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.
Looking for private investigator licensing instead? See our private investigator license requirements by state.
All 50 state guides are live.
Watch: how security guard licensing works by state
Prefer to watch? This short video explains why security guard licensing varies so much from state to state, and how training, background checks and fees can shape your path into the job. Then pick your state below for the details.
Video by Yair Arad · Narrated by an AI voice · Watch on YouTube · Security Dogma channel
Video visuals are AI-generated illustrations, not footage of real people or places.
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
A guard licence covers the kind of work you do, not every method. Recording conversations is governed by separate state laws; see our recording laws by state table.
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 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.