How to get a Private security guard license in Washington

Washington licenses security guards statewide through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).¹ For the Private security guard license (unarmed) you need at least 8 clock hours¹ of education, a passing score on the DOL preassignment examination (multiple choice), taken after preassignment training and before the license or temporary card² and a criminal background check¹. The board lists $101 for the initial license². You renew every year² and complete at least 4 hours of continuing education¹.

Last checked November 7, 2026 · 16 official sources

Who issues it

Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)

Training and experience

Training: at least 8 clock hours¹

Exam

DOL preassignment examination (multiple choice), taken after preassignment training and before the license or temporary card²

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $101²

Renewal

Every year², at least 4 hours of continuing education¹

From another state

License by endorsement, Temporary license or permit and Reciprocity agreements²¹ Details

On this page

Washington security guard licenses
Applies to every license level
Who needs a Private security guard license
Requirements for a Private security guard license
How much a Private security guard license costs
How to apply
Renewal and continuing education
Armed private security guard license
Private security guard certified trainer endorsement
Private security guard company license
City and county rules
Check a license or report a problem
Laws and rules
Rule changes since January 2024
Common questions
Security guard licenses in other states

Washington security guard licenses

Washington 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
Private security guard license (unarmed)	A licensed individual principally employed as a security officer or guard, patrol or merchant patrol officer, armed escort or bodyguard, armored vehicle guard, burglar alarm response runner, or crowd control officer.¹	Training 8 clock hours¹	Yes²	$101²
Armed private security guard license (endorsement)	A licensed private security guard who may carry, on duty, an employer-owned or leased firearm with which the guard has met CJTC proficiency standards.¹	Training 8 clock hours¹	Yes²	$10³
Private security guard certified trainer endorsement	Gives preassignment/postassignment training, administers the DOL preassignment exam and attests training records.¹	–	Yes⁴	$25⁵
Private security guard company license	A person or entity providing private security guard services on a contract basis; a self-employed guard must also hold a company (principal) license.¹	Experience 3 years¹	No²	–

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Washington 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

Apply online: dol.wa.gov⁶⁷⁴⁸
Processing time: Up to 60 days after DOL receives a complete application and fee (longer for company principal licenses).⁵

Renewal

How often: Every year²
Renew online: dol.wa.gov⁹

2. Every license level except Private security guard certified trainer endorsement

Fees

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
License print fee	$5²³	DOL	License print fee. Not refundable. Effective November 22, 2022

3. Every license level except Private security guard company license

From another state

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Military training or experience satisfies the training or experience requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent; DOL says military experience or training might help meet licensing requirements, and U.S. veterans may be eligible for partial reimbursement of fees.¹

4. Private security guard license (unarmed) and Armed private security guard license (endorsement)

Requirements

Education or training: At least 8 clock hours¹
Preassignment training of at least 8 hours (at least 4 hours classroom; the rest classroom or individual): basic principles incl. Washington licensing law and terrorism awareness, legal powers and limits (citizen's arrest, detention, search, use of force), emergency response, safety and accident prevention, report writing.¹
Who may teach it: Given by a DOL-licensed certified trainer (from any company), who signs the certification on the application.⁵
Alternative: Waived for a person who was most recently a full-time sworn peace officer within the past five years and passes the preassignment exam.¹
Alternative: Military training or experience counts unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent.¹
Education or training: At least 8 clock hours¹
The board's words
“must complete at least eight hours of initial postassignment training”

Who may teach it: Attested by a licensed certified trainer; records kept by the company for three years.²
Exam: DOL preassignment examination (multiple choice), taken after preassignment training and before the license or temporary card²
Given by: Designed by DOL; administered by a department-certified trainer¹
Passing score: All questions must be answered correctly, or each missed question reviewed with the trainer and initialled by both²
Residency or citizenship: U.S. citizen or resident noncitizen¹

Fees

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

How to apply

Apply online through SecureAccess Washington (faster) or mail the Private Security Guard Initial License Application with a check or money order to DOL, PO Box 35001, Seattle, WA 98124-3401.⁶⁷ dol.wa.gov¹⁰
After you receive an application number, book an IdentoGO electronic fingerprint appointment in Washington (out of state: ink card via local law enforcement, ORI WA920220Z).⁶⁷
Carry the license card on duty; you may only work for the licensed company you are associated with (a transfer application and $25 fee are needed when changing companies).¹

