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How to get a Private Security Guard license in Montana

Montana licenses security guards statewide through the Private Security Program (PSP).1 For the Private Security Guard license you need at least 16 clock hours2 of education and a criminal background check1. The board lists $80 for the application3. You renew every year4.

Last checked · 11 official sources

Who issues it

Private Security Program (PSP)

Training and experience

Training: at least 16 clock hours2

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $803
Fingerprint and state background check: $305

Renewal

Every year4

From another state

Temporary license or permit6 Details

On this page
  1. Montana security guard licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Private Security Guard license
  4. Requirements for a Private Security Guard license
  5. How much a Private Security Guard license costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Firearm Endorsement
  9. Private Security Firearms Instructor
  10. Private Security Firm
  11. Check a license or report a problem
  12. Laws and rules
  13. Common questions
  14. Security guard licenses in other states

Montana security guard licenses

Montana issues 4 security guard credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
Private Security GuardAn individual employed to protect persons or property or to direct public movement in public areas; guards may investigate only matters incidental to theft/loss of what they are hired to protect.1Training 16 clock hours2–$803
Firearm Endorsement (Armed Endorsement)Authorises a licensed private security guard (or private investigator) to possess and use firearms on duty, subject to training and reporting rules; weapons carried must be department-approved.1–Yes7$503
Private Security Firearms InstructorInstructs private investigators and private security guards in the use of firearms used on duty.1––$808
Private Security Firm–––$803

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Montana 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 4)

How to apply

Processing time
up to 30 days49

Renewal

How often
Every year4

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
No reciprocity: out-of-state licensees apply as new Montana applicants and may not practice in Montana without a current Montana license.4
Route
Temporary license or permit
What the board says
A 21-day temporary registration exists in the licensing portal for people licensed in good standing in another state, but only for the listed purposes (education, continuity of treatment, underserved populations, specialized treatment) - these are health-care purposes, so it is unlikely to fit guard work; ask the Program.6

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Military spouses: DLI says it can issue a provisional license with a reservation of rights, acting as a full license for 60 days, while out-of-state verifications are completed (if all other requirements are met).6

2. Every license level except Private Security Firm

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old1
Background check
Background check required1
Fingerprints required491
MDOJ + FBI fingerprint check; a conviction is not an automatic bar - DLI reviews it and notifies the applicant of any disqualifying offense before deciding.9

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Fingerprint and state background check$305Montana Department of Justice (Criminal Records)Fingerprint card mailed via a local law enforcement agency

3. Every license level except Firearm Endorsement (Armed Endorsement)

How to apply

Apply online
ebiz.mt.gov2810

Who needs a Private Security Guard license

An individual employed to protect persons or property or to direct public movement in public areas; guards may investigate only matters incidental to theft/loss of what they are hired to protect.1

Work that does not need this license:

  • Exempt from MCA 37-60: an unarmed, non-uniformed in-house employee guarding inside a structure not open to the public (employer not a security firm); a guard employed singly and exclusively by a retail merchant; and government officers/employees on official duty.1

Requirements for a Private Security Guard license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

Education or training
High school or equivalent education.1
Education or training
At least 16 clock hours2
The board's words

“B. Experience Requirements: 16 hours of training”

Also required
Must wear a compliant uniform on duty ("security"/"security officer"/"security guard" on cap front and shirt/vest back, company name and "security guard" patch above the left chest pocket); no badges; no law-enforcement-like insignia.6

How much a Private Security Guard license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$803PSPPrivate security guard license application. Not refundable
Armed Endorsement for Guards.$502PSPOptional armed endorsement. 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. Complete at least 16 hours of approved security guard training (the employing firm, or you if your employer is not a security firm, certifies completion).2
  2. Apply online through the DLI professional licensing portal (eBiz/Citizen Portal) and pay the $80 non-refundable application fee; staff review starts when the fee is paid.6 ebiz.mt.gov2
  3. Get fingerprinted (local law enforcement or the Montana DOJ Criminal Records office) for the MDOJ + FBI background check.9
  4. After the background check clears, submit proof of the training and of your employment - these are the final conditions before DLI issues the license.3
  5. Once licensed, carry the photo ID card your employer issues and wear the required uniform on duty.6

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Montana Private Security Guard license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Firearm Endorsement

Authorises a licensed private security guard (or private investigator) to possess and use firearms on duty, subject to training and reporting rules; weapons carried must be department-approved.1

Requirements

Education or training
Pass a department-approved firearms training course (course completion date listed on the application).7
Experience
Must already hold a Montana private security guard (or private investigator) license in good standing.7
Exam
Firearms qualification (shooting course) with a department-approved instructor7
Insurance
Firearms liability insurance is required of private security firms that employ armed guards (and, under the 2025 proposal, of armed guards not employed by a security firm).3
Also required
List the make/model and caliber of each firearm you will carry on the application.9

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$503PSPArmed endorsement (guard or PI). Not refundable

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.

