How to get an Unarmed Security Guard/Officer registration in Tennessee

Tennessee security guard licenses

Tennessee issues 4 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 Tennessee 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)

Fees

How to apply

1. Get electronic TBI/FBI fingerprints through the State-contracted vendor IdentoGO and pay the vendor directly.³

Apply online

access.cloud.commerce.tn.gov¹

Renewal

How often

Every 2 years⁴³²

Renew online

access.cloud.commerce.tn.gov¹

2. Every license level except Unarmed Security Guard/Officer registration

Requirements

Minimum age

21 years old⁴²

3. Unarmed Security Guard/Officer registration and Armed Security Guard/Officer registration

Requirements

Education or training

At least 1 clock hour³
Posts at bars/restaurants with an on-premises alcohol (ABC or beer board) license ("Dallas's Law"): apply to add the classifications before working there and complete de-escalation, safe restraint, first aid and CPR training (each at least 1 hour) within 15 days; school posts need the active-shooter and other 62-35-118 trainings first.³

Background check

Background check required²
Fingerprints required³
Any felony, or a misdemeanor involving shooting a firearm/weapon, shoplifting, assault or violence, controlled-substance sale/manufacture/distribution, theft of property or theft of services, disqualifies unless the sentence or court-ordered probation was completed at least five years before applying. 2026 Pub. Ch. 836 adds stalking to the list and disqualifies anyone on an abuse registry in any state. If an application is denied on a criminal record, the guard must stop work and wait six months to reapply.²

Residency or citizenship

U.S. citizen or qualified alien (2026 Pub. Ch. 955 deleted the chapter-specific citizenship clause in 62-35-117(2) and added a Title 62-wide rule).⁵

Also required

Carrying a baton, stun gun, chemical spray or other less-than-lethal device needs device-specific training from a trainer certified for that device and a trainer-issued card carried on duty.²

Fees

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

How to apply

1. Get hired by a licensed contract security company or a registered proprietary security organization.²

Renewal

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $20³ (per month (or part) during the 3-month late renewal period)

4. Armed Security Guard/Officer registration and Certified Security Guard Trainer (certified trainer)

Fees

Who needs an Unarmed Security Guard/Officer registration

Individual employed by a contract security company or a proprietary security organization to protect persons or property from criminal activity, without a firearm.²

Work that does not need this license:

• Full-time sworn peace officers working security for a licensed contract security company or registered proprietary security organization are exempt from the Act; 2026 Pub. Ch. 836 also exempts reserve, part-time and auxiliary officers/deputies who meet the 62-35-118 training and biannual refresher training.⁶
• Government officers or employees performing official duties do not need a license or registration.⁴
• Unarmed guards employed in-house by a proprietary security organization are exempt only from the 62-35-118(a) training requirement (not from registration) and may not carry any weapon.²

Requirements for an Unarmed Security Guard/Officer registration

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

Minimum age

18 years old⁴

Education or training

At least 4 clock hours²
Basic course: 4 hours (one hour each of orientation, legal powers and limitations, emergency procedures, general duties), with an examination, taught by a certified trainer.²
Who may teach it: A certified trainer certified by the Commissioner must give the training and certify completion; training done more than one year before the application may be refused.²
Alternative: Sworn POST-certified peace officers are exempt from the 62-35-118(a)/(b) training; state or local correctional officers and jailers current on their training are exempt from 62-35-118(a).⁶

Exam

Certified-trainer examination on the required training subjects³
Given by: Applicant's certified trainer (no outside testing vendor)³
When you can take it: Taken as part of the certified-trainer course; must be completed within 15 days of employment.⁴

Also required

Must be legally competent, free of habitual drunkenness or narcotics addiction, without a disqualifying disability, and of good moral character.²

Also required

Report any arrest or citation for a listed offense, and any conviction, to the Commissioner and the employer within 10 days with the court documents.⁶

Also required

While the registration is pending, an applicant may work unarmed once a complete application (except proof of training) is filed and the fee paid, keeping a copy of the application on their person; this does not apply after a denial, or after an "incomplete" notice until fixed.³

How much an Unarmed Security Guard/Officer registration costs

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

How to apply

1. Take the 4-hour basic course and exam with a State certified trainer within 15 days of starting work (plus any device or Dallas's Law training your post needs).⁴
2. Apply online for the unarmed registration through the TDCI licensing portal and pay $95 (non-refundable).¹ access.cloud.commerce.tn.gov¹
3. Keep a copy of your filed application on you while working until the card is issued; fix any deficiency the Department flags before working again.³