Renewal

When it expires: Expires one year from issuance; can be renewed up to 120 days before expiry.²
Renewal fee: $95³ (Private security guard license renewal)
Continuing education: At least 4 hours each renewal period¹
Approved courses: Training is recorded and attested by a DOL-certified trainer; companies keep the records for inspection.¹
Exemptions: School safety and security staff classroom training under RCW 28A.310.515 may count toward postassignment or refresher hours.¹
Late renewal: Late renewal fee: $15² (renewal received after the renewal date (not due with a transfer or rehire application; DOL fee page shows the total late renewal as $110))

From another state

Route: License by endorsement
What the board says: Holders of a valid license or registration card from a state DOL finds has at least equal selection and training requirements can apply for a Washington guard or armed guard license card, with a license verification form from that state.²
Fee: $101²

Route: Temporary license or permit
What the board says: An out-of-state guard license is valid in Washington for 90 days only while on temporary assignment for the same employer as in the home state; the guard may not solicit business here.¹

Route: Reciprocity agreements
What the board says: Guards whose duties cross state lines may operate in Washington if registered in a state with at least equal requirements; DOL may negotiate reciprocity agreements, but none are listed.¹
States on Washington'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.

5. Private security guard license (unarmed) and Private security guard certified trainer endorsement

Requirements

Minimum age: 18 years old¹

Who needs a Private security guard license

A licensed individual principally employed as a security officer or guard, patrol or merchant patrol officer, armed escort or bodyguard, armored vehicle guard, burglar alarm response runner, or crowd control officer.¹

Work that does not need this license:

In-house guards employed by one employer that is not a security company, guarding only that employer's affairs, are exempt (cannabis transport employees carrying firearms must be armed-licensed).¹
Sworn peace officers on duty, and off-duty officers in approved private security work who do not employ or broker other people, are exempt.¹
Crowd management and guest services staff at organized events (ticket takers, ushers, door attendants, parking attendants, event staff) are exempt if they carry no weapon, wear no security-style uniform and do not mainly detain or arrest people.¹

Requirements for a Private security guard license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

Background check: Background check required¹
Fingerprints required⁶
Washington State Patrol fingerprint check (state only for unarmed guards; FBI check is for armed applicants). DOL may withhold a license for a conviction that directly relates to security guard duties; DOL also asks the local chief law enforcement officer for comments.¹
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply¹¹
Also required: Must be employed by, or have a job offer from, a licensed private security company (or be licensed as a company).¹
Also required: After preassignment training and a complete application, the employing company may issue a temporary registration card valid up to 60 days (no firearms); the application must be mailed within 3 business days.¹
Also required: DOL's unarmed "Get your license" page heads its requirement list "To be licensed as an armed private security guard"; the listed items (age 18, employment, pre-assignment training) are the unarmed requirements.⁶

How much a Private security guard license costs

You pay DOL (3 fees) and IDEMIA IdentoGO (fingerprint and state background check).

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Initial license fee	$101²	DOL	Unarmed private security guard license (original). Not refundable. Effective November 22, 2022
Transfer fee	$25²	DOL	Transfer to another licensed company. Not refundable. Effective November 22, 2022
Association	$25³	DOL	Company association request for a guard (DOL fee page). Not refundable. Effective November 22, 2022
Fingerprint and state background check	$39¹²	IDEMIA IdentoGO	Out-of-state ink cards also pay a local rolling fee

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

How to apply

Get hired (or a job offer) by a licensed private security company and complete the 8-hour preassignment training and DOL exam with a certified trainer.⁶

Temporary or provisional license: After preassignment training and a complete application, the employing company may issue a temporary registration card valid up to 60 days (no firearms); the application must be mailed within 3 business days.¹

Renewal and continuing education

Required topics: No more than 1 hour per year on customer service; at least 3 hours on emergency response (e.g. site post orders, life safety).¹
If it expires: A license whose renewal fee is not received within one year after expiration is canceled; a new license then requires meeting all initial requirements, including training and exams. Temporary registration cards cannot be used by guards with expired licenses.²

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Washington Private security guard license (unarmed). The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Expiration date

Armed private security guard license

A licensed private security guard who may carry, on duty, an employer-owned or leased firearm with which the guard has met CJTC proficiency standards.¹

