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Security guard license requirements in every state

Security guards are licensed by each state, not nationally, so the training hours, exam, fees and renewal rules depend on where you work. This page compares every state we cover, using each board's own published rules.

Last checked · 118 official sources

On this page
  1. What the state rules have in common, and where they differ
  2. Security guard license requirements by state
  3. Sources

What the state rules have in common, and where they differ

  • We cover security guards in 42 states and DC. 40 of them issue a state license; 3 issue neither a state license nor a state registration (Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming), and the page for each explains the city and county rules instead.
  • 22 states and DC set the training or education for the main license in clock hours: from 4 in South Carolina to 40 in Florida.
  • The application or initial license fee the boards list for the main license ranges from $5 (New Hampshire) to $800 (Minnesota). That is one fee line, not the full cost: exam, fingerprint and license fees are often charged separately, and each state page lists them all.
  • Renewal: 17 states renew every 2 years, 7 states renew every year, 4 states renew every 5 years, 4 states renew every 3 years and 2 states renew every 4 years.
  • 4 boards publish a reciprocity route for the main license, and 2 apply a universal license recognition law to it. Compare transfer routes state by state.

Each state names its credentials differently, and many issue several levels (unarmed, armed, company). The table compares the license each state page leads with; the state page covers every level.

Security guard license requirements by state

StateMain licenseTraining or experienceExamApplication feeRenewalFrom another state
AlabamaSecurity Officer +3 moreTraining 8 classroom hours1–$752Every 2 years1License by endorsement and temporary license or permit12
AlaskaSecurity guard license (unarmed) +2 moreTraining 8 clock hours3–$504Every 2 years4–
ArizonaUnarmed Security Guard Employee Registration +2 moreTraining 8 clock hours5–$506Every 4 years7Temporary license or permit and universal license recognition89
ArkansasPrivate Security Officer (PSO) credential +3 moreTraining 8 clock hours10Yes10$4011Every 2 years11License by endorsement and temporary license or permit10
CaliforniaSecurity Guard Registration +4 moreTraining 8 clock hours12Yes13$6014Every 2 years15Military service members and spouses13
ColoradoNo state license16–––––
ConnecticutSecurity officer license (Security Officer Training Certification Identification Card) +2 moreTraining 8 clock hours17Yes18$10019Every 5 years17–
DelawareUnarmed Security Guard License (Yellow Card) +2 more–Yes20$10521Every 5 years22No reciprocity route21
District of ColumbiaSecurity Officer +3 moreTraining 24 clock hours23Yes24$10325Every 2 years26–
FloridaSecurity Officer (Class "D") +3 moreTraining 40 clock hours27Yes28$4529Every 2 years30Temporary license or permit31
GeorgiaPrivate Security Employee registration with Board weapon permit (armed security guard) +2 more
No state license for unarmed security guards32		Training 24 clock hours33Yes33$7034–Other route35
HawaiiGuard Employee Registration (GDE) +3 moreTraining 8 clock hours36
Experience 4 hours36		Yes36$15137Every 3 years36No reciprocity route38
IdahoNot covered yet–––––
IllinoisNot covered yet–––––
IndianaNot covered yet–––––
IowaIdentification Card (Private Security Guard) +2 more–No39$1039–No reciprocity route39
KansasNo state license40–––––
KentuckyNot covered yet–––––
LouisianaSecurity Officer Registration (unarmed) +3 moreTraining 16 clock hours41Yes42$7543Every 2 years44License by endorsement and reciprocity agreements4244
MaineContract Security Company License
