Plain-English guides to security guard licensing, training and the legal limits of the job — checked against official sources.
Looking for your state? See security guard license requirements by state, an A–Z guide covering training hours, fees, background rules and armed licenses.
Private investigator licensing
- Private Investigator License Requirements by State (A–Z) — Requirements, exams, costs and insurance for all 50 states.
- Security Guard Training in 2027 — What California requires now, what SB 1203 changes, and social media auditors.
- How to Become a Private Investigator — The career guide: licensing, pay, skills and gear.
Guides in this section
Before you record anyone on shift, read recording laws for security guards: one-party vs all-party consent, with a 50-state table.
- Can You Be a Security Guard With a Felony or Criminal Record? — How all 50 states treat felonies, misdemeanors and DUIs, the federal firearm bar for armed work, and expungement.
- California Guard Card Requirements: Training, Fees & How to Apply — How to get a California Guard Card: the 8-hour course, $60 BSIS fee, Live Scan, the 32 hours due after hiring, firearm permits and renewal.
- Texas Security Guard License Requirements — Level II, Level III (45 hours) and Level IV, the MMPI, DPS fees, criminal history rules and renewal.
- Florida Class D and Class G Security License Requirements — The 40-hour course, the 170-question exam, $97.75 in state fees, the 28-hour firearms course and renewal.
- Armed vs. Unarmed Security Guards: Licensing, Pay & Risks — Armed vs.
- Can Security Guards Detain You? What the Law Actually Allows — When security guards can legally detain someone, the shoplifting exception, how much force is allowed and the mistakes that get guards sued — with California law as the example.
- De-escalation for Security Guards: Techniques That Actually Work — Practical de-escalation techniques for security guards: positioning, voice, listening, giving choices, when to stop talking, and what to document afterward.
- Do Security Guards Wear Badges? Rules, Risks, and Tactical Realities — The sight of a security guard is often meant to project immediate order.
Legal disclaimer: This page is for general information and education only. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Security Dogma is not a law firm. Laws, licensing rules and court decisions vary by state and change often, and what is written here may not match your situation or be current when you read it. Before you act on anything here, check the official rules from your state licensing agency, follow your employer’s and client site’s policies, and talk to a licensed attorney in your state for legal questions. See our Terms and Conditions and how facts are checked in our Editorial Policy.
Firearms and weapons disclaimer: This page discusses firearms or other weapons for general information only. It is not legal advice, not firearms training, and not a recommendation to buy, carry or use any weapon. Laws on owning, carrying, transporting and using firearms, stun guns, pepper spray, batons and knives vary by state, county and city. They change often, can be different for security work, and breaking them can lead to criminal charges. Before you carry or use any weapon, confirm the current law where you are, get any required permit or license, train with a certified instructor, and follow your employer’s, client’s and property owner’s rules. You alone are responsible for how you buy, carry, store and use any weapon. Security Dogma and its authors accept no liability for any injury, loss, damage or legal consequence that results from acting on this information. A product link does not mean the item is legal where you live, so check local restrictions before you buy.