Requirements

Minimum age: 21 years old¹
Education or training: At least 8 clock hours¹³
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) firearms certification: at least 8 hours of approved instruction and testing by a CJTC-certified firearms instructor (deadly-force law and decision making, safe handling, basic tactics), a written exam, a skills test and range qualification with the employer-provided firearm.¹³
Who may teach it: CJTC-certified firearms instructor; the application must be signed by the employing company's principal or officer.¹³
Experience: Must already hold a private security guard license.¹
License you must hold first: Private security guard license (unarmed) and CJTC firearms certificate¹
Exam: CJTC firearms certification written examination, skills test and range qualification¹³
Given by: Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (certified firearms instructor)¹³
Background check: Background check required¹
Fingerprints required⁶
State (Washington State Patrol) and FBI national check for armed applicants. DOL may withhold a license for a conviction that directly relates to security guard duties; DOL also asks the local chief law enforcement officer for comments.¹
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply¹¹
Also required: Apply to DOL within 90 days after CJTC issues the firearms certification, or it lapses.¹³
Also required: Resident noncitizens must also show a current alien firearm license at application and renewal.²
Also required: Temporary registration cards never authorize carrying a firearm; armed duty requires the issued armed license.¹
Also required: The employer must notify local law enforcement within 10 business days whenever an armed guard discharges a firearm on duty (other than on a range).¹

Fees

You pay DOL (2 fees) and IDEMIA IdentoGO (FBI background check).

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Initial license fee	$10³	DOL	Armed endorsement, in addition to the guard license fee. Not refundable. Effective November 22, 2022
Application fee	$101²	DOL	Underlying private security guard license (if not already held). Not refundable. Effective November 22, 2022
FBI background check	$54¹²	IDEMIA IdentoGO	Out-of-state ink cards also pay a local rolling fee

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

How to apply

Hold a Washington guard license (or apply for one), be 21+, and have your employing company request a CJTC firearms certification; complete the 8-hour CJTC course and qualification, then apply to DOL within 90 days.¹³

Renewal

Required topics: No more than 1 hour per year on customer service; at least 3 hours on emergency response (e.g. site post orders, life safety).¹
Annual firearms proficiency with each certified firearm, documented in the company file; the employer declares it when renewing the armed license.¹³
If it expires: A license whose renewal fee is not received within one year after expiration is canceled; a new license then requires meeting all initial requirements, including training and exams. Temporary registration cards cannot be used by guards with expired licenses.²
The CJTC firearms certification expires with the armed guard license.¹³

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.

Private security guard certified trainer endorsement

Gives preassignment/postassignment training, administers the DOL preassignment exam and attests training records.¹

Requirements

Experience: Must be licensed as a security guard principal, unarmed guard or armed guard.⁴
License you must hold first: Security guard principal, unarmed or armed security guard license²
Exam: DOL agency principal examination (used for trainer certification)²
Given by: Washington State Department of Licensing⁴
At least 50 questions on preassignment topics, Washington law, legal/liability issues and security management²
Retakes: Wait at least 7 days (DOL FAQ: 7 working days) between attempts; $25 per re-exam; unlimited attempts; results in about 10 days.²
Background check: Background check required⁶
Fingerprints required⁶
Covered by the underlying guard/principal license background check.⁴
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply¹¹
Also required: A company may use a certified trainer employed by another company, and may have any number of certified trainers.⁵

Fees

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Exam fee	$25²	DOL	Trainer exam (each attempt). Not refundable. Effective November 22, 2022
Application fee	$25⁵	DOL	The exam application is the trainer application (no separate license fee under current WAC). Not refundable. Effective November 22, 2022

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

Hold a current Washington guard, armed guard or principal license.⁴
Study the DOL security guard exam study guide and submit the Exam/Reexam Application online (SAW) or by mail with the $25 fee.⁴

Renewal

When it expires: Renewed annually with the guard license (Security Guard Renewal Application covers the trainer endorsement).⁹
Renewal fee: $15³ (Trainer endorsement renewal, in addition to the guard license renewal)

From another state

Route: No reciprocity
What the board says: No out-of-state route: the endorsement requires a Washington guard or principal license and passing the DOL exam.⁴

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

Private security guard company license

A person or entity providing private security guard services on a contract basis; a self-employed guard must also hold a company (principal) license.¹