No state license for individual security guards45		––$10046Every year47No reciprocity route48
MarylandSecurity Guard Certification +2 moreTraining 12 clock hours49No50$1550Every 3 years49No reciprocity route49
MassachusettsWatch Guard (WG) license (private detective or watch, guard, or patrol license)––$55051––
MichiganSecurity Guard +2 more–––––
MinnesotaProtective Agent License
No state license for employed security guards52		Experience 6,000 hours53No54$80055Every 2 years56No reciprocity route56
MississippiSecurity Guard Permit (Statewide Security Guard Gun Permit)––$10057Every 4 years58–
MissouriNot covered yet–––––
MontanaPrivate Security Guard +3 moreTraining 16 clock hours59–$8060Every year61Temporary license or permit62
NebraskaNot covered yet–––––
NevadaRegistered Work Card (registration as an employee of a PILB licensee; "Security Guard" use) +2 more–Yes63$8564Every 5 years63–
New HampshireSecurity Guard Employee license +3 more–No65$566Every 2 years67–
New JerseyNot covered yet–––––
New MexicoSecurity Guard Level One registration +5 more–Yes68$5069Every 3 years68License by endorsement and military service members and spouses6870
New YorkSecurity Guard Registration +3 moreTraining 8 clock hours71No72$3672Every 2 years73No reciprocity route71
North CarolinaUnarmed Security Guard Registration +2 moreTraining 16 clock hours74No75$3074Every year76No reciprocity route77
North DakotaSecurity Officer +6 moreTraining 32 clock hours78
Experience 1,000 hours78		–$4579Every year79Exam waiver78
OhioSecurity guard employee registration (registration identification card) +3 more––$4080Every year81No reciprocity route82
OklahomaSecurity Guard License (unarmed) +3 moreTraining 20 clock hours83Yes83$5084Every 3 years84Reciprocity agreements and exam waiver84
OregonUnarmed Private Security Professional certification +5 moreTraining 14 clock hours85Yes85$10485Every 2 years86Temporary license or permit85
PennsylvaniaAct 235 Lethal Weapons Agent certification (Lethal Weapons Training Act)
No state license for individual security guards87
No state license for watch patrol agency security guards87		–Yes88–Every 5 years89No reciprocity route90
Rhode IslandSecurity guard employee registration (employee's registration statement) with the Department of Attorney General +1 more–No91–––
South CarolinaPrivate Security Officer Registration (unarmed) +3 moreTraining 4 clock hours92Yes92$6592Every year92–
South DakotaNot covered yet–––––
TennesseeUnarmed Security Guard/Officer registration +3 moreTraining 4 clock hours93Yes94$7594Every 2 years95–
TexasNoncommissioned Security Officer (individual license; Level II) +3 more––$3096Every 2 years97License by endorsement and military service members and spouses9899
UtahUnarmed Private Security Officer +4 moreTraining 8 clock hours100Yes101$60102Every 2 years101Universal license recognition103
VermontRegistered Investigative/Security Employee (UNARMED) +4 moreTraining 8 clock hours104–$70105Every 2 years106–
VirginiaUnarmed Security Officer/Courier +3 moreTraining 18 clock hours107Yes107$25107Every 24 months107Reciprocity agreements and exam waiver107
WashingtonPrivate security guard license (unarmed) +3 moreTraining 8 clock hours108Yes109$101109Every year109License by endorsement, temporary license or permit and reciprocity agreements109108
West VirginiaIndividual Security Guard License +1 more
No state license for firm-employed security guards110		Experience 1 year111No111$50112Every 2 years113No reciprocity route114
WisconsinPrivate Security Person (private security permit) +3 more–No115$27116–Military service members and spouses117
WyomingNo state license118–––––

Training and experience are shown in the unit each state uses (clock hours, hours of on-the-job training, years); they are not converted. "Application fee" is the single application or initial license fee line, not a total.

