Security Guard License Requirements by State (2026)

There is no federal security guard license in the United States. Each state decides whether individual guards need a license, how much training they need before and after they start work, and how often they renew. The biggest dividing line is armed versus unarmed work. Unarmed guards usually need a background check and a short training course. Armed guards almost always need a separate firearm permit, more hours of training, a range qualification, and regular requalification. Some states, such as Pennsylvania, don't license individual unarmed guards at all.

This guide compares the rules in 12 large states. Every number comes from the state regulator's own pages or from the statute and administrative rules, and each is linked. We last checked them on October 5, 2026. Rules change, and several states amended them in 2024–2026, so confirm with your state's regulator before you pay for a course.

Quick comparison: 12 states at a glance

Hours are minimums set by the state. "Pre-license" means training you must finish before you are registered or before you work your first post. Some states let you finish part of the training after you're hired, and the table notes where.

What most states require

Each state writes its own rules, but the applications look alike. Expect most of the following, whatever state you're in.

Minimum age. Every state in this guide sets 18 as the minimum for unarmed work. Several set 21 for armed work, among them California, Illinois, North Carolina and Washington. Others, including Florida and Pennsylvania, list 18 for the armed credential. Check the armed application in your own state.

Fingerprints and a criminal background check. Every state we reviewed requires fingerprints, usually taken electronically by a state-approved vendor and checked against state and FBI records. New York sends prints to DCJS and the FBI. Illinois sends them to the Illinois State Police. Washington's DOL says all guards must have fingerprint-based background checks. The fingerprint fee is usually separate from the license fee.

No disqualifying convictions. Each state defines its own disqualifying offenses. Illinois, for example, presumes an applicant unfit after a felony involving bodily harm, weapons, violence or theft within the past 10 years, while New York bars registration after a "serious offense". A past record doesn't always rule you out. The regulator decides case by case, so read its rules or contact it before you assume either way.

Approved training. Where training is required, it usually has to come from a school or instructor the state has approved or licensed. A course from an unapproved provider may not count. That makes the school's license the first thing to check (see the section on finding a licensed school below).

Employment link. In several states the license is tied to an employer. Washington's guard license requires employment or a job offer from a licensed private security company. Illinois training deadlines run from the date of employment. In other states, including California and Florida, you can get licensed first and job-hunt afterward.

For a step-by-step walk through the whole process, see how to become a security guard.

Armed vs. unarmed: what changes

Armed work is a separate credential layered on top of the basic guard license, not an upgrade to it. In every state on this list, the armed credential adds:

• More training hours. These range from about 16 hours in Arizona to 50 hours in Virginia, plus the unarmed training.
• A range qualification. You have to pass a scored course of fire with the weapon you'll carry.
• Regular requalification. This is often more frequent than the license renewal. Nevada requires it every six months. California requires two range qualifications a year. Florida requires four hours every year. Pennsylvania's Act 235 certification instead runs five years, with renewal training at the end.
• Extra screening. Texas requires a psychological test (MMPI) for commissioned officers. California requires a psychological assessment for first-time firearm permit applicants. Pennsylvania requires physical and psychological exams.
• Federal and state firearm eligibility. If you can't legally possess a firearm, you can't get an armed guard credential. Illinois requires a valid FOID card, and New York requires a valid NYS pistol license before you can even enroll in the 47-hour course.

Most states also have other weapon permits (baton, chemical spray, shotgun) with their own short courses. In California these are separate BSIS permits. See our guides to the California exposed firearm permit and the California baton permit.

States with little or no individual unarmed licensing

A few states don't license each unarmed guard the way California or Florida does. Here is what we could confirm from official sources:

• Pennsylvania has no statewide license for individual unarmed guards. The Private Detective Act of 1953 licenses the agency through the county court. Each employee signs a statement, and the employer files their fingerprints with the court. Only guards who carry a lethal weapon need state certification, under Act 235.
• Georgia requires 24 hours of classroom training for private security employees before they provide security services. The Board's FAQ says unarmed guards are not required to register with the Board, but they still have to be trained under its rules. Armed guards must register and hold a weapon permit.
• Nevada issues a work card to employees of licensed companies. We found no minimum classroom hours for unarmed work in the current NAC 648. Applicants instead must pass a Board exam with a score of 100%.

Other states outside this guide also have light or employer-based systems, but the details vary and change. Rather than repeat counts from secondary lists we couldn't verify, we recommend checking your own state's regulator directly. "No state license" rarely means "no rules": employers, cities, counties and clients often set their own training requirements.

