How to get a Security Guard License in Oklahoma
Oklahoma licenses security guards statewide through the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET).1 For the Security Guard License (unarmed) you need 20 clock hours2 of education, a passing score on the CLEET state exam, Phase I & II (Unarmed Security Guard)2 and a criminal background check1. The board lists $50 for the initial license1. You renew every 3 years1 and complete at least 8 hours of continuing education2.
Who issues it
Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET)
Training and experience
Training: 20 clock hours2
Exam
CLEET state exam, Phase I & II (Unarmed Security Guard)2
Fees the board lists
Initial license fee: $501
On this page
- Oklahoma security guard licenses
- Rules shared by several license levels
- Who needs a Security Guard License
- Requirements for a Security Guard License
- How much a Security Guard License costs
- Renewal and continuing education
- Special Event License
- Armed Security Guard License
- Security Agency License
- Check a license or report a problem
- Laws and rules
- Common questions
- Security guard licenses in other states
Oklahoma security guard licenses
Oklahoma issues 4 security guard credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.
| License | What it covers | Training or experience | Exam | Application or license fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security Guard License (unarmed) | Individual employed by or contracting with a security agency, business or person to prevent trespass, theft and misappropriation, or engaged as a bodyguard or private watchman to protect persons or property.1 | Training 20 clock hours2 | Yes2 | $501 |
| Special Event License (unarmed) | Temporary license restricting the holder to work as an unarmed security guard for one particular event.1 | – | – | $71 |
| Armed Security Guard License | Security guard authorized to carry a firearm.1 | Training 20 clock hours2 | Yes2 | $1001 |
| Security Agency License | Business providing security guard services or armed security guards for hire.1 | – | – | $3003 |
Rules shared by several license levels
These rules are the same for several of the Oklahoma 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 except Special Event License (unarmed)
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate or replacement license | $101 | CLEET |
Renewal
- Renew online
- cleet.us.thentiacloud.net45
2. Security Guard License (unarmed) and Special Event License (unarmed)
Requirements
- Minimum age
- 18 years old1
3. Security Guard License (unarmed) and Armed Security Guard License
Requirements
- Exam
- CLEET state exam, Phase I & II (Unarmed Security Guard)2
Given by: Online CLEET testing at Oklahoma CareerTech locations2 - Background check
- Background check required1
Fingerprints required4
Good moral character; no felony record or plea; no conviction/plea for theft, fraud, moral turpitude, offenses against minors, nonconsensual sex offenses, drug or firearm offenses; the Council may waive a disqualifier more than 5 years old for an unarmed license only.1 - Residency or citizenship
- Must be a U.S. citizen or an alien legally residing in the U.S.; non-citizens must provide documentation of legal residence.4
- Also required
- Statements on mental-health treatment, incompetency/commitment, drug and alcohol history and misdemeanour domestic violence charges; no pending disqualifying charge or deferred sentence.1
Fees
The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, Online CLEET testing at Oklahoma CareerTech locations2, when you schedule.
How to apply
- Complete the required CLEET training phases with an approved private security school and pass the state exam (online testing is offered at CareerTech locations).2
- Get fingerprinted at an IdentoGO site with service code 2B7Q6Z, no more than 30 days before you submit the online application.4
- Gather court records (certified judgment and sentence or letter of no record for every arrest/charge), a passport-size color photo, a letter of employment or proof of bond/insurance, and proof of training or experience.4
- Apply online in CLEET's Thentia portal (paper applications are no longer accepted); if you ever held a CLEET license, confirm your email on file with CLEET first.4 cleet.us.thentiacloud.net5
- Pay the exact invoiced fee by card, certified/company check or money order (no personal checks).4
- Apply online
- cleet.us.thentiacloud.net5
- Temporary or provisional license
- CLEET may issue a conditional training license (training to be finished within 180 days) or a conditional license pending the FBI fingerprint check; conditional holders work under agency supervision and may not carry a firearm. An unarmed guard employed by a licensed agency who has filed a complete application has 45 days from employment to obtain the license.1
Renewal
- How often
- Every 3 years1
- When it expires
- Expires three years from the date of issue.4
- Continuing education
- At least 8 hours each renewal period2
- Approved courses
- CE must come from an approved source; the statute caps required CE at 24 clock hours per licensing period and makes the licensee pay for it.1
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $251 (renewal filed after expiration (within 30 days))
- If it expires
- A license expired more than 30 days cannot be renewed; a new application is required.4
From another state
- Route
- Reciprocity agreements
- What the board says
- The statute lets CLEET enter reciprocal agreements with other states, but no list of partner states or reciprocity procedure for security guards was found on CLEET pages.1
- States on Oklahoma's list
- The pages cited here give no list of partner states for this route; the board's words above say who qualifies. Ask the board which states it has agreements with.