Temporary or provisional license

While the registration is pending, an applicant may work unarmed once a complete application (except proof of training) is filed and the fee paid, keeping a copy of the application on their person; this does not apply after a denial, or after an "incomplete" notice until fixed.³

Renewal and continuing education

When it expires

Registration expires two years from issue; renew before expiry (timely renewal = all documents and fees received before the expiration date).³

Renewal fee

$70³

Required topics

Refresher training given by a certified trainer on the 62-35-118(a)(2)(A) subjects; Dallas's Law posts also need refresher training on the 62-35-118(a)(2)(B)(i)-(ii) subjects.⁴

If it expires

Renewals are accepted up to 3 months after expiry with the monthly penalty; after 3 months the guard must reapply as a new applicant.³

Armed Security Guard/Officer registration

Security guard/officer authorized to carry a firearm; may work armed or unarmed posts without a separate unarmed registration. Rifles and shotguns additionally need the enhanced armed guard certification.²

Requirements

Education or training

At least 4 clock hours²
Basic course: 4 hours (one hour each of orientation, legal powers and limitations, emergency procedures, general duties), with an examination, taught by a certified trainer.²
Who may teach it: A certified trainer certified by the Commissioner must give the training and certify completion; training done more than one year before the application may be refused.²

Education or training

At least 8 clock hours²
Firearms classroom: 8 additional hours on legal limits on firearm use, handling, and safety/maintenance.²
Who may teach it: Classroom firearm training and the silhouette target course must be done in person (written exams may be electronic).³

Education or training

At least 4 clock hours²
Marksmanship: 4 additional hours with a minimum score of 70% on a Commissioner-approved silhouette target course.²

Education or training

Optional enhanced armed guard certification (rifle/shotgun): approved training of at least 16 hours, a 25-question written exam (75% to pass) and a course of fire.³

Exam

Certified-trainer examination on the required training subjects³
Given by: Applicant's certified trainer (no outside testing vendor)³
When you can take it: Taken as part of the certified-trainer course; T.C.A. 62-35-118(a)(1)(A)(ii) requires an armed applicant to complete general training, pass an examination and complete the firearm training within 60 days of employment.⁴

Exam

Silhouette target course (firearm qualification)²
Passing score: 70%²
When you can take it: Part of the training an armed applicant must finish within 60 days of employment (T.C.A. 62-35-118(a)(1)(A)(ii)).⁴

Exam

Enhanced armed guard written exam (rifle/shotgun add-on)³
Not required³
Passing score: 75%³

Also required

Disqualified while subject to any order of protection, bond condition, conviction or other action that bars possessing a firearm.⁶

Also required

An unarmed registrant who wants to work armed must file a separate armed application and pay the armed fees.³

Also required

Report any arrest, conviction, protective order or bond condition that affects carrying a firearm to the Commissioner and employer within 10 days.⁶

Fees

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

How to apply

1. Complete the certified-trainer basic course and exam within 15 days of hire, then the 8-hour firearms classroom and 4-hour marksmanship course (70% on the silhouette target) within 60 days.⁴
2. Apply online for the armed registration through the TDCI licensing portal and pay $130 (non-refundable).¹ access.cloud.commerce.tn.gov¹
3. To carry a rifle or shotgun, complete the 16-hour enhanced armed guard training and apply for the enhanced certification ($200, renewed yearly).³

Renewal

When it expires

Registration expires two years from issue; before renewing, complete 4 hours of refresher training and requalify with at least 70% on a silhouette target course.²

Renewal fee

$85³

Continuing education

At least 4 hours each renewal period²

Required topics

Refresher training by a certified trainer on the 62-35-118(b)(1) firearm subjects, plus firearm requalification (70% silhouette course).⁴

If it expires

Renewals are accepted up to 3 months after expiry with the monthly penalty; after 3 months the armed guard must reapply.³

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

Certified Security Guard Trainer

Individual certified by the Commissioner to give and certify the required guard training (unarmed, armed and add-on classifications); may appoint assisting instructors under direct supervision.²

Requirements

Education or training

Instructor credentials for each subject taught (e.g. POST, law enforcement or NRA instructor certificate; Red Cross CPR/first aid instructor; de-escalation, restraint or active-shooter instructor certificates).³

Experience

At least 5 years³
One year of supervisory experience (contract security company, PSO, or federal/military/state/county/municipal law enforcement), plus at least five years of full-time paid security-industry experience in the subject taught.⁴