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. Code of Alabama 1975, ch. 34-27C Alabama Security Regulatory Board (secs. 1-18)Alabama Legislature (ALISON)Checked November 7, 2026
  2. Ala. Admin. Code ch. 832-X-1 Security Regulatory Board Administration and ProcedureAlabama Legislative Services Agency (Alabama Administrative Code)Dated April 14, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  3. 13 AAC 60.010 - 13 AAC 60.900 Security GuardsAlaska State Legislature (Alaska Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  4. Alaska Statutes AS 18.65.400 - 18.65.490 (security guards)Alaska State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  5. A.R.S. 32-2632Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  6. Security Guard & Private Investigator LicensingArizona Department of Public SafetyChecked November 7, 2026
  7. A.R.S. 32-2624Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  8. A.R.S. 32-2610Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  9. A.R.S. 32-4302Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  10. 17 CAR pt. 350Arkansas Secretary of State, Code of Arkansas Rules (rules of the Division of Arkansas State Police)Checked November 7, 2026
  11. Act 393 of 2015 (SB 164): private security licenses, PI credentials, security officer commissionsArkansas General Assembly (Arkansas State Legislature)Dated March 12, 2015Checked November 7, 2026
  12. Cal. Business and Professions Code sec. 7583.7California Legislative CounselDated January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  13. Security Guard Registration ApplicationBureau of Security and Investigative ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  14. Fee Increase NoticeBureau of Security and Investigative ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  15. Cal. Business and Professions Code sec. 7583.20California Legislative CounselDated January 1, 2020Checked November 7, 2026
  16. HB 25-1262 Final Fiscal Note (July 29, 2025)Colorado General Assembly, Legislative Council StaffDated July 29, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  17. 2026 Supplement - Chapter 534Connecticut General AssemblyDated January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  18. Regs. Conn. State Agencies 29-161x-4Connecticut eRegulations System (Secretary of the State)Dated June 29, 2007Checked November 7, 2026
  19. Security Officers (SLFU FAQ)Department of Emergency Services and Public ProtectionChecked November 7, 2026
  20. 24 Del. Admin. Code 1300 Board of Examiners of Private Investigators and Private Security AgenciesDelaware Registrar of RegulationsDated February 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  21. Unarmed Security Guard FAQsDelaware State PoliceChecked November 7, 2026
  22. Security Guards/Armed Security GuardsDelaware State PoliceChecked November 7, 2026
  23. 17 DCMR 2108District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  24. Security Officer (SO) New License requirementsDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  25. Security ProgramDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  26. 17 DCMR 2100District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  27. Class D Security Officer License RequirementsFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  28. Fla. Admin. Code R. 5N-1.140 Security Officer trainingFlorida Department of State, Florida Administrative Code (flrules.org)Dated November 28, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  29. Fla. Admin. Code R. 5N-1.116Florida Department of State, Florida Administrative Code (flrules.org)Dated October 30, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  30. Fla. Stat. 493.6111Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)Checked November 7, 2026
  31. Fla. Admin. Code R. 5N-1.120Florida Department of State, Florida Administrative Code (flrules.org)Dated October 10, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
  32. Private Detective and Security Agency: FAQGeorgia Secretary of State, Board of Private Detective and Security AgenciesChecked November 7, 2026
  33. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 509-3 Instructors & Training Program RequirementsGeorgia Secretary of State (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia)Checked November 7, 2026
  34. Fee Schedule (PDSC.3.2022)Georgia Secretary of State, Board of Private Detective and Security AgenciesChecked November 7, 2026
  35. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 509-2 Licensure and RegistrationGeorgia Secretary of State (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia)Checked November 7, 2026
  36. HRS § 463-10.5 (guards; registration and training)Hawaii State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  37. Guard Employee Registration application (2026-03)Hawaii DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  38. Criminal History Record Check RequirementHawaii DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  39. 661 IAC chapter 121Iowa Legislature (Iowa Administrative Code)Dated February 5, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  40. K.S.A. 75-7b02 Licensure requiredKansas Office of Revisor of Statutes (Kansas Legislature)Checked November 7, 2026
  41. HB921 Act 683 (2026 Regular Session)Louisiana State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  42. 2026 Laws Compiled (July 2026)Louisiana State Board of Private Security ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
