How to get a Security Guard license in Michigan

Michigan security guard licenses

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

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Michigan 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)

How to apply

Apply online

aca-prod.accela.com³

2. Every license level except Security Guard

Requirements

Also required

Agency names may not use "police", "sheriff", "deputy", "peace officer", "officer", "marshal", "Michigan", "United States", government or city/county names, "homeland security" or "national security"; badges must carry the licensed agency name and not be star-shaped; advertise only under the licensed name.²

Also required

The agency must run a criminal background check on employees every 2 years at license renewal and keep personnel files (including the checks) for at least 1 year after an employee leaves; guards must wear the agency uniform showing at least their last name and the agency patches.²

How to apply

1. Apply online in MiCLEAR; CSCL asks that paper applications no longer be submitted and that documents be uploaded in MiCLEAR.³ aca-prod.accela.com³

Renewal

When it expires

Employee criminal background checks are repeated every 2 years at license renewal.²

Renew online

aca-prod.accela.com³

Requirements for a Security Guard license

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

Background check

Background check required²

Also required

Anyone performing services that require licensure under the act must be an employee (on the payroll and roster, under the employer's direction and control) of the licensed agency they work for, and must wear that agency's uniform.²

How to apply

1. Get hired by a LARA-licensed security guard agency; the agency runs your criminal background check.²

Security Guard Agency

Requirements

Also required

Each agency has a qualifying officer (the principal license holder who meets sections 6 and 10 of the act) who runs and supervises the agency day to day, keeps regular hours at the licensed location, and may also supervise the agency's branch licenses.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 Branch

Requirements

Also required

The agency's qualifying officer may supervise its branch licenses.²

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

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a security guard in Michigan, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Michigan is on the Michigan license lookup page.

Look up a license

aca-prod.accela.com³

File a complaint

aca-prod.accela.com⁴

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

• Mich. Admin. Code R 28.4001-28.4006 (Private Security Guard and Security Alarm Agencies; 2025 MR 22, eff. Nov. 4, 2025)

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
• Massachusetts
• 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