Did you know? Becoming an armed security officer in Alabama requires specific qualifications for a handgun, shotgun, and rifle. At the same time, Florida mandates 42 hours of training for unarmed guards — one of the highest requirements in the U.S.

There are many more differences by state to review below. 

Read on to learn about: 

• Overview of licensing for security officers
• Security guard license requirements for 50 states
• How Belfry’s platform helps firms stay compliant 

Let’s start with the popular types of security guard licenses in the US and some general eligibility criteria.

‍

General licensing overview for security guards

As we've already touched on, the specifics of how you get licensed will depend on your state, but there are some common threads and key concepts that apply across the board. Let’s take a closer look at which those are:

‍

Types of security guard licenses

Generally speaking, there are two main categories of security guard licenses in the US:

• Unarmed security guard license: This credential authorizes individuals to work as security guards without carrying a firearm.
  ‍
• Armed security guard license: This license lets guards carry a firearm while on duty but usually requires completing extra training and qualification standards.

You might also come across the term, federal security guard license. While there are federal agencies that employ security personnel, most security guard licensing is handled at the state level. 

This means that the exact requirements and processes for obtaining a license will vary depending on where the aspiring security guard lives and plans to work. That's why we're focusing on security guard license requirements by state processes in this guide.

Note: While most licenses are state-specific, you may be wondering if multi-state licenses exist for security guards. We encourage you to read our guide on that topic. 

‍

Common licensing requirements

Here are some of the typical requirements for those pursuing a security guard license:

• Background checks: States want to ensure that folks entrusted with protecting people and property have a clean record. Expect a criminal history check and in some cases, a credit check or drug screening.
  ‍
• Fingerprinting: This is often part of the background check process to confirm the person’s identity and confirm all records are accurate.
  ‍
• Age minimums: Candidates generally have to be at least 18 years old to work as a security guard, and some states have higher age requirements, especially for armed positions.
  ‍
• Training: Most states require some level of pre-assignment training, covering topics like legal powers and limitations, observation and reporting, emergency response, and communication skills.
  ‍
• Firearm training: If someone wants to work as an armed guard, they’ll need to undergo specialized firearms training, which usually includes classroom instruction and range qualification.
  ‍
• Re-certification timelines: Licenses aren't forever. Security guards usually need to renew their licenses periodically. That can involve completing continuing education courses or refresher training.

‍

Potential penalties

Working without a license or violating the rules and regulations governing security work can lead to some hefty penalties. 

These can include:

• Fines: These can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the violation. For instance, in Illinois, an employer who knowingly employs an unlicensed security guard could be fined up to $10,000.
  ‍
• License suspension or revocation: This means individuals would lose their ability to work as a security guard, at least temporarily.
  ‍
• Criminal charges: In some cases, particularly if their actions endanger others, guards could even face criminal prosecution.

Keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and the exact penalties can vary wildly depending on the state and the specific circumstances.

‍

A list of security guard license requirements by state 

This section provides a state-by-state breakdown of the key licensing requirements for security guards. Remember, these are just the highlights, and it's always a good idea to check with your state's licensing authority for the most up-to-date information. 

Let’s get started:

‍

1. Alabama

• License types: Unarmed and armed licenses are available.
• Training: 8 hours for unarmed, 14 hours firearms training for armed.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years.
• Unique requirements: An armed license requires range qualification in a handgun, shotgun, and rifle.

Source: Alabama Security Regulatory Board

‍

2. Alaska

• License types: Unarmed and armed licenses are available.
• Training: 8 hours pre-assignment, 40 hours on the job within 180 days.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years with 8 hours of continuing education annually.
• Unique requirements: An armed license requires 8 hours of firearms training and a demonstration of competence with an issued firearm.

Source: Alaska Department of Public Safety

‍

3. Arizona

• License types: Unarmed and armed licenses are available.
• Training: 8 hours pre-assignment.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years with 8 hours of continuing education every other year.
• Unique requirements: No license is needed if working directly for a company; a license is required if working for an agency that assigns a guard to various companies.

Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety

‍

4. Arkansas

• License types: Unarmed (PSO), armed (CSO), and armed school security officer (CSSO).
• Training: 8 hours for unarmed, 16 hours firearms training for armed, 36 hours for CSSO.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years with varying continuing education requirements.
• Unique requirements: Annual refresher training is required for armed officers; background checks include all arrests and charges, even if sealed or expunged.

Source: Arkansas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies

‍

5. California

• License types: Security guard card, with an additional firearm permit for armed roles.
• Training: 40 hours total (8 hours pre-assignment, 16 hours on-the-job training within 30 days, 16 hours within the first six months); annual 8-hour re-certification.
• Application process: Live Scan fingerprinting, $55 application fee, online renewal.
• Unique requirements: Psychological evaluation for firearm permit; training can be completed in three parts.