Exam

Not required⁴

Background check

Background check required³
Fingerprints required³
Must meet the registration-card qualifications of T.C.A. 62-35-117 (same criminal-history rules as guards) and report any arrest or incident within 30 days.³

Also required

Online training only with Commissioner approval; classroom firearm, silhouette course and active-shooter training must be in person.³

Also required

Application includes a recent head-and-shoulders photo, a résumé of the last 5 years and disclosure of any security company affiliation.³

Fees

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

How to apply

1. Gather proof of the 1-year supervisory and 5-year subject experience and the instructor certificates for each training type you want to teach.³
2. Apply to the Commissioner on the prescribed form/portal, choosing unarmed and/or armed training and any add-on classifications, and pay $160.¹ access.cloud.commerce.tn.gov¹

Renewal

When it expires

Renew every two years after completing 12 hours of private-security CE in the two years before expiry (no carry-over).³

Continuing education

At least 12 hours each renewal period²

Required topics

Must relate to private security: instructor-level courses on 62-35-118 topics, law-enforcement or government trainings, or post-secondary courses on law enforcement, private security or first responders.³

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $50³ (per month during the 3-month late renewal period)

If it expires

After 3 months past expiry the trainer must reapply.³

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

Contract Security Company license

Business that provides security guard and patrol services to others under contract; each partner, or a qualifying agent of a corporation/LLC, must qualify.²

Requirements

Experience

At least 3 years²
Three years as a manager, supervisor or administrator with a contract security company or proprietary security organization, OR three years of supervisory experience with a U.S. public law enforcement agency (including military), OR pass the company examination instead.²

Exam

Contract security company examination (alternative to the experience requirement)²
Not required²
Given by: Independent testing organization selected by the Commissioner (the PPS site has a "PSI & Exam Information" page); apply and pay the exam fee directly to it.³
Subjects: general duties of a contract security company business; field notes and report writing; emergency procedures; legal powers and limitations; de-escalation; safe restraint; first aid; CPR; active shooter; the Act and rules.³

Background check

Background check required²
Fingerprints required³
The owner or qualifying agent must be of good moral character, legally competent and free of habitual drunkenness or narcotics addiction; detailed disqualifying offenses for company applicants are in T.C.A. 62-35-106.²

Residency or citizenship

U.S. citizen or qualified alien.⁵

Also required

Insurance: file a certificate of insurance meeting T.C.A. 62-35-114 with the application, and stop providing guards if coverage lapses until a new certificate is filed.³

Also required

Special event permit: a licensed company may use unregistered temporary officers at a defined event ($1,000 per event; each temp limited to 10 days per calendar year).³

Fees

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

How to apply

1. Make sure the owner/partner or the corporate qualifying agent is 21+ and has 3 years of qualifying security-management or law-enforcement supervisory experience; otherwise register with the testing organization and pass the company exam.²
2. Obtain general liability insurance meeting T.C.A. 62-35-114 and a certificate of insurance.²
3. Apply online through the TDCI licensing portal with the $300 application fee.¹ access.cloud.commerce.tn.gov¹
4. After approval pay the certification fee ($125 for 0-49 guards, $425 for 50+) and receive the company certification.³

Renewal

When it expires

Renew every two years; timely renewal means all documents and fees reach TDCI before the certification expires.³

Renewal fee

$300⁷ (0-49 guards; 50+ guards pay $600)

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $100³ (per month during the 3-month late renewal period)

If it expires

After 3 months past expiry the company must reapply.³

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

City and county rules

Armed Security Guard/Officer registrationCities and counties (e.g. Nashville-Davidson, Memphis) may not require their own security license, permit, fee or bond from state licensees or registrants; they may still levy a bona fide business tax and regulate street-patrol services (including registration with a designated agency).⁶

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license

search.cloud.commerce.tn.gov¹

File a complaint

tn.gov¹

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

• Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 62-35-101 et seq. (Private Protective Services Licensing and Regulatory Act)
• Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 0780-05-02 (Private Protective Services), rev. June 2026
• 2026 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 836 (SB 1864)
• 2026 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 955 (HB 1709) §§ 39-40
• 2025 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 344 (HB 683), enhanced armed guards

Rule changes since January 2024

• June 15, 2026: Rule 0780-05-02 amendments effective: application deficiency/closure rules, Dallas's Law classification process, special event permit changes.³
• April 7, 2026: Pub. Ch. 836 (SB 1864) passed: adds stalking and abuse-registry disqualifiers, 10-day arrest reporting, refresher-training waivers and local-licensing preemption.⁶

Common questions

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