How to apply

  1. Hold (or qualify for) a Montana private security guard license.7
  2. Complete a department-approved firearms training course with an approved instructor.7
  3. Mail the paper Firearm Endorsement application with documentation and the $50 fee; DLI mails a new card showing "armed" status.7 Form (PDF, boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov)11

Renewal

Renewal fee
$503 (Annual renewal)
Required topics
Re-qualify every year with a department-approved firearms instructor (Firearms Qualification Form).7

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

Private Security Firearms Instructor

Instructs private investigators and private security guards in the use of firearms used on duty.1

Requirements

Education or training
Proof of completing combat shooting instructor courses and an NRA instructor shooting course (or other department-approved instructor course); high school or equivalent.8
Insurance
At least $500,000 occurrence-form commercial general liability including personal injury and errors and omissions, plus firearms liability coverage.3

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$808PSPFirearms instructor. Not refundable

How to apply

  1. Complete combat shooting instructor and NRA (or approved) instructor courses.8
  2. Apply online, upload course proof and insurance, pay $80, and complete fingerprinting.8 ebiz.mt.gov8

Renewal

Required topics
Conduct at least one department-approved firearms course a year, or recertify as an instructor every five years.8

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

Private Security Firm

Requirements

Background check
No background check stated as required4
No fingerprints required4
Insurance
At least $500,000 occurrence-form commercial general liability including personal injury; firearms liability coverage if the firm employs armed guards; carrier must be licensed in Montana or in the purchase state with an insolvency fund; DLI must be told of cancellation.10
Also required
Must be organized and registered with the Montana Secretary of State (or otherwise qualified to do business) and designate a manager as the primary contact with DLI.10
Also required
Firm duties: post the license at the principal place of business; report changes in officers, name, address etc. within 5 days; put name, address and license number in every advertisement; keep employment and training records; issue photo ID cards to and collect them from guards; provide compliant uniforms; mark vehicles "security"; the firm is legally responsible for its employees' conduct.1

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$803PSPPrivate security firm. Not refundable

How to apply

  1. Register the business with the Montana Secretary of State and buy $500,000 occurrence-form general liability insurance (plus firearms liability if armed).10
  2. Apply online through the DLI licensing portal, name a manager, and pay the $80 fee.1 ebiz.mt.gov10

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license
ebizws.mt.gov2
File a complaint
bsd.dli.mt.gov2

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Private Security Guard license in Montana?

The rules set at least 16 clock hours2 before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: up to 30 days.4

Can I transfer my security guard license to Montana?

PSP publishes this route for the Private Security Guard license: temporary license or permit6. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Private Security Guard license in Montana?

Every year4.

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. MCA Title 37, Chapter 60 - Private Investigators, Private Security and Fire Entities, and Process Servers…Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated 2025)Checked November 7, 2026
  2. Private Security Guard - license informationMontana Department of Labor & Industry - Private Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  3. 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
  4. Private Security Program - FAQ'sMontana Department of Labor & Industry - Private Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  5. Instructions to Obtain Fingerprint Background Check (ESD 3.8 Rev. 01/31/2025)Montana Department of Labor & Industry (Employment Standards Division)Dated January 31, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  6. Private Security Program (home page)Montana Department of Labor & Industry - Private Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  7. Firearm Endorsement - license informationMontana Department of Labor & Industry - Private Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  8. Private Security Firearms Instructor - license informationMontana Department of Labor & Industry - Private Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Application for Armed Endorsement (PSP FIREARM, Revised 6/2020) with fingerprint instructions (BSD 3.8…Montana Board of Private Security / Department of Labor & IndustryDated June 1, 2020Checked November 7, 2026
  10. Private Security Firm - license informationMontana Department of Labor & Industry - Private Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Private Security Program - FormsMontana Department of Labor & Industry - Private Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026