- Route
- Exam waiver
- What the board says
- Training (except firearms training for armed licenses) may be waived for applicants with at least one year of full-time work as a security guard, private investigator or law enforcement officer within the past three years; comparable training may be credited.1
- Conditions
- Armed waivers still require a two-hour legal block course for applicants who are not CLEET-certified peace officers.4
4. Armed Security Guard License and Security Agency License
Requirements
Who needs a Security Guard License
Individual employed by or contracting with a security agency, business or person to prevent trespass, theft and misappropriation, or engaged as a bodyguard or private watchman to protect persons or property.1
Work that does not need this license:
- Full-time or active reserve certified peace officers are excluded in the situations listed in the definition (official duties, railroad police, private guard work).1
- Guards under a collective bargaining agreement on May 9, 1989, and full-time financial-institution guards employed on May 9, 1989, are excluded.1
Other rules on who may do this work:
- Unarmed in-house guards/watchmen employed by one employer only, in connection with that employer's affairs, are not "security guards" under the Act.1
Requirements for a Security Guard License
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Rules shared by several license levels.
- Education or training
- 20 clock hours2
Phase I training (part of Phase I & II required for the unarmed security guard license)2
Who may teach it: Training at a CLEET-approved private security school (search tool on CLEET page); the statute caps unarmed guard training at 40 hours and requires mental-health/crisis/de-escalation content.1 - Education or training
- 20 clock hours2
Phase II training (part of Phase I & II required for the unarmed security guard license)2
Who may teach it: Training at a CLEET-approved private security school (search tool on CLEET page); the statute caps unarmed guard training at 40 hours and requires mental-health/crisis/de-escalation content.1 - Experience
- Substitute: Training (except firearms training for armed licenses) may be waived for applicants with at least one year of full-time work as a security guard, private investigator or law enforcement officer within the past three years; comparable training may be credited.1
- Surety bond
- $5,0001
- Insurance
- Liability insurance (with false arrest, libel, slander, invasion of privacy endorsements) or a surety bond of at least $5,000 for unarmed guards; agencies must ensure employees are covered.1
How much a Security Guard License costs
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $501 | CLEET | – |
| Unarmed Security Guard TO Armed Security Guard (upgrade) | $504 | CLEET | Upgrade of a current unarmed license to armed; keeps the current expiration date |
Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.
Renewal and continuing education
- Renewal fee
- $501
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your Oklahoma Security Guard License (unarmed). The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Special Event License
Temporary license restricting the holder to work as an unarmed security guard for one particular event.1
Requirements
- Background check
- Background check required1
Good moral character; no felony record or plea; no conviction/plea for theft, fraud, moral turpitude, offenses against minors, nonconsensual sex offenses, drug or firearm offenses; the Council may waive a disqualifier more than 5 years old for an unarmed license only.1 - Also required
- Applicant must be employed by a security agency, hired temporarily as an unarmed guard for a particular event; the agency applies.1
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $71 | CLEET |
How to apply
- Be hired by a licensed security agency as a temporary unarmed guard for a specific annual or one-off public event.1
- The employing agency applies to CLEET and certifies you meet the security guard qualifications; the fee is $7.1
Renewal
- When it expires
- Valid only for the named event; an individual may get up to two special event licenses per calendar year.1
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 2 under Rules shared by several license levels.