  43. RS 37:3286Louisiana State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  44. RS 37:3283Louisiana State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  45. Professional Investigator and Contract Security LicensesMaine State Police (Department of Public Safety)Checked November 7, 2026
  46. 32 M.R.S. §9407Maine Legislature (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)Dated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  47. 32 M.R.S. §9408Maine Legislature (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)Dated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  48. 32 M.R.S. §9409Maine Legislature (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)Dated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  49. Security Guard CertificationMaryland Department of State PoliceChecked November 7, 2026
  50. Md. Code, Business Occupations and Professions § 19-402Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  51. Apply for or renew a private investigator or watch guard licenseMassachusetts State PoliceChecked November 7, 2026
  52. Minn. Stat. § 326.336 (2026 Minnesota Statutes)Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  53. Minn. Stat. § 326.3382 (2026 Minnesota Statutes)Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  54. Minn. R. ch. 7506 (Private Detective and Protective Agent Services Board), full chapterOffice of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota LegislatureDated May 27, 2003Checked November 7, 2026
  55. Minn. Stat. § 326.3386 (2026 Minnesota Statutes)Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  56. Minn. Stat. § 326.3381 (2026 Minnesota Statutes)Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  57. Security Guard Permit FeesMississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau (Firearm Permit Unit)Checked November 7, 2026
  58. 2023 Miss. HB 301 (As Introduced) - reprints current text of Miss. Code 97-37-7Mississippi LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  59. Private Security Guard - license informationMontana Department of Labor & Industry - Private Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  60. MAR Notice No. 2025-22.1 - Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Private Security Program (Montana Administrative…Montana Department of Labor & IndustryDated October 10, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  61. Private Security Program - FAQ'sMontana Department of Labor & Industry - Private Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  62. Private Security Program (home page)Montana Department of Labor & Industry - Private Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  63. Licensee Booklet (8x11) Jan 2019Nevada Private Investigators Licensing BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  64. PILB Work CardsNevada Private Investigators Licensing BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  65. N.H. Code Admin. R. Saf-C 2200 Private Investigators, Security Guards and Bail Recovery AgentsNew Hampshire General Court (Office of Legislative Services)Checked November 7, 2026
  66. DSSP 247 Employee Application for Private Investigator, Security Guard and Bail BondsmanNew Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of State PoliceChecked November 7, 2026
  67. RSA 106-F Private Investigators, Security Services and Bail Recovery Agents (merged chapter)New Hampshire General CourtChecked November 7, 2026
  68. 16.48.2 NMACNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
  69. Private Investigations: FeesPrivate Investigations Advisory Board, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  70. 16.48.8 NMACNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
  71. Security Guard Training RequirementsNew York State Department of State, Division of Licensing ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  72. Become a Security GuardNew York State Department of State, Division of Licensing ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  73. Renew or Update Security Guard LicenseNew York State Department of State, Division of Licensing ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  74. 14B NCAC 16 (Private Protective Services Board) full chapterNorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings, Rules DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  75. Security Employee RegistrationNorth Carolina Department of Public Safety, Private Protective Services BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  76. N.C.G.S. Chapter 74C, Private Protective ServicesNorth Carolina General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  77. Frequently Asked QuestionsNorth Carolina Department of Public Safety, Private Protective Services BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  78. N.D. Admin. Code ch. 93-02-02.1 Private Security ServicesNorth Dakota Legislative BranchDated October 1, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  79. N.D. Cent. Code ch. 43-30 Investigative and Security ServicesNorth Dakota Legislative BranchChecked November 7, 2026
  80. OAC Chapter 4501:7-1 Licenses (private investigator / security guard)Ohio Legislative Service Commission (codes.ohio.gov)Dated April 1, 2021Checked November 7, 2026
  81. ORC 4749.06 Registration of employeesOhio Legislative Service Commission (codes.ohio.gov)Dated September 28, 2012Checked November 7, 2026
