How to get a Security Guard Permit in Mississippi
Mississippi licenses security guards statewide through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS).1 For the Security Guard Permit (Statewide Security Guard Gun Permit) you need a criminal background check1. The board lists $100 for the application (Original Security Guard Permit)2 and $25 for the application (LOCAL)3, each a separate charge. You renew every 4 years1.
Who issues it
Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Fees the board lists
Application fee (Original Security Guard Permit): $1002
FBI background check: $322
Application fee (LOCAL): $253
Renewal
Every 4 years1
On this page
Who needs a Security Guard Permit
Lets bank guards, company guards, watchmen, railroad special agents, and employees of patrol services, guard services or valuables-transport companies carry pistols or other weapons while actually on duty.1
Requirements for a Security Guard Permit
- Minimum age
- 21 years old4
- Residency or citizenship
- US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or non-immigrant visa holder meeting 18 U.S.C. 922(y) exemptions; nonresidents may apply and must bring an original birth certificate and Social Security card plus their home-state license or ID.5
- Also required
- Must be (and check on the application) one of the listed roles: bank guard, company guard, watchman, railroad special agent, or agent/employee of a patrol service, guard service, or company transporting money/valuables.5
How much a Security Guard Permit costs
You pay DPS (3 fees) and City of Biloxi (application fee).
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $1002 | DPS | Original Security Guard Permit. Not refundable |
| FBI background check | $322 | DPS | Original and renewal (state + FBI check collected by DPS) |
| Duplicate or replacement license | $152 | DPS | Lost/destroyed permit (notarized statement required) |
| Application fee | $253 | City of Biloxi | LOCAL (city license, not state): Biloxi security guard license. 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
- Complete the Application for Security Guard Permit (SGP-APP-01) and the notarized Affidavit and Release of Information (SGP-AFF-01), checking each guard role you will perform.5 Form (PDF, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov)6
- Take the forms and a photo ID in person to DPS Headquarters in Jackson or a Highway Patrol district substation (Pearl, Greenwood, Batesville, New Albany, Starkville, Meridian, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Brookhaven). You will be fingerprinted and photographed. Pay $132 ($100 permit + $32 background check).5
- If you will work in Biloxi, also apply for the Biloxi Police Department security guard license and attach a copy of the state gun permit.3
- Application form
- Form (PDF, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov)4
Renewal and continuing education
- How often
- Every 4 years1
- When it expires
- DPS mails a renewal notice at least 90 days before expiry. File the renewal form, a notarized affidavit that you remain qualified, and the fee on or before the expiration date.1
- Renewal fee
- $502 (Security guard permit renewal (+$32 background check; honorably retired law enforcement officers pay $0 renewal fee (+$32))
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $152 (expired less than six months)
- If it expires
- A permit expired 6 months or more cannot be renewed; apply again as a first-time applicant.1
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your Mississippi Security Guard Permit (Statewide Security Guard Gun Permit). The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
City and county rules
Mississippi has no statewide license for security guards or security companies. Armed guards need the DPS Security Guard (gun) Permit. Some cities license guards: Biloxi requires a Biloxi Police Department license for every guard working in the city.3
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
Common questions
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
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- 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.
- 2023 Miss. HB 301 (As Introduced) - reprints current text of Miss. Code 97-37-7Mississippi LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- Security Guard Permit FeesMississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau (Firearm Permit Unit)Checked November 7, 2026
- City of Biloxi Private Security Guard Application 2026City of Biloxi, Mississippi (Police Department)Checked November 7, 2026
- SGP-APP-01 Security Guard Application (8.11.2025)Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau (Firearm Permit Unit)Dated August 27, 2021Checked November 7, 2026
- Security Guard Permit Application Instructions v2 (r9.15.20)Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau (Firearm Permit Unit)Dated September 15, 2020Checked November 7, 2026
- Firearm Permit Applications & FormsMississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau (Firearm Permit Unit)Checked November 7, 2026