Source: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services

‍

6. Colorado

• License types: Licensing is handled at the city level; requirements vary.
• Training: Varies by city.
• Application process: Varies by city.
• Unique requirements: Some cities may require a physical examination and medical certificate.

Sources: Colorado Springs Police Department / Denver Police Department

‍

7. Connecticut

• License types: Security Officer Certification Identification Card required.
• Training: 8 hours pre-assignment.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 5 years.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require an 8-hour firearms training course and annual refresher.

Source: Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection

‍

8. Delaware

• License types: Unarmed and armed licenses are available.
• Training: 16 hours for unarmed, 40 hours firearms training for armed.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years with 8 hours of continuing education.
• Unique requirements: Separate training is required for batons, pepper spray, and handcuffs.

Source: Delaware State Police

‍

9. Florida

• License types: Class "D" for unarmed, Class "G" for armed.
• Training: 42 hours for unarmed, 28 hours firearms training for armed.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require 4 hours of annual firearms requalification training.

Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

‍

10. Georgia

• License types: No license is required for unarmed guards; armed guards require an Exposed Weapon Permit.
• Training: 24 hours for unarmed, 15 hours firearms training for armed.
• Application process: Registration with the state is required for armed guards.
• Unique requirements: Annual firearms qualification is required for armed guards.

Source: Georgia Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies

‍

11. Hawaii

• License types: Guard Employee registration is required for those "acting in a guard capacity."
• Training: 8 hours pre-assignment.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 3 years with 4 hours of continuing education.
• Unique requirements: Armed guard requirements set by local law enforcement agencies.

Source: Hawaii Board of Private Detectives and Guards

‍

12. Idaho

• License types: Licensing is handled at the city level; requirements vary.
• Training: Varies by city.
• Application process: Varies by city.
• Unique requirements: Contact the local City Clerk's office for specific requirements.

Sources: City of Boise Official Website / Idaho Falls Official Website / City of Nampa Official Website 

‍

13. Illinois

• License types: Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) required.
• Training: 20 hours pre-assignment, 8 hours on-the-job within 6 months.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years with 8 hours of continuing education annually.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require a 40-hour firearms training course.

Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

‍

14. Indiana

• License types: No state license is required; employer registration and fingerprinting are required.
• Training: At employer's discretion.
• Application process: Employer submits information to the state.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards must be at least 21 years old.

Source: Indiana State Official Website 

‍

15. Iowa

• License types: No state license is required; employer registration is required.
• Training: At employer's discretion.
• Application process: Employer submits information to the state.
• Unique requirements: Employers typically set their own firearms training standards for armed guards, who must also obtain a permit to carry from their local sheriff.

Source: Iowa Department of Public Safety 

‍

16. Kansas

• License types: Licensing is handled at the city level; requirements vary.
• Training: Varies by city.
• Application process: Varies by city.
• Unique requirements: Contact the local police department for specific requirements.

Sources: Kansas City Police Department / City of Topeka Services Website / City of Wichita Official Website 

‍

17. Kentucky

• License types: License required for all security guards, including armed and unarmed, working for security guard companies. Unarmed guards working for proprietary security forces may also require a license under certain circumstances.
• Training: Requirements vary based on license type.
• Application process: Application process and fees vary based on license type.
• Unique requirements: Contact the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training for specific requirements.

Source: Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training

‍

18. Louisiana

• License types: Registration card required, with various classifications for different weapons (unarmed, baton, revolver, shotgun, etc.).
• Training: 8 hours pre-assignment, 8 hours within 60 days of employment.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years.
• Unique requirements: Separate training is required for batons; armed guards require firearms training and range qualification.

Source: Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners

‍

19. Maine

• License types: No individual license is required; security companies are licensed.
• Training: At employer's discretion.
• Application process: Employer notifies the commissioner of all employees performing security functions.
• Unique requirements: Background investigation is required within 60 days of employment.

Source: Maine State Police

‍

20. Maryland

• License types: Security guard certification is required.
• Training: At employer's discretion.
• Application process: Application is through a licensed security guard agency; renewal is every 3 years.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require a separate "Wear and Carry Permit" from the state police.

Source: Maryland State Police Licensing Division

‍

21. Massachusetts

• License types: Individual security guard registration is required.
• Training: At employer's discretion but must meet state standards.
• Application process: Employer registers all guard employees with the state.
• Unique requirements: A background check is required for individual registration.

