What you need to do to become a licensed security guard

To get a security guard license, you must complete a training course approved by your state, pass a background check, and submit an process to your state's licensing board or agency. The exact steps and requirements vary significantly by state — some require 8 hours of training, others require 40 or more. Most states also require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and have no felony convictions. After you complete training and pass the background check, you submit your paperwork to the state agency that oversees security licensing, pay a fee, and receive your license, which typically lasts one to three years before renewal.

The process usually takes four to eight weeks from start to finish, though it can be faster if you find a training provider with quick scheduling and slower if your background check takes longer. Some states allow you to work under a temporary permit while your full license is being processed, so you can start earning sooner.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires a state-approved training course before you can be licensed, and the length ranges from 8 to 40+ hours depending on where you live.
  • You must pass a background check that looks for felony convictions, and some states also check for certain misdemeanors or disqualifying offenses.
  • After training and background clearance, you submit an process to your state's licensing board with proof of training, identification, and a fee that ranges from $50 to $300 depending on the state.
  • Your license is valid for one to three years, after which you renew by paying a fee and sometimes completing refresher training hours.
  • Some states let you work under a temporary permit while waiting for your full license, so you do not have to wait weeks before earning income.

Find your state's licensing board and requirements

Each state has its own agency responsible for security guard licensing. In most states, this is the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Department of Regulatory Agencies, or a dedicated Private Security Board. You can find the correct agency by searching "[your state] security guard license" or by calling your state's main information line and asking which agency oversees private security licensing.

Once you find the right agency, visit their website or call them directly to get the exact requirements for your state. They will tell you the minimum training hours, what topics the training must cover, which training providers are approved, the background check process, the process fee, and how long the license lasts. Write down or print these requirements — they are your roadmap.

Some states post a list of approved training providers on their website. If yours does not, ask the licensing board which providers they recommend, or search online for "security guard training [your state]" to find local options.

Complete a state-approved training course

You must take a training course that your state has approved. The course covers topics like legal authority, use of force, emergency procedures, customer service, and report writing. Training can happen in a classroom, online, or a combination of both, depending on what your state allows and what the provider offers.

Training length varies widely. Some states require as little as 8 hours, while others require 16, 24, 40, or even 60 hours. A few states have different requirements depending on whether you will carry a firearm — armed security guards typically need more training than unarmed guards. Check your state's requirements before you enroll so you do not take a course that is too short.

Training costs between $100 and $500, depending on the provider and length. Many community colleges, vocational schools, and private security companies offer these courses. Some employers will pay for your training if you agree to work for them after you are licensed, so ask potential employers about this before you pay out of pocket.

After you finish the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. Keep this document — you will need to submit it with your license process.

Pass a background check

Your state will run a background check before issuing your license. This check looks for felony convictions, which disqualify you in every state. Some states also disqualify you for certain misdemeanors, restraining orders, or other offenses. The specific offenses that disqualify you depend on your state's rules, so ask your licensing board what they check for.

The background check includes a fingerprint check through the FBI and your state police. You will go to a designated location (often a police station, sheriff's office, or the licensing board itself) to be fingerprinted. The agency will send your prints to the FBI and state police, who search their records. This process usually takes two to four weeks.

If you have a criminal record, contact your licensing board before you explore. They can tell you whether your specific conviction or offense will disqualify you. Some states have rules that allow certain old convictions to be overlooked, or they may consider the nature of the offense and how long ago it occurred.

Submit your process to the licensing board

Once you have completed your training course and passed your background check, you submit your process to your state's licensing board. The process typically requires your training certificate, a copy of your government-issued ID, proof that you passed the background check, and a completed process form. Some states also require a photo, proof of citizenship or legal residency, or a medical exam.

You can usually submit your process online, by mail, or in person. Check your state's licensing board website for the exact process and current mailing address or online portal. Include the process fee, which ranges from $50 to $300 depending on the state. If you submit by mail, send everything certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

After the board receives your process, they will review it for completeness. If anything is missing, they will contact you and ask you to submit it. Once everything is in order, they process your process, which usually takes one to three weeks.

Receive your license and understand renewal

When your process is approved, your state will issue your security guard license. You will receive it by mail or be notified to pick it up in person. Your license will show your name, license number, the date it was issued, and the date it expires. Keep your license with you while you work — employers and clients may ask to see it.

Security guard licenses expire after one to three years, depending on your state. Before your license expires, you must renew it. Renewal usually involves paying a fee (similar to the original process fee) and sometimes completing a certain number of refresher training hours. Some states require 4 to 8 hours of refresher training every renewal period, while others do not require additional training.

Your licensing board will send you a renewal notice a few months before your license expires. Follow the instructions on that notice to renew on time. If your license expires before you renew, you cannot legally work as a security guard until you renew it.

Armed versus unarmed security guard licenses

Some states issue separate licenses for armed and unarmed security guards, while others issue one license that allows you to work either way. If you want to carry a firearm on the job, you will need to meet additional requirements beyond the basic security guard license.

Armed security training is longer and more detailed than unarmed training. Your state may require 16 to 40 additional hours of firearms training, which covers firearm safety, legal use of force, shooting accuracy, and scenario-based decision-making. You may also need to pass a firearms proficiency test and a separate background check that looks specifically at your history with weapons.

Some states require you to have a concealed carry permit or firearms license in addition to your armed security license. Check with your state's licensing board about what is required for armed security work in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Some states issue a temporary permit that allows you to work while your full license is pending. Ask your licensing board whether this is available in your state and what you need to do to get a temporary permit. If your state does not offer temporary permits, you will have to wait for your full license before you can legally work.

What disqualifies you from getting a security guard license?

Felony convictions disqualify you in every state. Many states also disqualify you for certain misdemeanors, domestic violence convictions, restraining orders, or drug-related offenses. The specific offenses vary by state, so contact your licensing board with details about your record to find out whether you can be licensed.

How much does a security guard license cost?

The total cost varies by state and includes training (usually $100 to $500), the process fee ($50 to $300), and fingerprinting (often $20 to $50). Some states charge less, others more. Contact your state's licensing board for exact fees in your area.

Do I need a high school diploma to get a security guard license?

Most states require a high school diploma or GED, though some do not. Check your state's specific requirements with the licensing board. If you do not have a diploma, ask whether a GED or other credential is accepted.

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

The entire process usually takes four to eight weeks from the time you enroll in training to the time you receive your license. Training itself takes one to five days (or longer if you take an online course over several weeks), and the background check and process review take two to four weeks combined.