How to get a Watch Guard (WG) license in Massachusetts
Massachusetts licenses security guards statewide through the Massachusetts State Police (MSP).1 For the Watch Guard (WG) license (private detective or watch, guard, or patrol license) you need a criminal background check2. The board lists $550 for the application3.
Who issues it
Massachusetts State Police (MSP)
Fees the board lists
Application fee: $5503
On this page
Who needs a Watch Guard (WG) license
Work that does not need this license:
- In-house guards/watchmen working only for their own employer (services not let out for profit), government employees on duty, and employees or agents of a licensee need no license.1
Requirements for a Watch Guard (WG) license
- Background check
- Background check required2
A felony conviction in any state, or a conviction under c. 272 §§ 99/99A (wiretapping), bars a license; the application asks about crimes of dishonesty, fraud, violence or moral turpitude, discipline, civil judgments and mental-health history. MSP publishes a moral turpitude offense list.2 - Surety bond
- $5,0004 (Minimum; must stay active while licensed; notarized original)
- Business requirements
- File a Massachusetts business certificate, corporation or LLC certificate; business names need State Police approval.3
- Also required
- Three reputable Massachusetts citizens from your community, unrelated to you and knowing you 3+ years, must certify your application and good moral character.2
- Also required
- Applicant may not be currently certified by the POST Commission (retired officers show proof of retirement in good standing).2
- Also required
- Every employee of a licensee must first give the licensee a sworn statement (name, date of birth, residence, parents, last 3 years' occupation, no felony or moral-turpitude conviction); the licensee keeps it on file for the State Police, and employees now also submit the MSP online Employee Affidavit.5
- Also required
- Licensees may not knowingly employ anyone convicted of a felony or a former licensee whose license was revoked, and may not employ a minor as a guard if firearms are required.6
How much a Watch Guard (WG) license costs
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $5503 | MSP |
How to apply
- Sign in or create an account in the MSP Certification Licensing System and submit the original or renewal application.3 mspcert.chs.state.ma.us3
- Complete the online Private Investigator & Watch Guard License Form (required for originals and renewals).3 mass.gov3
- Mail the notarized application with a certified check/money order ($550 original, $150 renewal), original $5,000 surety bond, business/corporation/LLC certificate, signed release of information and the 3-citizen reference certificate to MSP Certification Unit, 485 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923.3
- Have each employee complete the MSP Employee Affidavit (not needed if you have no employees).5
- Apply online
- mspcert.chs.state.ma.us3
Renewal and continuing education
- Renewal fee
- $1503
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $5504 (renewal applied for more than six months after expiration)
- Renew online
- mspcert.chs.state.ma.us3
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your Massachusetts Watch Guard (WG) license (private detective or watch, guard, or patrol license). The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
Security guard licenses in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- M.G.L. c. 147 s. 23Massachusetts LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- Requirements for a private investigator licenseMassachusetts State PoliceChecked November 7, 2026
- Apply for or renew a private investigator or watch guard licenseMassachusetts State PoliceChecked November 7, 2026
- M.G.L. c. 147 s. 26Massachusetts LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- Submit an Employee AffidavitMassachusetts State PoliceChecked November 7, 2026
- M.G.L. c. 147 s. 28Massachusetts LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026