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.
Guides in this section
- 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.