Every state regulates security guards differently. Some issue a guard card to each officer, some license only the security company, and a few have no statewide rules at all. Pick your state below for a full guide to that state’s license or registration: who qualifies, the training hours, state fees, criminal history rules, armed requirements and renewal. Every guide is checked against the state regulator and the state’s statutes and rules, and shows the date it was last verified.
All 50 state guides are live.
Security guard licensing by state, A–Z
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How state guard licensing usually works
Most states follow one of three models. In individual license states such as California, Texas, Florida, New York and Virginia, each officer gets their own card after training and a fingerprint background check. In employer registration states such as Ohio and North Carolina, the security company registers you and files your paperwork. In company-only states such as Michigan, Indiana and Massachusetts, and for unarmed work in Pennsylvania and Georgia, the state licenses the company but issues no card to individual guards. Armed work almost always requires more: extra firearms training, a separate armed license or permit, and usually regular requalification.
Guard licenses do not transfer between states. If you move, plan on new training and a new application in your new state. Our guide to armed vs. unarmed security work explains the differences in more detail, and how to become a security guard covers the career side.
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.