State-by-state requirements

California

California's Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) issues the Security Guard Registration, known as the guard card. Before registration you complete 8 hours of Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training. After that you complete 32 hours of security officer skills training: 16 hours within 30 days and 16 within six months (BSIS training requirements). Guards need 8 hours of continuing education every year, including at least 2 hours reviewing use of force, and the registration renews every two years. Armed guards need a separate firearms permit, which requires being 21, a psychological assessment, at least 8 hours of classroom training, and range qualifications twice a year. A 2026 bill, SB 1203, would raise several of these hours, according to a BSIS staff report. Check BSIS for whether and when it takes effect. Full walkthrough: how to get a guard card in California. Find schools: California training schools.

Texas

The Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security program licenses noncommissioned (unarmed) and commissioned (armed) security officers. Noncommissioned officers must pass the DPS Level II course and exam (DPS license FAQ). DPS doesn't publish a fixed hour count for Level II on the pages we reviewed, so ask the school. Commissioned officers also complete the Level III course, which DPS lists as at least 45 hours, plus a handgun proficiency course of fire and a psychological test. Licenses run two years. Noncommissioned officers are exempt from continuing education. Commissioned officers complete 6 hours of CE plus firearms proficiency each renewal. Find schools: Texas training schools.

Florida

Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing issues the Class "D" Security Officer License. You complete 40 hours of professional training at a licensed school before licensure, and you have to retake it if your license stays expired for a year or more. Armed work requires the Class "G" Statewide Firearm License: 28 hours of training, including in-person range time, plus at least 4 hours of requalification every year. Both licenses renew every two years. We found no separate continuing-education requirement for Class D. Find schools: Florida training schools.

New York

New York's Department of State registers security guards, and the Division of Criminal Justice Services approves the training schools. You need an 8-hour pre-assignment course to apply. Within 90 days of employment you need 16 hours of on-the-job training (the statute says 90 working days), and every calendar year you take an 8-hour in-service course (GBL §89-n). Registration is biennial. Armed guards must already hold a New York pistol license, then complete a 47-hour firearms course and 8 hours of firearms training every year. Find schools: New York training schools.

Illinois

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues the Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC). Illinois requires no training before hire. Instead you complete 20 hours of basic training within 30 days of employment, 8 more hours within six months, and an 8-hour refresher every year after that. Armed guards need a Firearm Control Card, which requires being 21, a FOID card, and a 48-hour course with range qualification, plus an 8-hour range refresher each year. Under IDFPR rules, PERCs expire on a three-year cycle. Find schools: Illinois training schools.

Georgia

The Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies sets the training rules. Since January 1, 2022, private security employees have needed at least 24 hours of classroom instruction before providing security services. Armed guards must register and hold a weapon permit, complete at least 15 hours of handgun training with 80% scores on the written test and the range, and qualify every year. Registrations and permits expire August 31 of each odd-numbered year. Registered employees need 8 hours of continuing education before renewal, but the first renewal is exempt. Find schools: Georgia training schools.

Arizona

The Arizona Department of Public Safety issues security guard registration certificates under A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 26. Unarmed guards need 8 hours of pre-assignment training before they act as a guard. Armed guards add 16 hours of initial firearms training and 8 hours of firearms training every year. Certificates are valid for four years, longer than in most states, and you need 8 hours of refresher training within 90 days before you apply to renew. Find schools: Arizona training schools.

Virginia

Virginia's Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) registers unarmed and armed security officers under 6VAC20-174. Unarmed officers complete 18 hours of entry-level training. Armed officers complete 50 hours (18 core, 8 arrest authority and 24 handgun), plus 3 more for a shotgun. The firearms endorsement lasts no more than 12 months and requires annual retraining and requalification. Registration runs up to 24 months and requires a 4-hour in-service course once per registration period. Find schools: Virginia training schools.

North Carolina

North Carolina's Private Protective Services Board, part of NC DPS, registers guards under G.S. Chapter 74C. Unarmed guards complete a 16-hour course. Board procedures require the full 16 hours within 30 days of employment, and the first part must come earlier, before or during the probationary window (registration procedures). Armed guards must be 21 and complete an additional 20-hour armed course. Their firearm registration permit expires after one year and is renewed with a 4-hour renewal course and requalification. Unarmed registrations also renew every year. The Board amended its training rules in 2024 and 2025, so confirm current hours with the PPSB. Find schools: North Carolina training schools.

Washington

Washington's Department of Licensing issues the private security guard license to people employed by, or offered a job with, a licensed security company. You complete 8 hours of pre-assignment training and pass a state exam. You then complete 8 more hours of post-assignment training and at least 4 hours of refresher training every year. Licenses expire after one year. The armed license requires being 21 and holding a Criminal Justice Training Commission firearms certificate, which takes at least 8 hours, with annual proficiency on each firearm. Find schools: Washington training schools.

