📋 In This Guide
Why Security Licensing Matters
Security licensing isn't just a legal requirement—it's the foundation of a legitimate security business. Proper licensing protects your agency, your officers, your clients, and the public.
Operating without valid credentials exposes you to serious consequences:
- ✗ Legal penalties: Fines, cease-and-desist orders, and potential criminal charges
- ✗ Civil liability: Lawsuits with no insurance coverage or legal defense
- ✗ Lost business: Clients increasingly verify credentials before hiring
- ✗ Platform exclusion: Marketplace platforms like On Call Protekt verify licensing before allowing providers to accept jobs
For security professionals serious about building a sustainable business, understanding licensing requirements isn't optional—it's essential.
📖 About This Guide: This comprehensive resource covers the licensing landscape across all 50 states, including requirements for unarmed guards, armed guards, and security agencies. Use it as a reference when expanding into new markets or ensuring your current credentials are complete.
Understanding Security License Types
Before diving into state-specific requirements, it's important to understand the common license types you'll encounter.
Individual Guard Licenses
Unarmed Security Guard License
The most basic credential, required for officers who don't carry firearms.
- • Minimum age (usually 18)
- • Background check
- • Training hours (varies by state)
- • Application and fee
Armed Security Guard License
Required for officers who carry firearms. Always requires unarmed license first.
- • Additional firearms training
- • Psychological evaluation (some states)
- • Higher minimum age (often 21)
- • More extensive background check
Business Licenses
Security Agency License
Required to operate a security company. Typically held by the business owner or a qualifying agent.
- • Individual guard license
- • Experience requirements (1-3 years common)
- • Business insurance
- • Surety bond
- • Background check
- • Business registration
Specialty Licenses
Depending on the state and services offered, you may also need:
State-by-State Licensing Requirements
⚠️ Important: Requirements change periodically. Always verify current regulations with the state licensing authority before applying.
Alabama
Regulatory Agency: Alabama Security Regulatory Board
Unarmed Guard
- • 19 years old minimum
- • Background check
- • No training requirement
- • License fee: ~$50
Armed Guard
- • 21 years old minimum
- • Complete unarmed requirements
- • Firearms training certification
- • Additional background check
Agency License
- • $300 application fee
- • $100,000 surety bond
- • Qualifying agent w/ 2 yrs exp
Arizona
Regulatory Agency: Arizona Department of Public Safety
Unarmed Guard
- • 18 years old minimum
- • Background check (fingerprint)
- • No mandatory training
- • Registration card required
Armed Guard
- • 21 years old minimum
- • 8 hours firearms training
- • Firearms qualification
- • Separate armed guard card
Agency License
- • Qualifying party required
- • $5,000 surety bond
- • Background check
California ★ Extensive Requirements
Regulatory Agency: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)
Unarmed Guard (Guard Card)
- • 18 years old minimum
- • LiveScan fingerprint check
- • 8 hrs pre-assignment training
- • 32 hrs within 6 months
- • License fee: ~$50
Armed Guard (Firearms Permit)
- • Valid guard card required
- • 16 hours firearms training
- • Range qualification
- • Psychological evaluation
- • Additional background check
Agency License (PPO)
- • Qualifying manager w/ guard card
- • 2 years security experience
- • $2,500 surety bond
- • Workers' comp insurance
Florida ★ Substantial Training
Regulatory Agency: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Unarmed Guard (Class D)
- • 18 years old minimum
- • Background check (fingerprint)
- • 40 hours training
- • License fee: ~$50
Armed Guard (Class G)
- • Class D license required
- • 28 hours firearms training
- • Annual requalification
- • Additional background check
Agency License (Class B)
- • 2 years exp or related degree
- • $300,000 liability insurance
- • $10,000 surety bond
- • Qualifying agent required
Georgia
Regulatory Agency: Georgia Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies
Unarmed Guard
- • 18 years old minimum
- • Background check
- • 24 hours training (initial)
- • 8 hours annual in-service
Armed Guard
- • 21 years old minimum
- • Additional firearms training
- • Qualification with specific weapons
Agency License
- • 2 years experience
- • $25,000 surety bond
- • Liability insurance
- • Exam required
Illinois
Regulatory Agency: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Unarmed Guard
- • 18 years old minimum
- • Background check
- • 20 hours basic training
- • PERC card required
Armed Guard
- • 21 years old minimum
- • 20-hour Firearm Control Card training
- • Annual firearm training
- • Separate firearm authorization
Agency License
- • 3 years experience
- • $10,000 surety bond
- • Liability insurance
Nevada
Regulatory Agency: Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board (PILB)
Unarmed Guard (Work Card)
- • 18 years old minimum
- • Background check
- • 8 hours training
- • County work card required
Armed Guard
- • 21 years old minimum
- • 16 hours firearms training
- • Annual requalification
Agency License
- • 5 years experience
- • Written examination
- • $10,000 surety bond
- • $500,000 liability insurance
New York ★ Highly Restrictive (Armed)
Regulatory Agency: New York Department of State – Division of Licensing Services
Unarmed Guard
- • 18 years old minimum
- • Background check (fingerprint)
- • 8 hrs pre-assignment training
- • 16 hrs on-the-job training
- • Annual 8-hour refresher
Armed Guard (Special)
- • 21 years old minimum
- • 47 hours firearms training
- • NY pistol license required
- • Psychological evaluation
- • Extremely restrictive
Agency License
- • 2 years experience
- • Written examination
- • $10,000 surety bond
- • Background check
Note: New York City has additional requirements administered by NYPD.
