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How to get a Security guard license in Alaska

Alaska licenses security guards statewide through the Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS).1 For the Security guard license (unarmed) you need at least 8 clock hours2 of education and a criminal background check1. The board lists $50 for the application1. You renew every 2 years1 and complete at least 8 hours of continuing education2.

Last checked · 5 official sources

Who issues it

Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Training and experience

Training: at least 8 clock hours2

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $501

Renewal

Every 2 years1, at least 8 hours of continuing education2

On this page
  1. Alaska security guard licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Security guard license
  4. How to apply
  5. Renewal and continuing education
  6. Security guard license
  7. Security guard agency license
  8. Laws and rules
  9. Common questions
  10. Security guard licenses in other states

Alaska security guard licenses

Alaska issues 3 security guard credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceApplication or license fee
Security guard license (unarmed)A person in the business of being a private watchman, providing patrol services, or other services to prevent theft, misappropriation or concealment of goods, money or valuable documents.1Training 8 clock hours2$501
Security guard license (armed)A person in the business of being a private watchman, providing patrol services, or other services to prevent theft, misappropriation or concealment of goods, money or valuable documents. Armed: may carry a firearm only after DPS-acceptable firearms training.1Training 8 clock hours2$501
Security guard agency licenseA person in the business of furnishing for hire private watchmen, patrol services or other theft-prevention services.1–$2001

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Alaska security guard licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 3)

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old2
Insurance
Each applicant files an insurance or bond certificate: comprehensive liability at least $100,000 per person / $200,000 per occurrence (death, injury, false arrest, malicious prosecution, defamation, privacy) plus $100,000 per occurrence property damage; employer-provided cover is allowed.2

How to apply

2. Every license level except Security guard agency license

Requirements

Education or training
At least 8 clock hours2
At least 8 hours of general pre-assignment training before a temporary permit or application.2
Education or training
At least 40 clock hours2
At least 40 hours of in-service training within 180 days after employment (law of arrest, search and seizure, duties, fire prevention, first aid, patrol).2
Background check
Background check required1
Fingerprints required4
No felony conviction within 10 years before applying (unless fully pardoned); license revocable for a felony or crime of moral turpitude while licensed. The application asks for all arrests/convictions in the last 10 years and domestic-violence orders/convictions.2
Residency or citizenship
U.S. citizen or resident alien with a work permit.2
Social Security number
Social Security number required on the application.2
Also required
Not addicted to or dependent on alcohol or drugs; no psychopathic condition or mental illness impairing memory, reason, judgment or perception.2
Also required
Must report a change of employer to DPS within five days.2
Also required
Three character references, at least one an Alaska resident.4

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$501DPSNot refundable
Check or money order$504DPS–

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Finish 40 hours of in-service training within 180 days of hire and an 8-hour refresher every year.2
Temporary or provisional license
A licensed agency may employ an applicant for up to 30 days pending the license once the agency has made reasonable and prudent inquiries that the applicant qualifies, the completed application and fee are submitted, and the agency manager notes the temporary status on the application.2

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years1
When it expires
Valid two years; send the renewal application at least 30 days before expiry.2
Renewal fee
$501
Continuing education
At least 8 hours each renewal period2
Approved courses
Renewal application must certify the required training was completed.2
Renew online
dps.alaska.gov3

Who needs a Security guard license

A person in the business of being a private watchman, providing patrol services, or other services to prevent theft, misappropriation or concealment of goods, money or valuable documents.1

Work that does not need this license:

  • An employer need not license its own employees who provide unarmed plant security on the employer's premises.1

Other rules on who may do this work:

  • The commissioner may waive a requirement of 13 AAC 60 on written request (not the core eligibility rules in 13 AAC 60.010(a)/60.050(a)).2

How to apply

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Applies to every license level.