Nevada

Nevada's Private Investigators Licensing Board (PILB) issues work cards to employees of licensed companies under NRS 648. Applicants must be 18 and submit fingerprints. Applicants working for private patrol companies must pass a Board exam with a score of 100% (NAC 648). We found no minimum hours of unarmed classroom training in current law. Armed guards need firearm certification: 8 classroom hours and at least 5 range hours with a certified instructor, sponsored by the employer, and requalification every six months. Work cards expire five years after issuance. Find schools: Nevada training schools.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania doesn't license individual unarmed guards statewide. Under the Private Detective Act of 1953, guard agencies are licensed by the county court, and the employer collects each employee's statement and fingerprints. Guards who carry a lethal weapon need certification under the Lethal Weapons Training Act (Act 235), administered by the Pennsylvania State Police. Act 235 requires being 18, a physical exam, a psychological exam, and a background check (PSP application page), and a basic course taught at a PSP-certified school. Certification is valid for five years, and firearm agents renew with 8 hours of combined classroom and range training. Find schools: Pennsylvania training schools.

How to find a licensed training school

Training only counts if the state recognizes the provider, so check the school before you check the price.

1. Confirm the school's license with the regulator. Most regulators have an online license lookup. In California, training facilities and instructors hold BSIS licenses. In Florida, Class D training must come from a school licensed by the department. In New York, schools are approved by DCJS. Look up the license number yourself; a logo on the school's website isn't proof.
2. Match the course to the credential. "Guard card class," "Level II," "Class D course" and "8-hour pre-assignment" are all state-specific names. Make sure the course's hours and name match what your regulator lists.
3. Ask what's included. Ask whether the price includes fingerprinting, state application fees, range fees and ammunition (for armed courses). Our guide to how much a guard card costs breaks this down for California.
4. Plan for timing. Background checks can take longer than the class itself. See how long it takes to get a guard card.

Our directory lists schools we've checked against state license records. Read how we verify security training schools, or search schools by state.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a national security guard license?

No. Security guard licensing is handled by each state, and every state on this list uses its own credential, training hours and renewal rules. A license from one state generally doesn't let you work in another, so plan to meet the new state's requirements if you move.

Can I work as a security guard while my license is pending?

Sometimes. A few states allow limited work during processing. Washington, for example, has a temporary registration card, and Illinois lets guards finish their basic training within 30 days of employment. Others, such as Florida, require training to be finished before licensure. Check your regulator's rules before you accept a post.

How many training hours do I need to be an unarmed guard?

It depends on the state. Among the states above, required pre-license training ranges from none (Pennsylvania, and Illinois before hire) to 40 hours (Florida). Several states add training after you start: California requires 32 more hours within six months, and New York requires 16 hours of on-the-job training.

Do armed guards need a separate license?

Yes, in every state reviewed here. Armed work requires a firearm permit, commission, endorsement or certification on top of the basic credential, with additional training, a range qualification and regular requalification. Some states also set the minimum age at 21 for armed work.

Can I get a guard license with a criminal record?

Possibly. States screen applicants through fingerprints, and each one defines its own disqualifying offenses and look-back periods. Many consider the type of offense and how long ago it happened. Contact the regulator or read its disqualification rules before you pay for training.

How often do I have to renew?

Renewal cycles vary widely: every year in Washington and North Carolina, every two years in California, Texas, Florida and New York, every four years in Arizona, and every five years for Nevada work cards and Pennsylvania Act 235 certification. Many states also require annual in-service or firearms training between renewals.

