Security Guard License Requirements

Public Safety · Low Difficulty · 1-2 weeks

Live DataLast updated: April 13, 2026·Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics & State Licensing Boards

Verified

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics & State Licensing BoardsUpdated: 2026 dataHow we compile →

Education

Guard Training (8-40 hours)

Required Exam

State Guard Card Exam

Avg Initial Fee

$75

Median Salary

$36,970

Renewal Period

Every 2 year(s)

CE Hours / Cycle

8 hours

Required in All States?

State-by-State Security Guard License Requirements

State	Required	Fee	State Wage	Difficulty	CE Hours
Alaska	Yes	$95	$39,570	Low	8
Alabama	Yes	$66	$33,420	Low	8
Arkansas	Yes	$63	$31,900	Low	8
Arizona	Yes	$73	$36,570	Low	8
California	Yes	$90	$43,080	Low	8
Colorado	Varies	$62	$40,710	Low	8
Connecticut	Yes	$72	$41,990	Low	8
District of Columbia	Yes	$64	$44,970	Low	8
Delaware	Varies	$83	$37,570	Low	8
Florida	Yes	$60	$37,510	Low	8
Georgia	Varies	$61	$35,780	Low	8
Hawaii	Varies	$97	$43,740	Low	8
Iowa	Yes	$85	$34,680	Low	8
Idaho	Varies	$88	$35,380	Low	8
Illinois	Yes	$78	$37,610	Low	8
Indiana	Yes	$67	$34,380	Low	8
Kansas	Yes	$62	$33,700	Low	8
Kentucky	Varies	$84	$32,610	Low	8
Louisiana	Yes	$88	$34,640	Low	8
Massachusetts	Varies	$54	$43,440	Low	8
Maryland	Yes	$69	$40,990	Low	8
Maine	Yes	$59	$37,490	Low	8
Michigan	Yes	$69	$36,420	Low	8
Minnesota	Yes	$61	$38,240	Low	8
Missouri	Varies	$87	$34,460	Low	8
Mississippi	Yes	$92	$31,440	Low	8
Montana	Varies	$70	$36,170	Low	8
North Carolina	Yes	$81	$36,590	Low	8
North Dakota	Varies	$65	$35,390	Low	8
Nebraska	Yes	$69	$35,700	Low	8
New Hampshire	Varies	$70	$39,740	Low	8
New Jersey	Varies	$97	$42,500	Low	8
New Mexico	Yes	$90	$34,910	Low	8
Nevada	Yes	$55	$36,570	Low	8
New York	Yes	$95	$42,550	Low	8
Ohio	Varies	$65	$34,670	Low	8
Oklahoma	Yes	$55	$33,570	Low	8
Oregon	Varies	$84	$39,940	Low	8
Pennsylvania	Yes	$62	$36,890	Low	8
Puerto Rico	Yes	$86	$29,700	Low	8
Rhode Island	Varies	$61	$39,020	Low	8
South Carolina	Yes	$68	$35,120	Low	8
South Dakota	Yes	$95	$34,930	Low	8
Tennessee	Yes	$70	$34,830	Low	8
Texas	Yes	$55	$36,010	Low	8
Utah	Yes	$85	$37,120	Low	8
Virginia	Yes	$86	$38,350	Low	8
US Virgin Islands	Yes	$71	$34,490	Low	8
Vermont	Varies	$68	$39,730	Low	8
Washington	Varies	$59	$41,560	Low	8
Wisconsin	Varies	$57	$37,390	Low	8
West Virginia	Yes	$82	$32,110	Low	8
Wyoming	Yes	$84	$35,240	Low	8

Highest Paying States for Security Guard

District of Columbia$44,970 Hawaii$43,740 Massachusetts$43,440 California$43,080 New York$42,550 New Jersey$42,500

Lowest Fee States for Security Guard

Massachusetts$54 fee Nevada$55 fee Oklahoma$55 fee Texas$55 fee Wisconsin$57 fee Maine$59 fee

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LicenseWize Editorial TeamData Specialists

The LicenseWize editorial team aggregates and verifies licenses data from Bureau of Labor Statistics & State Licensing Boards. Every statistic on this site is cross-referenced against the official source before publication, with quarterly re-verification cycles.

✓ Sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics & State Licensing Boards✓ Quarterly review✓ No paid placements

Read our full methodology or contact us with corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you need to become a licensed security guard?

Security guard licensing requirements vary by state but typically include being at least 18-21 years old, having no felony convictions, completing a state-approved training program (8-40 hours), passing a background check, and paying licensing fees ($25-$100). Armed security guards need additional firearms training (typically 24-47 hours) and a separate firearms permit.

How do you become a licensed private investigator?

Private investigator licensing typically requires being at least 21-25 years old, having no felony convictions, completing relevant experience (typically 2-3 years in investigation, law enforcement, or military), passing a licensing exam, obtaining liability insurance, and paying fees ($100-$400). Some states also require specific education hours or a degree in criminal justice.

Do security guard licenses transfer between states?

Security guard licenses are state-specific and do not automatically transfer. Each state has its own training and licensing requirements. If you move to a new state, you must apply for a new license and may need to complete additional training. Some states recognize training from other states, which can reduce the requirements.

What training do armed security guards need?

Armed security guard training requirements vary by state but typically include 24-47 hours of firearms training, range qualification, use-of-force training, and legal aspects of carrying a weapon. Annual or biennial re-qualification is usually required. Some states require separate licenses for different weapon types (handgun, shotgun, rifle).

How much do public safety licenses cost?

Public safety licensing costs are generally moderate. Security guard licenses range from $25-$100 for the application, plus $100-$500 for training. Private investigator licenses cost $100-$400 for the application, plus insurance requirements ($1,000-$3,000/year for liability coverage). EMT/Paramedic certification costs $100-$300 for the application after completing training.

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