  1. Get hired by a licensed security guard agency and complete at least 8 hours of pre-assignment training.2
  2. Fill in DPS form 12-183 (Application for License as a Security Guard), tick Unarmed, sign it before a notary or court clerk; the agency's qualified agent signs the indemnification section if you start work on a temporary basis.2 Form (PDF, dps.alaska.gov)3

Renewal and continuing education

Required topics
Refresher covers law of arrest, search and seizure, duties to employer/client, fire prevention, first aid, patrol techniques.2

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Alaska Security guard license (unarmed). The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Security guard license

A person in the business of being a private watchman, providing patrol services, or other services to prevent theft, misappropriation or concealment of goods, money or valuable documents. Armed: may carry a firearm only after DPS-acceptable firearms training.1

Requirements

Education or training
At least 8 clock hours2
At least 8 hours of pre-assignment firearms training (law on firearm use, handling, safety and maintenance) from a certified firearms instructor, plus demonstrated competence with each firearm issued.2
Who may teach it: Firearms trainer certified by a federal, military, state, county or municipal law-enforcement agency, or an agency employee with a nationally recognized instructor certification.2
Also required
Must not be disqualified from possessing a firearm; armed guards must be in company uniform when carrying and may conceal only with a concealed handgun permit.2

How to apply

  1. Get hired by a licensed security guard agency and complete at least 8 hours of pre-assignment training plus 8 hours of firearms training and a firearm qualification.2
  2. Fill in DPS form 12-183 (Application for License as a Security Guard), tick Armed, sign it before a notary or court clerk; the agency's qualified agent signs the indemnification section if you start work on a temporary basis.2 Form (PDF, dps.alaska.gov)3

Renewal

Required topics
Refresher covers law of arrest, search and seizure, duties to employer/client, fire prevention, first aid, patrol techniques.2
Armed: proof of competency with a firearm at an annual practice firing review.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Applies to every license level.

Security guard agency license

A person in the business of furnishing for hire private watchmen, patrol services or other theft-prevention services.1

Requirements

Background check
Background check required2
Applicants, partners, qualified agent, corporate officers and 20%+ owners: no felony conviction within 10 years unless pardoned.2
Residency or citizenship
Qualified agent must reside in Alaska; applicants must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens with work permit.2
Business requirements
Valid Alaska business license (AS 43.70) plus any corporate or municipal license/registration.2
Business requirements
Submit a description of the agency guard training program; armed agencies also list firearms instructors with their certifications.2
Business requirements
File a guard employee list for the previous six months by March 31 and September 30 each year.2
Business requirements
License not transferable with ownership change; display license at principal place of business.2

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$2001DPSNot refundable
Application fee for change of ownership$2002DPS–
Application fee for a change of qualified agent$252DPS–
Qualified agent security guard license application fee$502DPSQualified agent not already licensed as a guard. Not refundable

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Get an Alaska business license and liability insurance or bond; choose an Alaska-resident qualified agent, who also applies for a security guard license if not already licensed.5
  2. Complete form 12-182 (signed and notarised by the president and qualified agent) and mail it with the $200 fee, proof of bond/insurance, business license copy and training-program description to Alaska State Troopers, Permits & Licensing Unit, 5700 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.2 Form (PDF, dps.alaska.gov)3

Renewal

When it expires
Renewal application at least 30 days before the license expires.2
Renewal fee
$502 (Agency renewal (13 AAC 60.040(c)(2)))

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 under Applies to every license level.

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Security guard license in Alaska?

The rules set at least 8 clock hours2 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.

How often do you renew a Security guard license in Alaska?

Every 2 years1. Continuing education: at least 8 hours2. The renewal fee is $501.

Security guard licenses in other states

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. Alaska Statutes AS 18.65.400 - 18.65.490 (security guards)Alaska State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  2. 13 AAC 60.010 - 13 AAC 60.900 Security GuardsAlaska State Legislature (Alaska Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  3. Permits & licensingAlaska Department of Public Safety, Division of Statewide ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  4. Security guard license new application 12-183-0 (rev 10.2026)Alaska Department of Public Safety, Division of Statewide ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  5. New Security Guard Agency License Application 12-183 (09-2023)Alaska Department of Public Safety, Division of Statewide ServicesChecked November 7, 2026