Sources

• California BSIS, Security Guard Fact Sheet: https://bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/guard_fact.shtml
• California BSIS, Guard Training Requirements: https://www.bsis.ca.gov/industries/g_train.shtml
• California BSIS, Firearms Permit Fact Sheet: https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/fire_fact.shtml
• California BSIS, Firearms Qualification Course: https://www.bsis.ca.gov/industries/fq_course.shtml
• California BSIS, Firearm Requalification Requirements: https://www.bsis.ca.gov/industries/firearm_requirement.shtml
• California BSIS, License Types and Renewal: https://www.bsis.ca.gov/licenses.shtml
• California BSIS, Staff Report (April 16, 2026): https://www.bsis.ca.gov/about_us/agendas/20260416_staffr.pdf
• Texas DPS, Training and Continuing Education: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/training-and-continuing-education
• Texas DPS, Individual License Questions: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/faq/individual-license-questions
• Texas DPS, 88th Legislative Session Changes: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/88th-legislation
• Texas DPS, Continuing Education Requirements: https://www.dps.texas.gov/rsd/psb/docs/ce_requirements_private_security_license.pdf
• Texas DPS, Private Security Statutes and Rules: https://www.dps.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/rsd/psb/docs/psStatutesAndRules2024.pdf
• Florida FDACS, Class D Security Officer License Requirements: https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Private-Security-Licenses/Class-D-Security-Officer-License-Requirements
• Florida FDACS, Class G Statewide Firearm License Requirements: https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Private-Investigation-Licenses/Class-G-Statewide-Firearm-License-Requirements
• Florida Statutes s. 493.6303: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/493.6303
• Florida Statutes s. 493.6105: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/493.6105
• Florida Statutes s. 493.6113: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/493.6113
• New York DOS, Security Guard: https://dos.ny.gov/security-guard
• New York DOS, Security Guard Training Requirements: https://dos.ny.gov/security-guard-training-requirements
• New York General Business Law §89-h: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GBS/89-H
• New York General Business Law §89-n: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GBS/89-N
• Illinois IDFPR, Security Contractor professions: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/securitycont.html
• Illinois 225 ILCS 447/25-20: https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/022504470K25-20.htm
• Illinois 225 ILCS 447/35-30: https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/022504470K35-30.htm
• Illinois 225 ILCS 447/35-35: https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/022504470K35-35.htm
• Illinois 225 ILCS 447/35-40: https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/022504470K35-40.htm
• Illinois Administrative Code, 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240: https://www.ilga.gov/agencies/JCAR/EntirePart?titlepart=06801240
• Georgia Board rules, Chapter 509: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/509
• Georgia Board, Private Detective and Security Agency FAQ: https://sos.ga.gov/page/private-detective-and-security-agency-faq
• Georgia Rule 509-2-.01: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/509-2-.01
• Georgia Rule 509-3-.01: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/509-3-.01
• Georgia Rule 509-3-.02: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/509-3-.02
• Georgia Rule 509-3-.03: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/509-3-.03
• Georgia Rule 509-3-.10: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/509-3-.10
• Georgia Rule 509-3-.12: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/509-3-.12
• Georgia Rule 509-4-.01: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/509-4-.01
• Arizona DPS, Licensing: https://www.azdps.gov/services/public-services-center/licensing
• Arizona Revised Statutes §32-2601: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/02601.htm
• Arizona Revised Statutes §32-2624: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/02624.htm
• Arizona Revised Statutes §32-2632: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/02632.htm
• Virginia DCJS, Unarmed Security Officer/Courier: https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/licensure-and-regulatory-affairs/unarmed-security-officercourier
• Virginia Administrative Code 6VAC20-174: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title6/agency20/chapter174/
• 6VAC20-174-60: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title6/agency20/chapter174/section60/
• 6VAC20-174-170: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title6/agency20/chapter174/section170/
• 6VAC20-174-220: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title6/agency20/chapter174/section220/
• 6VAC20-174-330: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title6/agency20/chapter174/section330/
• 6VAC20-174-420: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title6/agency20/chapter174/section420/
• North Carolina PPSB, Security Employee Registration: https://www.ncdps.gov/about-dps/boards-and-commissions/private-protective-services-board/security-employee-registration
• North Carolina PPSB, FAQ: https://www.ncdps.gov/about-dps/boards-and-commissions/private-protective-services-board/frequently-asked-questions
• North Carolina PPSB, Registration Procedures: https://www.ncdps.gov/pps-registration-procedures-0/open
• North Carolina G.S. 74C-11: https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_74C/GS_74C-11.html
• North Carolina G.S. 74C-13: https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_74C/GS_74C-13.html
• Washington DOL, Unarmed Security Guard License: https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/security-guard-unarmed/get-your-license-security-guards-unarmed
• Washington DOL, Armed Security Guard License: https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/security-guard-armed/get-your-license-security-guards-armed
• Washington RCW 18.170.030: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.170.030
• Washington RCW 18.170.040: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.170.040
• Washington RCW 18.170.105: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.170.105
• Washington WAC 308-18: https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-18
• Washington WAC 308-18-160: https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-18-160
• Washington WAC 308-18-300: https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-18-300
• Washington WAC 308-18-305: https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-18-305
• Washington WAC 139-30-015: https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=139-30-015
• Washington WAC 139-30-020: https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=139-30-020
• Nevada PILB, Work Cards: https://pilb.nv.gov/work-cards/
• Nevada PILB, Armed Work Cards: https://pilb.nv.gov/Work_Cards/Armed/
• Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 648: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-648.html
• Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 648: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nac/nac-648.html
• Pennsylvania Lethal Weapons Training Act (Act 235 of 1974): https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/1974/0/0235..HTM
• Pennsylvania Private Detective Act of 1953: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/1953/0/0361..HTM
• Pennsylvania State Police, Lethal Weapons Training Program: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/psp/programs/law-enforcement-training/lethal-weapons-training-program
• Pennsylvania State Police, Apply for Act 235 Certification: https://www.pa.gov/services/psp/apply-for-act-235-lethal-weapons-training-certification
• 37 Pa. Code Chapter 21: https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F037%2Fchapter21%2Fchap21toc.html
• 37 Pa. Code § 21.24: https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/037/chapter21/s21.24.html&d=reduce