  82. Step-by-Step InstructionsOhio Department of Public Safety, Ohio Homeland Security - Private Investigator Security Guard ServicesDated September 12, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  83. Private Security Training and TestingCouncil on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET)Dated April 17, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  84. Oklahoma Statutes Title 59 §§ 1750.1-1750.14 (Oklahoma Security Guard and Private Investigator Act) excerptOklahoma Legislature (Oklahoma Statutes, Title 59)Checked November 7, 2026
  85. OAR Chapter 259 Division 60 Private Security Services Providers RulesOregon Secretary of State, Oregon Administrative Rules DatabaseChecked November 7, 2026
  86. ORS 181A.840-181A.918 Private Security (2025 Edition)Oregon Legislature (Oregon Revised Statutes)Checked November 7, 2026
  87. Private Detective Act of 1953, Act 361 (22 P.S. 11-30)Pennsylvania General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  88. 37 Pa. Code ch. 21Pennsylvania Code & Bulletin (Legislative Reference Bureau)Dated April 1, 1985Checked November 7, 2026
  89. Lethal Weapons Training Act, Act of Oct. 10, 1974, P.L. 705, No. 235 (22 P.S. 41-50)Pennsylvania General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  90. Act 235 FAQPennsylvania State PoliceChecked November 7, 2026
  91. 110-RICR-20-00-2 Private Security Guard Businesses (Department of Attorney General)Rhode Island Department of State (RI Code of Regulations)Dated January 4, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  92. S.C. Code of Regulations Chapter 73 (State Law Enforcement Division)South Carolina Legislative Services Agency (S.C. Code of Regulations)Checked November 7, 2026
  93. PPS Get a LicenseTennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Private Protective Services ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  94. Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 0780-05-02 Private Protective ServicesTennessee Secretary of State, Division of Publications (Rules of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Division of Regulatory Boards)Dated June 15, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  95. Tennessee Code Unannotated - Free Public Access: search results for "62-35-118" (section openings)Tennessee Code Unannotated - Free Public Access (official free access provided by LexisNexis for the State of Tennessee)Checked November 7, 2026
  96. 37 TAC §35.131 Licensing and Examination FeesTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated December 29, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  97. 37 TAC §35.31 License ExpirationTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated December 29, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  98. Texas Occupations Code ch. 1702 Private SecurityTexas Legislature (Texas Legislative Council), Texas Constitution and StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  99. 37 TAC §35.183 Alternative Licensing for Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military SpousesTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  100. Rule R156-63a: Security Personnel Licensing Act Contract Security RuleUtah Office of Administrative RulesDated May 13, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  101. Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 63 Security Personnel Licensing Act (current version)Utah State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  102. H.B. 8 (2026 General Session, Enrolled) State Agency Fees and Internal Service Fund Authorization and…Utah State LegislatureDated July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  103. Utah Code 58-1-302 License by endorsement (current version)Utah State LegislatureDated July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  104. Private Investigative & Security Services FAQsVermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional RegulationChecked November 7, 2026
  105. Vermont LawsVermont General Assembly (Vermont Statutes Online)Checked November 7, 2026
  106. OPR Initial Licensing/Renewal Fees & Dates, 90 Day Initial Licensing Policy (Updated 7/1/2025)Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional RegulationDated July 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  107. 6VAC20-174 Regulations Relating to Private Security Services Registered PersonnelVirginia General Assembly (Legislative Information System)Checked November 7, 2026
  108. RCW 18.170 Security guardsWashington State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  109. WAC 308-18 Private security guardsWashington State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  110. Exemptions for Security GuardsWV Secretary of StateDated March 20, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
  111. W. Va. Code §30-18-5West Virginia LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  112. Applying for an Individual Security Guard LicenseWV Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  113. W. Va. Code §30-18-9West Virginia LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  114. PI/SG Initial ApplicationWV Secretary of StateDated July 7, 2021Checked November 7, 2026
  115. Private Security Person - New LicensureWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  116. Credential Fees and Renewal DatesWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  117. Military Reciprocity - LicensEWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  118. PI FAQs - Private Investigators and Security Firms, Frequently Asked QuestionsWyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (Office of the Attorney General)Checked November 7, 2026