Texas ★ Well-Established System
Regulatory Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety – Private Security Bureau
Unarmed Guard (Level II)
- • 18 years old minimum
- • Background check
- • 6 hrs pre-assignment training
- • Pocket card issued
Armed Guard (Level III)
- • 21 years old minimum
- • Level II license required
- • 40 hours firearms training
- • Range qualification
- • Psychological evaluation
Agency License (Class B)
- • 3 years experience
- • Written examination
- • $10,000 surety bond
- • Liability insurance
Additional States with Licensing Requirements
Each state has unique requirements. Contact the state licensing authority for current regulations.
States Without State-Level Licensing
The following states do not require state-level licensing for security guards:
⚠️ Important: Even Without State Licensing
- • Armed guards must comply with state and federal firearms laws
- • Local jurisdictions may have their own requirements
- • Professional agencies should still conduct background checks
- • Liability insurance is strongly recommended
- • Clients may require proof of credentials regardless of state law
Maintaining Your Credentials
Obtaining a license is just the beginning. Maintaining valid credentials requires ongoing attention.
Renewal Requirements
Most states require periodic renewal:
Continuing Education
Many states require ongoing training:
- • Annual firearms qualification for armed guards
- • In-service training hours (4-8 hours annually common)
- • Updated certifications for specialty skills
Tracking Multiple Licenses
If you operate in multiple states, create a tracking system:
| License | State | Expiration | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guard Card | CA | MM/DD/YYYY | 8 hrs training, fee |
| Armed Permit | CA | MM/DD/YYYY | Range qualification |
| PPO | CA | MM/DD/YYYY | Fee, insurance proof |
| Guard License | NV | MM/DD/YYYY | 8 hrs training, fee |
Set calendar reminders at least 90 days before expiration to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Multi-State Operations
Expanding into new states requires careful planning.
Reciprocity
A few states have reciprocity agreements recognizing credentials from other jurisdictions. However, full reciprocity is rare. Most states require separate licensing regardless of credentials held elsewhere.
Common Expansion Strategy
Identify target states
Based on business opportunity
Research requirements
Using this guide and state agency websites
Assess training gaps
Complete required courses
Apply for licensure
Allow processing time (2-8 weeks typical)
Update service areas
On marketplace platforms
Working With Marketplace Platforms
Platforms like On Call Protekt verify licensing before allowing providers to accept jobs in any state. When you expand your credentials:
- 1 Upload new license documentation to your profile
- 2 Update your service areas to include new jurisdictions
- 3 Verification team confirms credentials
- 4 You begin receiving job alerts in new markets
The Bottom Line
Security licensing varies dramatically across the United States—from states with no requirements to states with extensive training, testing, and bonding mandates. Understanding these requirements is essential for legal operation and business growth.
Here's how to navigate security licensing in 4 steps:
Know your state's requirements
Use this guide as a starting point, then verify current regulations with your state's licensing authority.
Obtain proper credentials
Complete required training, pass background checks, and apply for appropriate licenses.
Maintain compliance
Track renewal dates, complete continuing education, and keep insurance current.
Expand strategically
Research state-specific requirements and update credentials on marketplace platforms.
Proper licensing isn't just about compliance—it's about professionalism, credibility, and access to opportunities. The agencies that take licensing seriously are the ones customers trust with their security needs.