Source: Massachusetts State Police Certification Unit

‍

22. Michigan

• License types: No individual license is required; security companies are licensed.
• Training: At employer's discretion.
• Application process: Employer registers guards with the state.
• Unique requirements: None.

Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

‍

23. Minnesota

• License types: Unarmed and armed licenses are available.
• Training: 12 hours pre-assignment.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years with 6 hours of continuing education annually.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require additional firearms training and annual certification.

Source: Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services

‍

24. Mississippi

• License types: No state license is required.
• Training: At employer's discretion.
• Application process: None.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require a firearm permit from the Department of Public Safety.

Source: Mississippi Department of Public Safety

‍

25. Missouri

• License types: Licensing is handled at the city level; requirements vary.
• Training: Varies by city.
• Application process: Varies by city.
• Unique requirements: Contact the local police department or city hall for specific requirements.

Source: Columbia Finance Department

‍

26. Montana

• License types: Unarmed and armed licenses are available.
• Training: 16 hours pre-assignment; 8 hours annual continuing education.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require firearms training and qualification.

Source: Montana Board of Private Security

‍

27. Nebraska

• License types: No state license is required.
• Training: At employer's discretion.
• Application process: None.
• Unique requirements: None.

Source: Nebraska Department of Administrative Services

‍

28. Nevada

• License types: A security guard work card is required; separate registration is required for casino security guards.
• Training: No training for general work card; casino security guard training at employer's discretion.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 5 years.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require 13 hours of firearms training and must requalify every 6 months.

Sources: Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board / Nevada Gaming Control Board

‍

29. New Hampshire

• License types: An individual license is required for freelance or contract security guards; no license is needed if working for a licensed security company.
• Training: Up to 10 hours, content at employer's discretion.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years with up to 10 hours of continuing education.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require firearms training and annual qualification.

Source: New Hampshire Department of Safety

‍

30. New Jersey

• License types: Security Officer Certification is required.
• Training: 24 hours pre-assignment; 8 hours refresher every 2 years.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require a separate handgun carry permit from their local police department.

Source: New Jersey State Police

‍

31. New Mexico

• License types: There are three levels of licenses, including Level 1 (unarmed), Level 2 (armed), and Level 3 (armored vehicle).
• Training: Level 1 is 8 hours; Level 2 is 28 hours; Level 3 is 44 hours. No online training is accepted.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years with 4 hours of continuing education.
• Unique requirements: Level 3 requires psychological evaluation and a 90% or higher score on the jurisprudence exam.

Source: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department

‍

32. New York

• License types: A Security Guard Registration Card is required; a separate card is required for armed guards.
• Training: 8 hours pre-assignment, 16 hours on-the-job within 90 days; 8 hours annual in-service training.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require a 47-hour firearms training course.

Source: New York Department of State

‍

33. North Carolina

• License types: A private protective services license is required, as well as a separate firearm registration permit for armed guards.
• Training: 16 hours pre-assignment; 12 hours continuing education every 2 years.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require a 4-hour firearms training course and range qualification.

Source: North Carolina Private Protective Services Board

‍

34. North Dakota

• License types: There are three levels. They are the Apprentice Security Officer, Security Officer, and Commissioned Security Officer licenses, as well as separate firearms permits for armed guards.
• Training: Varies by license level (see source).
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every year on September 30th.
• Unique requirements: Active law enforcement officers cannot hold a security license.

Source: North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board

‍

35. Ohio

• License types: No individual license is required; employer registration is required.
• Training: At the employer's discretion.
• Application process: Employer registers guards with the state; renewal every year.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require a 20-hour firearms training course and a Firearm-Bearer Endorsement.

Source: Ohio Department of Public Safety

‍

36. Oklahoma

• License types: Unarmed and armed licenses are available.
• Training: 40 hours for unarmed (Phase I and II), 32 hours of firearms training for armed (Phase IV).
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years with 8 hours of continuing education (additional 8 hours firearms for armed).
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require a psychological evaluation.

Source: Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training

‍

37. Oregon

• License types: Unarmed and armed licenses are available.
• Training: 14 hours for unarmed, 24 hours firearms training for armed.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years with 4 hours of continuing education.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards have additional restrictions regarding mental health history.

Source: Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training

‍

38. Pennsylvania

• License types: No individual license is required; employer registration is also required.
• Training: At the employer's discretion.
• Application process: Licenses are obtained through the appropriate state authority after guards are certified. 
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require certification under the Lethal Weapons Training Act.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of State

‍

39. Rhode Island

• License types: No individual license is required; employer registration is required.
• Training: At employer's discretion.
• Application process: Employer registers guards with the state.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require a separate permit from the Attorney General to carry a firearm.

