If you’re curious about how to start a security company in Louisiana, you’ll need to go through a few more steps than in some other states — but don’t worry, it’s definitely doable. The state has a licensing board specifically for private security businesses, and they’ve got clear rules you’ll need to follow. 

In this article, we’ll cover: 

• What licenses and paperwork you’ll need
• How to hire and train guards
• How to grow your business over time

Let’s start by talking about Louisiana’s regulations.

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Understanding Louisiana's regulatory framework

In Louisiana, private security companies are regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners (LSBPSE). 

Unlike some states, Louisiana has a formal licensing process for both companies and individual guards. This includes things like company licensing, proof of insurance, background checks, and specific training for both unarmed and armed guards. The board lays out the rules clearly and as long as you follow their process, you’ll be set up to operate legally.

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How to start a security company in Louisiana: 8 steps

Starting a security company in Louisiana takes a few more steps than in some states, but once you understand the rules, the process is pretty straightforward. Here are eight key steps to help you get set up the right way:

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1. Choose your business structure and services

Before you dive into paperwork, take a moment to figure out what kind of security company you want to run.

First, choose a business structure. Many small security companies go with an LLC because it keeps your personal assets separate from the business. But you can also operate as a sole proprietorship or a corporation — it just depends on your goals and how you want to handle taxes and liability.

Next, decide what services you’ll provide in your security operations. You can offer:

• Unarmed security: These guards usually handle things like lobby security, retail watch, parking lots, and foot patrols.
  
  
• Armed security: These jobs require state-approved Louisiana security guard training and a firearm permit. Armed guards often work higher-risk posts like banks or government buildings. Your staff will also need to hold valid armed security guard licenses in Louisiana if you want to offer this service.
  
  
• Specialized services: You might offer VIP protection, mobile patrol, event security, or even consulting and risk assessments.

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2. Get licensed through the state

Louisiana requires a license to run a private security company. You’ll need to apply through the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners (LSBPSE) and meet several requirements before you can legally operate.

Here’s what that includes:

• Experience requirements: You or someone on your leadership team must have at least three years of security or law enforcement experience in a supervisory role. Additionally, applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.
  
  
• Company license application: You'll need to request an application from the LSBPSE, complete it through their online portal, pay the required fees, and submit supporting documentation.
  
  
• Background checks: All owners and key personnel must submit two sets of fingerprints for criminal background checks conducted by the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Identification.
  
  
• Insurance: The state requires you to carry general liability insurance (usually a minimum of $1 million in coverage). You may also need workers’ comp if you're hiring employees.

How long does the process take?

Once your paperwork is complete, the licensing process usually takes a few weeks, sometimes longer if there are delays with background checks or missing documents.

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3. Register your business and handle legal paperwork

While your license application goes through the state board, you’ll also need to take care of a few general business setup steps. These include:

• Business registration: Choose your business structure (like an LLC or corporation) and register it with the Louisiana Secretary of State. This makes your company official in the eyes of the state.
  
  
• Tax ID number: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website. You’ll need this for taxes, banking, and payroll.
  
  
• Local permits: Depending on where you’re based, your city or parish may require a local business license or permit. Check with your local government office to be sure.

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4. Create a basic business plan

You don’t need anything fancy, but having a simple business plan helps you stay focused and make smarter decisions as you grow. It also comes in handy if you ever apply for financing or insurance.

Even a one-page plan helps guide your company, especially if you’re aiming to grow in line with trends like the ones covered in our security guard industry statistics.

Here’s what to include:

• Mission and goals: What kind of security company are you building, and what do you want it to be known for?
  
  
• Target market: Are you focusing on apartment complexes, small businesses, events, or something else?
  
  
• Local competition: Take a look at other security companies in your parish or region. What are they offering? What can you do better or differently?
  
  
• Pricing: Set clear rates for your services so you're not guessing when someone asks for a quote. If you need some help figuring it out, this helpful article on security guard pricing might come in handy.