Requirements

Experience: At least 3 years¹
Three years' experience as a manager, supervisor or administrator in private security or a DOL-approved related field, or pass the principal exam instead.¹
Substitute: Pass the DOL principal examination (age 21+) instead of the experience.¹
Exam: Private security guard company principal examination (preassignment topics, Washington licensing law, legal/liability issues, general security management)²
Not required²
Given by: Washington State Department of Licensing²
At least 50 questions²
Retakes: Wait at least 7 days before retaking; $25 reexamination fee; no limit on attempts.²
Background check: Background check required⁸
Fingerprints required⁸
Principals must meet the guard criteria, including no conviction DOL finds directly related to security work.¹
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply¹¹
Residency or citizenship: Owners, partners and qualifying agents must be U.S. citizens or resident noncitizens; the company needs a physical business location in Washington.⁸
Insurance: Comprehensive general liability of at least $25,000 bodily/personal injury and $25,000 property damage, with the certificate on file at DOL.¹
Business requirements: Valid Washington business license with the Department of Revenue.⁸
Business requirements: Corporations designate a qualifying agent and file certified articles (foreign corporations: certificate of authority and Secretary of State registration); each partner applies individually.²
Business requirements: A replacement qualifying agent must be obtained within 60 days if the current one stops serving.¹
Business requirements: Company name may not suggest a public law enforcement agency or include "police".¹

Fees

You pay DOL (3 fees) and IDEMIA IdentoGO (2 fees).

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Exam retake fee	$25⁵	DOL	Principal exam retake. Not refundable. Effective November 22, 2022
Change of principal/includes first examination plus background check fee	$80²	DOL	Change of company principal. Not refundable. Effective November 22, 2022
Principal armed endorsement	$10²	DOL	Armed endorsement for the principal. Not refundable. Effective November 22, 2022
FBI background check	$54¹²	IDEMIA IdentoGO	Armed principal; unarmed principal pays $39 (state check only)
Fingerprint and state background check	$39¹²	IDEMIA IdentoGO	Unarmed principal

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

Make sure each owner, partner or qualifying agent meets the age, citizenship and experience requirements (or will take the principal exam), and get a Department of Revenue business license and the liability insurance certificate.⁸
Submit fingerprints for each owner, partner or qualifying agent (IdentoGO in Washington; local law enforcement out of state).⁸
Apply online via SecureAccess Washington, or mail the Private Security Guard Company/Qualifying Principal License Application with the insurance certificate and fee.⁸
Once licensed, associate each guard with the company online or by the Company Association Request form.¹⁴

Renewal

When it expires: Expires one year from issuance (earlier if the corporation's Secretary of State registration lapses); renew both the company and principal licenses.⁹
Renewal fee: $332³ (Company + principal renewal (DOL fee page); WAC 308-18-150 lists company renewal $237)
Late renewal: Late renewal fee: $110² (late company renewal penalty (DOL page total late renewal $442))
If it expires: License canceled if not renewed within one year after expiration; then initial requirements apply.²

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 private security guard license (endorsement)State licensing is exclusive: Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma and other cities and counties may not license security guards or companies for regulatory purposes, but may charge a general business license fee or business and occupation tax that applies to other businesses too.¹

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license: dol.wa.gov¹⁵
File a complaint: dol.wa.gov¹⁶

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

February 6, 2026: WSR 26-02-056 amended WAC 308-18-100 (company applications) and 308-18-190 (brief adjudicative proceedings), effective February 6, 2026.²

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Private security guard license in Washington?

The rules set at least 8 clock hours¹ before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: Up to 60 days after DOL receives a complete application and fee (longer for company principal licenses).⁵

Can I transfer my security guard license to Washington?

DOL publishes these routes for the Private security guard license: license by endorsement², temporary license or permit¹ and reciprocity agreements¹. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Private security guard license in Washington?

Every year². Continuing education: at least 4 hours¹. The renewal fee is $95³.

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.

RCW 18.170 Security guardsWashington State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
WAC 308-18 Private security guardsWashington State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
Fees: security guardsWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
Get your license: certified trainerWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
FAQ: security guardsWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
Get your license: unarmed security guardWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
Get your license: armed security guardWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
Get your license: private security guard companyWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
Renew your license: security guards, company or trainerWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
Forms: security guardsWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
Criminal conviction screening | Washington State Department of LicensingWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
Fingerprinting and background checksWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
WAC 139-30 Firearms certification (private security guards)Washington State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
Associate a new security guard with your companyWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
Look up the status of a business or professional license | Washington State Department of LicensingWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
File a complaintWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026