Source: State of Rhode Island, Office of the Attorney General

‍

40. South Carolina

• License types: Security officer registration certificate required; separate Security Weapons Permit for armed guards.
• Training: 4 hours basic training, 2 hours employer-provided orientation, 4 hours firearms training for armed.
• Application process: Employer applies for a license on behalf of the guard; renewal every year.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards can obtain a concealed weapons permit for off-duty carry.

Source: South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

‍

41. South Dakota

• License types: Licensing is handled at the city level when regulated at all — no overall state licensing requirements.
• Training: At the employer's discretion.
• Application process: Varies by city.
• Unique requirements: Contact the local police department or city hall for specific requirements.

Source: City of Rapid City license requirements

‍

42. Tennessee

• License types: Unarmed and armed licenses are available.
• Training: 4 hours for unarmed, 12 hours firearms training for armed.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards require separate training for each type of less-than-lethal device carried (e.g., baton, pepper spray).

Source: Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance — Private Protective Services

‍

43. Texas

• License types: Three levels: Level II (unarmed), Level III (armed), and Level IV (personal protection).
• Training: Varies by license level (see source).
• Application process: Online application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years.
• Unique requirements: Level IV requires psychological evaluation.

Source: Texas Department of Public Safety

‍

44. Utah

• License types: Unarmed and armed licenses are available.
• Training: 8 hours pre-assignment for unarmed, 12 hours firearms training for armed.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years on September 30th of even years.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards can only carry firearms for which they have passed an approved training program.

Source: Utah Division of Professional Licensing 

‍

45. Vermont

• License types: Unarmed and armed licenses are available.
• Training: 40 hours for unarmed and an additional 16 hours of firearms training for armed.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years on June 1st of odd years.
• Unique requirements: The license is tied to a specific employer unless the state authorizes the guard to work for multiple employers.

Source: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation

‍

46. Virginia

• License types: Unarmed and armed licenses are available.
• Training: 18 hours for unarmed, 32 hours firearms training for armed.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years.
• Unique requirements: Security guards in Virginia do not have arrest powers. They may perform citizen's arrests under circumstances permitted by common law.

Source: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services

‍

47. Washington

• License types: Unarmed and armed licenses are available.
• Training: 8 hours pre-assignment, 8 hours post-assignment within 12 months; 8 hours firearms training for armed.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years.
• Unique requirements: Armed guards must have a firearms certificate issued by the Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Source: Washington State Department of Licensing

‍

48. West Virginia

• License types: No individual license is required; employer registration is required.
• Training: At the employer's discretion.
• Application process: Employer registers guards with the state.
• Unique requirements: None.

Source: West Virginia Secretary of State 

‍

49. Wisconsin

• License types: A Private Security Permit is required, as well as a separate firearms permit for armed guards.
• Training: Pre-assignment training is required, including classroom and practical exercises.
• Application process: Application, fingerprints, fees; renewal every 2 years on August 31st of even years.
• Unique requirements: Temporary permit available for up to 30 days while a background check is processed.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

‍

50. Wyoming

• License types: Licensing is handled at the city level when managed at all—no overall state licensing requirements.
• Training: At the employer's discretion.
• Application process: Varies by city.
• Unique requirements: Contact the local police department or city hall for specific requirements.

Source: Casper license requirements 

‍

How Belfry's end-to-end security management platform supports compliance

We've discussed the essential security guard license requirements across states, providing you with the necessary insights to navigate these regulations easily. Staying on top of these requirements isn't just a matter of individual responsibility; it's vital for the success of the entire security operation.

That's where Belfry comes in. 

Belfry is an all-in-one security management platform designed to simplify operations, boost team effectiveness, and confirm compliance with state-specific licensing requirements.

Whether you're managing a small team or overseeing large-scale security deployments, Belfry provides the tools you need to optimize performance and maintain compliance.

Here's how Belfry can help optimize your security operations:

• Automated guard scheduling: Effortlessly assign shifts based on factors like required certifications, training, and experience, ensuring compliance with licensing regulations and minimizing scheduling conflicts.
  ‍
• Integrated time and attendance tracking: Keep accurate records for payroll and billing while ensuring compliance with labor laws. Belfry's system helps track hours, manage overtime, manage breaks, and automate payroll processes.
  ‍
• Enhanced client communication: Strengthen client relationships with transparent reporting and communication tools. Keep clients informed about guard activities, incidents, and compliance status through customized reports and client portals.
  ‍
• Centralized training and certification management: Belfry helps track certifications, monitor expiration dates, and manage training requirements, ensuring your guards remain compliant with state licensing regulations.

Schedule a Free Demo Today.‍