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5. Train your guards (and meet state requirements)

Your guards need to be ready for security duties before you can offer your services. In Louisiana, both unarmed and armed guards need to meet specific training requirements through the LSBPSE. This isn’t optional — you’ll need to document it before your guards can hit the ground. 

Here’s what to know:

• Your unarmed guards must complete a minimum of 16 hours of training within the first 60 days of hire. This includes legal issues, basic security procedures, report writing, and professionalism.
  
  
• Your armed guards must complete the unarmed training plus an approved firearms training course. They also need to qualify at a shooting range and meet additional safety standards.

If you need a little extra guidance for training and keeping your guards safe, check out our security officer safety tips.

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6. Set up company policies and daily procedures

Having clear policies in place helps your business run smoother and keeps your guards on the same page. It also helps protect you if anything ever goes wrong on the job.

Here’s what to put together:

• Standard operating procedures (SOPs): Write up step-by-step instructions for common situations like handling trespassers, chain of command in emergencies, making incident reports, or checking in for shifts.
  
  
• Employee handbook: Include rules about uniforms, scheduling, conduct, time-off requests, and how to report problems. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just clear.

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7. Hire guards and start getting clients

Once your company is set up and licensed, it’s time to hire people and secure contracts. This is where the real work begins, but it’s also where things start getting exciting.

Your first few jobs may come through word of mouth — so be reliable, professional, and easy to reach. Here’s how to start:

• Hiring: Post job listings online, check with local workforce programs, and ask around in your community. Always run background checks, especially since the state requires it.
  
  
• Marketing: Start small with a simple website, business cards, and a Google Business Profile so people can find you locally. Include your services, service area, and contact info.
  
  
• Networking: Reach out to apartment complexes, small businesses, event planners, and property managers in your parish. Many of them prefer working with local companies they can trust.

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8. Grow and improve your business over time

Once your security company is up and running, the goal is to keep improving and growing at a pace that works for you. You don’t need to scale overnight, but staying sharp helps you hold onto clients and win new ones.

Here’s how to keep things moving in the right direction:

• Client feedback: Ask your clients how things are going. A quick call or check-in can show them you care and help you spot problems early.
  
  
• Performance tracking: Pay attention to things like guard attendance, incident response, and customer complaints. You can use security guard software like Belfry to help with this, or just keep solid records.
  
  
• Expansion ideas: If business is steady, think about offering new services — like mobile patrols, risk assessments, or even consulting. You might also look into growing into nearby parishes.

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How Belfry can help you with your Louisiana security company

Now that we’ve discussed how to start a security company in Louisiana, you might be ready to start your own. You probably already know that running a security company means keeping track of people, schedules, reports, and paperwork — sometimes all at once. Belfry helps you stay organized by putting everything in one place so you can focus on the jobs that matter.

Here’s how: 

• Easy scheduling: Minimize scheduling conflicts and avoid unmanned shifts thanks to Belfry’s automated scheduling features that assign shifts based on site requirements, officer certifications, and training.
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• Increased officer accountability: Belfry has GPS tracking and NFC-based guided tours to help you make sure your guards are adhering to their post orders. Geofencing alerts help alert you if a guard leaves their designated area.
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• Digital incident reporting: Goodbye pen and paper — guards can more easily keep you up-to-date by sending digital incident reports through the Belfry mobile app. They can even attach any evidence if needed.
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• Track certifications: Prevent license compliance lapses by inputting your officers’ licenses and certifications. Belfry tracks renewal dates automatically and sends notifications when they’re coming up.
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• Custom reporting: Need to create reports? Belfry allows you to design tailored reports, including incident documentation, patrol activities, and compliance status.
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• Simplified payroll: Belfry automates time and attendance tracking to make payroll easier. It also tracks overtime, labor expenses, and timesheets to make financial reporting a breeze.

Ready to run a streamlined security operation in Louisiana? Schedule a free Belfry demo today.