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Security Guard License Lookup Tools: Verify Credentials in 50 States

Security Guard License Lookup Tools: Verify Credentials in 50 States

Verify security guard credentials in any state in just a couple of clicks. Our guide to security guard license lookup tools makes licensee searches much easier.

Published on
February 4, 2025
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Did you know that security guard licensing requirements are unique to each state? This can make it tricky for security companies to keep track of who’s licensed and who isn’t. 

That's why we created this helpful guide to security guard license lookup tools in all 50 states.

Read on to learn:

  • What a security guard license lookup tool is, and why it's important
  • How to use our state-by-state directory to find the right tool
  • What kind of information you can find in a license lookup
  • How Belfry's security management platform can help you stay compliant

Let's start by exploring what a security guard license lookup tool is and why it's a valuable resource for security managers.
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What is a security guard license lookup?

A security guard license lookup tool lets you check the status of a guard's license. It “looks up” a digital background check that is specifically designed for security professionals, confirming they are fully qualified and licensed. 
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Why are state-specific security guard license lookup tools important? 

They help you check that guards have met all the necessary state requirements and that their licenses are current and valid. This protects companies from potential legal issues while also ensuring that they’re providing clients with the best possible security services.

A security guard license lookup tool can be very helpful when it comes to hiring new security personnel. Instead of having to consult via email or phone, you can simply use the tool to verify a candidate's credentials instantly. 
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How to use this guide

This guide acts as your directory for security guard license lookup tools across the US. We've made it super easy for you to find and use the right resource for any state. No more endless searching or getting lost in a maze of government websites.

Here's how it works:

  1. Find your state: Our guide provides a clear and organized list of all 50 states. Simply scroll through and find the state you're interested in.
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  2. Click the link: Once you've located the state, you'll see a direct link to the relevant security guard license lookup tool. This might take you to the state's licensing agency, a regulatory body, or another official website that manages security guard licensing.
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  3. Access the tool: Now, you can use the security guard license lookup tool to verify a security guard's credentials. Each state's tools might look a little different, but they generally require basic information like the guard's name or license number.

That's it. Three simple steps, and you're on your way to verifying security guard licenses with ease. 

Important: This information is current as of January 28, 2025. Our editorial team regularly reviews and updates content. However, state regulations and website availability can change. If you have trouble, it's always a good idea to contact the relevant agency directly.
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Security guard license lookup tools by state

Here’s our list of security guard license lookup tools from Alabama to Wyoming: 

Alabama

  • Agency: Alabama Security Regulatory Board
  • Lookup link: https://asrb.alabama.gov/licensees
  • Requirements: Name or license number needed for search

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

  • Agency: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)
  • Lookup link: https://search.dca.ca.gov/
  • Requirements: Name (first and last) and license number required; free to access

Colorado

Note: We include this relevant lookup tool, but keep in mind that its license type menu doesn’t explicitly show a “security guard license” option. 

Connecticut

  • Agency: Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
  • Lookup link: https://elicense.ct.gov/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx
  • Requirements: Search by license type and individual's last name; free to access

Note: We include this lookup tool, but keep in mind that its license type menu doesn’t explicitly show a “security guard license” option. 

Delaware

  • Agency: Delaware State Police
  • Lookup link: https://dsp.delaware.gov
    (No specific online lookup tool; provides contact information and general licensing information)
  • Requirements: Contact the Delaware State Police for license verification.

Florida

  • Agency: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing
  • Lookup link: https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Private-Security-Licenses/Search-for-a-Licensee
  • Requirements: Search by license type and individual's information (name, license number, etc.); free to access

Georgia

  • Agency: Secretary of State Georgia Professional Licensing Boards Division
  • Lookup link: https://goals.sos.ga.gov/GASOSOneStop/s/licensee-search
  • Requirements: Search by individual's name or company name; free to access

Hawaii

  • Agency: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
  • Lookup link: https://mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov/public-license-search/
  • Requirements: Search by license type and code; free to access

Idaho

  • Agency: Security guard licensing is managed at the city level
  • Lookup link: [None]
  • Requirements: [None]

Illinois

Note: We include this lookup tool, but keep in mind that its license type menu doesn’t explicitly show a “security guard license” option. 

Indiana

  • Agency: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
  • Lookup link: https://mylicense.in.gov/everification/Search.aspx
  • Requirements: Search by profession and individual's name; free to access

Iowa

Kansas

  • Agency: City clerk, county clerk, or local law enforcement
  • Lookup link: https://www.kckpd.org/Services/Security-Guard-Permits (Provides general information on private security licensing, but no online lookup tool)
  • Requirements: Contact each county or city clerk for more information

Kentucky

  • Agency: Security guards are not required to obtain a special license in Kentucky
  • Lookup link: (No readily available online lookup tool)
  • Requirements: Contact local state police for info.

