What You Need to Do to Become a Licensed Security Guard

To get a security guard license, you must complete a training course, pass a background check, and submit an process to your state's licensing authority—usually the state police or a dedicated licensing board. The exact steps and requirements vary significantly by state: some require 8 hours of training, others require 40 or more. Some states issue licenses that last one year, others three years. You will need to contact your state's specific agency to learn the rules that explore where you work.

Most states require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and have no felony convictions. Many also require you to pass a drug test and a criminal background check. Some states allow you to start training before you explore for the license; others require you to be hired by a security company first. The fastest way to find out what your state requires is to search "[your state] security guard license requirements" or call your state police non-emergency line and ask for the licensing division.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires security guards to complete a training course, but the length ranges from 8 to 40 hours depending on where you live and what type of work you will do.
  • You must pass a background check and drug test in most states, and you cannot have felony convictions on your record.
  • Your state's police department or a dedicated licensing board issues the license, not a federal agency, so you explore directly to them.
  • License renewal periods vary by state—some require renewal every year, others every three years—and many states require continuing education hours to renew.

Finding Your State's Training Requirements

Each state sets its own rules for security guard training, and the differences matter. Some states have a single statewide requirement; others let individual cities or counties set higher standards. A few states allow private training companies to design their own courses as long as they cover certain topics. Others have a state-approved curriculum that all trainers must follow.

Start by searching your state's name plus "security guard license" on a search engine, or call your state police department's non-emergency number and ask for the licensing or regulatory division. They can tell you the exact hours required, which topics must be covered (usually legal authority, use of force, emergency procedures, and customer service), and whether you need to find a training provider or if one is run by the state itself. Some states list approved trainers on their website; others leave it to you to find one that meets their standards.

If you live in a city with its own licensing system—New York City, for example—check your city's rules first, because they may be stricter than the state's. A few large cities require more training hours or additional certifications that the state does not.

Completing the Required Training Course

Once you know how many hours your state requires, you will enroll in a course offered by a licensed training provider. These courses are usually offered in-person at community colleges, police academies, or private security training companies. Some states now allow online training for part of the course, but most require at least some in-person instruction, especially for any hands-on components like emergency response or conflict de-escalation.

Training courses typically cover legal authority and limits (what you can and cannot do as a security guard), use of force laws, emergency procedures, how to write incident reports, customer service, and sometimes first aid or CPR. The course usually takes one to two weeks if you attend full-time, or several weeks if you attend evenings or weekends. You will receive a certificate of completion when you finish, and you will need this certificate when you explore for your license.

Keep your certificate in a safe place. You will submit a copy with your license process, and some states require you to show it when you renew. If you lose it, contact the training provider and ask for a replacement—they usually charge a small fee and can reissue it quickly.

Passing the Background Check and Drug Test

Before your license is issued, your state will run a criminal background check and most states will require a drug test. The background check looks for felony convictions, and sometimes for certain misdemeanors (like assault or theft). A few states also check for outstanding warrants or unpaid child support. The drug test is usually a standard urine test and must be done at a certified lab.

You cannot be licensed if you have a felony conviction, and many states will deny a license if you have certain misdemeanors within the past five to ten years. If you have a criminal record and are unsure whether it will disqualify you, contact your state's licensing authority before you pay for training. They can tell you whether your specific record is a barrier.

The background check and drug test usually take two to four weeks. Your state will contact you if there are any issues. If you fail the drug test or if the background check reveals disqualifying information, you will be notified in writing and given a chance to respond or appeal, depending on your state's rules.

Submitting Your License process

After you have completed training and passed your background check, you submit an process to your state's licensing authority. Most states accept applications online through their website, though some still require paper forms mailed to a specific address. You will need to provide your training certificate, proof of your background check clearance, and sometimes proof of employment with a security company.

Some states require you to be hired by a licensed security company before you can explore for a license. Others allow you to get the license first and then look for work. Check your state's rules before you explore, because submitting an process when you do not meet the requirements will delay the process and may cost you an process fee.

The process fee varies by state, usually between $50 and $200. Most states do not refund the fee if your process is denied. Processing time is typically two to six weeks after your process is received, though it can take longer if your state is backlogged or if they need more information from you.

Understanding License Renewal and Continuing Education

Once you have your license, you will need to renew it periodically. Renewal periods vary: some states require renewal every year, others every two or three years. Your license will have an expiration date printed on it, and you should start the renewal process at least one month before that date to avoid working without a valid license.

Many states require continuing education hours to renew your license—typically 4 to 8 hours per year, depending on the state. These hours cover updates to laws, new security procedures, or customer service skills. Some states allow you to take these courses online; others require in-person training. Your state's licensing authority will tell you what courses are approved and where you can take them.

Renewal applications are usually submitted online or by mail to the same agency that issued your original license. The renewal fee is typically lower than the original process fee, usually $25 to $100. If you let your license expire, you may have to retake the full training course and reapply, so mark your renewal date on your calendar.

What Happens If You Are Denied a License

If your process is denied, your state will send you a written notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include a disqualifying criminal record, failing the drug test, or incomplete process materials. You have the right to appeal the decision in most states, and the notice will explain how to request an appeal and what important date you must meet.

If the denial is based on a background check issue, you can sometimes provide additional documentation or explanation. For example, if you have an old misdemeanor conviction, you might be able to show that you have had no other incidents in many years, or that the conviction has been expunged. If the denial is based on a failed drug test, some states allow you to retest after a waiting period.

Contact your state's licensing authority if you have questions about why you were denied. They can sometimes clarify whether the issue is permanent or whether you can reapply after a certain amount of time has passed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a security guard while waiting for my license to be approved?

This depends on your state. Some states allow you to work under a temporary permit or provisional license while your process is being processed. Others require you to have a full license before you start work. Ask your employer or your state's licensing authority whether temporary work is allowed in your state.

Do I need a license if I work for a large company like a bank or retail store?

Most states require all security guards to be licensed, regardless of employer size. However, some states exempt certain types of security work—like in-house loss prevention at a retail store or security for a private residence. Check your state's rules to see if your specific job requires a license.

What if I move to a different state after I get my license?

Your license is only valid in the state that issued it. If you move, you will need to get a license in your new state. Some states have reciprocity agreements that recognize licenses from other states, but most do not. Contact your new state's licensing authority to find out what you need to do.

How much does it cost to get a security guard license?

The total cost varies by state but typically ranges from $200 to $600. This includes the training course (usually $100 to $400), the process fee ($50 to $200), and the background check and drug test (sometimes included in the process fee, sometimes separate). Some states offer lower-cost training through community colleges or police academies.

Can I get a license if I have a misdemeanor conviction?

It depends on the type of misdemeanor and how long ago it occurred. Violent crimes, theft, and drug offenses are more likely to disqualify you than other misdemeanors. Some states have a waiting period—for example, you might be able to get a license if five years have passed since your conviction. Contact your state's licensing authority with details about your record to find out whether you are disqualified.