Armed Security Guard License
Security guard authorized to carry a firearm.1
Requirements
- Education or training
- 20 clock hours2
Phase I training2
Who may teach it: Training at a CLEET-approved private security school (search tool on CLEET page); the statute caps unarmed guard training at 40 hours and requires mental-health/crisis/de-escalation content.1 - Education or training
- 20 clock hours2
Phase II training2
Who may teach it: Training at a CLEET-approved private security school (search tool on CLEET page); the statute caps unarmed guard training at 40 hours and requires mental-health/crisis/de-escalation content.1 - Education or training
- 32 clock hours2
Phase IV firearms training (armed licenses)2
Who may teach it: Training at a CLEET-approved private security school (search tool on CLEET page); the statute caps unarmed guard training at 40 hours and requires mental-health/crisis/de-escalation content.1 - Experience
- Substitute: Training (except firearms training for armed licenses) may be waived for applicants with at least one year of full-time work as a security guard, private investigator or law enforcement officer within the past three years; comparable training may be credited.1
Substitute: Armed waivers still require a two-hour legal block course for applicants who are not CLEET-certified peace officers.4 - Exam
- CLEET state exam, Phase IV (Firearms Exam)2
- Exam
- MMPI psychological evaluation reviewed by an Oklahoma-licensed psychologist1
Retakes: A person found psychologically at risk may not reapply for one year; results are usable for six months.1
Exam waived: Active CLEET-certified full-time peace officers are exempt; retired ones for five years after retirement.1 - Surety bond
- $10,0001
- Insurance
- Liability insurance or surety bond of at least $10,000 for armed guards.1
- Also required
- No armed license if ever involuntarily committed for mental illness (unless relief granted under 21 O.S. 1290.27).1
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $1001 | CLEET | – |
| Initial license fee | $1501 | CLEET | Combination armed guard + armed PI license |
| Unarmed Security Guard TO Armed Security Guard (upgrade) | $504 | CLEET | Current unarmed licensee upgrading; keeps current expiration date |
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
- Take the MMPI psychological test during firearms training and have a licensed psychologist of your choice send the evaluation to CLEET.1
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $1001
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3 and group 4 under Rules shared by several license levels.
Security Agency License
Business providing security guard services or armed security guards for hire.1
Requirements
- Experience
- The person who supervises guards (executive officer/manager) must be a licensed security guard.1
- Background check
- Background check required3
No disqualifying conviction (unless waived) and no prior CLEET revocation or denial.3 - Residency or citizenship
- Individual/partner applicants must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens; out-of-state companies need an Oklahoma contact person.3
- Surety bond
- $100,0003
- Insurance
- General liability insurance of $100,000.3
- Business requirements
- Entities must prove formation or authority to do business in Oklahoma; a manager or supervisor must meet the individual qualifications.3
- Business requirements
- Keep an Oklahoma place of business with a physical address (no P.O. boxes) and a listed business phone.3
- Business requirements
- Notify CLEET within 5 days of hires/terminations and within 10 days of supervisor changes.3
- Business requirements
- Agency names must be distinguishable from existing ones.1
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $3003 | CLEET |
How to apply
- Form or register the business (Oklahoma entity or authority to do business), set up an Oklahoma office with a physical address and phone, and name a licensed security guard as supervisor.3
- Buy $100,000 general liability insurance.3
- Apply in the CLEET Thentia portal for new agency licensees and pay the $300 fee in full on submission.3 cleet.us.thentiacloud.net5
Renewal
- How often
- Every 5 years1
- Renewal fee
- $3001
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $1001
- If it expires
- Renewal received more than 30 days after expiration is not renewable; a new application is required.1
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- Out-of-state companies may be licensed but must have an Oklahoma contact person; no reciprocity for agency licenses found.3
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 4 under Rules shared by several license levels.
Check a license or report a problem
Before you hire a security guard in Oklahoma, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Oklahoma is on the Oklahoma license lookup page.
- Look up a license
- cleet.us.thentiacloud.net5
- File a complaint
- cleet.us.thentiacloud.net5
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 Oklahoma?
The rules set 20 clock hours2 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.
Can I transfer my security guard license to Oklahoma?
CLEET publishes these routes for the Security Guard License: reciprocity agreements1 and exam waiver1. Conditions and forms.
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
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- 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.
- Oklahoma Statutes Title 59 §§ 1750.1-1750.14 (Oklahoma Security Guard and Private Investigator Act) excerptOklahoma Legislature (Oklahoma Statutes, Title 59)Checked November 7, 2026
- Private Security Training and TestingCouncil on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET)Dated April 17, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Agency LicensingCouncil on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET)Dated February 27, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Security Guard (CLEET Licensing)Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET)Dated April 15, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Portal Links & FormsCouncil on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET)Dated October 2, 2026Checked November 7, 2026