeks for on-the-job training. Some states process applications faster than others.

Can I work as a security guard while my license process is pending?

Most states do not allow you to work as a licensed security guard until your license is issued. However, some states issue a temporary permit or allow you to work under supervision while your process is being processed. Ask your state's licensing board or your employer whether temporary work is permitted.

What happens if my license expires?

You cannot legally work as a security guard once your license expires. Renewal is usually faster than initial licensing because you have already passed the background check. Submit your renewal process before your license expires to avoid a gap in your ability to work.