Louisiana

  • Agency: Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners
  • Lookup link: https://www.lsbpselicense.com/ 
  • Requirements: Search by license type and code; free to access

Maine

  • Agency: The State of Maine does not regulate individual security guards
  • Lookup link: [None]
  • Requirements: [None]

Maryland

  • Agency: Maryland State Police
  • Lookup link: https://mdsp.maryland.gov (Provides general information on private company security licensing, but no online lookup tool)
  • Requirements: Contact the Maryland State Police for license verification

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

  • Agency: The State of Mississippi does not regulate the private security industry
  • Lookup link: [None]
  • Requirements: [None]

Missouri

  • Agency: Security guard licensing is managed at the city level
  • Lookup link: (No readily available online lookup tool)
  • Requirements: Contact each county and city website for license info

Montana

  • Agency: Montana Department of Labor & Industry
  • Lookup link: https://ebizws.mt.gov/PUBLICPORTAL/searchform?mylist=licenses
  • Requirements: Search by individual's name or company name; free to access

Nebraska

  • Agency: Individual guards are not licensed through the state.
  • Lookup link: [None]
  • Requirements: [None]

Nevada

  • Agency: Nevada Private Investigator's Licensing Board
  • Lookup link: https://pilbonbaseweb.nv.gov/publicaccess/
  • Requirements: Use the instructions from the website to conduct a search. 

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

  • Agency: Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET)
  • Lookup link: https://cleet.us.thentiacloud.net/webs/cleet/register/#
  • Requirements: Search by individual's first name, last name, business name, location name, profession, services, or city; free to access

Oregon

Pennsylvania

  • Agency: Pennsylvania has no statewide licensing board for security guards
  • Lookup link: [None for security guards]
  • Requirements: [None]

Rhode Island

South Carolina

  • Agency: South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
  • Lookup link: https://www.sled.sc.gov/PI_Security (Provides general information on private security licensing, but no readily available online lookup tool)
  • Requirements: Contact the SLED for license information 

South Dakota

  • Agency: Security guard licensing is managed at the city level
  • Lookup link: [None]
  • Requirements: [None]

Tennessee

  • Agency: Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
  • Lookup link: https://search.cloud.commerce.tn.gov/
  • Requirements: Search by name, license number, license type, city, etc.; free to access

Texas

Utah

  • Agency: Utah Department of Commerce, Licensing Division
  • Lookup link: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html#
  • Requirements: Search by individual's name or license number; free to access. Follow specific instructions directly on the website

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

  • Agency: The State regulates the industry and employers, but not the individual security guards.
  • Lookup link: [None]
  • Requirements: [None]

Wisconsin

Wyoming

  • Agency: Security guard licensing is managed at the city level when managed at all.
  • Lookup link: [None]
  • Requirements: [None]
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What information can you expect in a license lookup?

A security guard license lookup tool can provide valuable insights into a security guard's qualifications and professional standing. Take into account that the specific details available may vary depending on the state. 

Here are some common elements you might find:

  • License status: This indicates whether the license is currently active or inactive, ensuring the guard's authorization to work.
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  • Expiration date: This date is crucial for maintaining compliance and tracking license renewals, preventing any gaps in qualifications.
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  • Disciplinary actions: In some states, the tool may disclose any disciplinary measures taken against a guard, offering insights into their professional history.
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  • Renewal requirements: Details on state-specific renewal requirements, such as continuing education or background checks, may be accessible through the tool.

For hiring managers, this information is vital for making informed personnel choices. By verifying qualifications, assessing reliability, and ensuring adherence to standards, you can build a dependable and trustworthy security team for your clients.
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Managing compliance easily with Belfry

We've compiled a guide to security guard license lookup tools for all 50 states. As you know, staying ahead of license requirements and expiration dates is critical for maintaining a compliant and efficient security operation.

That's where Belfry becomes such a powerful ally.

Belfry is an end-to-end security management platform designed to simplify operations, boost team performance, and confirm compliance with state-specific licensing requirements.

Here's how Belfry can elevate your security operations and license manage compliance:

  • Centralized training and compliance: Effortlessly track certifications, monitor expiration dates, and manage training requirements, making sure your guards remain compliant with state licensing regulations.
  • Effortless scheduling: Assign shifts with ease, taking into account certifications, training, and experience, ensuring compliance with licensing regulations and minimizing scheduling conflicts.  
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  • Integrated time and attendance management: Maintain accurate records for billing and compliance with labor laws. Belfry's system helps track hours and manage overtime.  
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  • Direct client communication: Strengthen client relationships with transparent reporting and communication tools. Keep clients informed about guard activities, incidents, and compliance status.  
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  • Centralized training and compliance: Effortlessly track certifications, monitor expiration dates, and manage training requirements, making sure your guards remain compliant with state licensing regulations.

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