Security Guard License Information by State

Security Guard Licensing Information

Starting out in the security industry can be a daunting experience. Each state have their own requirements to become licensed. Below are helpful links for unarmed security guards in each state. This list will be updated regularly; however, it is your responsibly to conduct your own research to ensure you have accurate information.

Alabama

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

https://asrb.alabama.gov/

Alaska

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Security Guard Licensing: https://dps.alaska.gov/statewide/r-i/permitslicensing/securityguard
Fire and Life Safety: https://dps.alaska.gov/Fire/Home

Arizona

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

https://www.azdps.gov/licensing/sg

Arkansas

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/services-programs/private-investogators-security-companies-alarm-installation-monitoring/

California

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

(BSIS) Bureau of Security and Investigative Services:

https://www.bsis.ca.gov/industries/guard.shtml

Colorado

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Connecticut

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Delaware

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

https://dsp.delaware.gov/security-guards/

Florida

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Class “D” security license: https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Private-Security-Licenses/Class-D-Security-Officer-License-Requirements

Georgia

Certification/Licensure required: No

Georgia does not require a specific license to work as a security guard, however; there are stringent state requirements to legally work as a security guard which includes obtaining 24 hours worth of course work. (More information will be posted soon)

Hawaii

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Board of Private Detective and Guards: https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/private/

Idaho

Certification/Licensure required: Yes, in Boise

There are no state licensing requirements in Idaho for security guards. Simply apply for the position. If hired the company will inform you if there are city requirements.
Boise: https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/finance-and-administration/city-clerk/licensing/security-services/security-personnel/

Illinois

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

PERC Card: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/SecurityCont.asp
IDFPR: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/SecurityCont.asp

Indiana

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

PLA Requirements: https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/private-investigator-and-security-guard-home/private-investigator-and-security-guard-licensing-information/

Iowa

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Kansas

Certification/Licensure required: Yes, depending on city

There is no statewide agency that issues licenses in Kansas. You will need to apply at your City Clerk’s office.
Kansas City application: https://www.kckpd.org/assets/guard-instructions.pdf
Topeka requirements: https://services.topeka.org/departments/police/security-guard/#gsc.tab=0

Kentucky

Certification/Licensure required: No

Kentucky does not require individuals to be licensed.
Hiring company may have their own set of requirements (i.e. training).

Louisiana

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

LSBPSE: https://lsbpse.com/portal/
https://www.lsbpse.com/

Maine

Certification/Licensure required: No

Maine does not require individuals to be licensed as long as the hiring company is licensed.
Hiring company may have their own set of requirements (i.e. training).

Maryland

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Application: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/CriminalInvestigationBureau/LicensingDivision/ProfessionalLicenses/SecurityGuardCertifications.aspx

Massachusetts

Certification/Licensure required: No

Massachusetts does not require individuals to be licensed as long as the hiring company is licensed and insured.
Hiring company may have their own set of requirements (i.e. training).

Michigan

Certification/Licensure required: No

Michigan does not require individuals to be licensed as long as the hiring company is licensed and insured.
Hiring company may have their own set of requirements (i.e. training).

Massachusetts

Certification/Licensure required: No

Massachusetts does not require individuals to be licensed as long as the hiring company is licensed and insured.
Hiring company may have their own set of requirements (i.e. training).

Michigan

Certification/Licensure required: No

Michigan does not require individuals to be licensed as long as the hiring company is licensed and insured.
Hiring company may have their own set of requirements (i.e. training).

Minnesota

Certification/Licensure required: No

Minnesota does not require individuals to be licensed as long as the hiring company is licensed and insured.
Hiring company may have their own set of requirements (i.e. training).

Mississippi

Certification/Licensure required: Yes (Jackson City)

License or certification not required. Hiring security company must be licensed and insured with the exception of Jackson. A permit is needed to work within Jackson’s city limits.
https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/Firearms/Security_Guard_Permits

Missouri

Certification/Licensure required: Yes, city level

Missouri state does not require a license to work as a security guard, but there are some cities within the state that have city laws/ordinances that require the applicant to be licensed through the city.

Montana

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Requirements: https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/private-security/

Nebraska

Certification/Licensure required: No

License or certification not required. Hiring security company must be licensed and insured.
Hiring company may have their own set of requirements (i.e. training).

Nevada

Certification/Licensure required: Yes, Registration Card

Registration card information: https://pilb.nv.gov

New Hampshire

Certification/Licensure required: Yes, for independent contractors

In New Hampshire, the process is usually straightforward. Just apply for the position and complete company training.
Requirements and application: https://www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov/our-services/justice-information-bureau/permits-and-licensing/permits-and-licensing

New Jersey

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

All security guards must undergo SORA training with a certified instructor. Begin the process at this site: https://www.nj.gov/njsp/private-detective/sora.shtml

New Mexico

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Requirements and forms: https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/private-investigations/pi-licensing-services/

New York

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Requirements and fees: https://dos.ny.gov/security-guard

North Carolina

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Requirements and application: https://www.ncdps.gov/about-dps/boards-and-commissions/private-protective-services-board/licensing-process

North Dakota

Certification/Licensure required: No, only registration

Applicant needs to be registered with the state but does not need to be licensed
Requirements: https://www.pisb.nd.gov/north-dakota-eligibility-licensing-requirements-security-providers

Ohio

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

License or certification not required. Hiring security company must be licensed and insured.
Individuals who want to work for themselves (independent contractor) must obtain a license.
Requirements for independent contractors: https://homelandsecurity.ohio.gov/private-investigators-and-security-guards

Oklahoma

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Requirements and fees: https://www.ok.gov/cleet/Licensing/Security_Guards/

Oregon

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Required training and application: https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/PS/Pages/home.aspx

Pennsylvania

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

In Pennsylvania, licenses are issued through the city clerk’s office. Contact your county for information on how to apply: https://www.pacourts.us/courts/courts-of-common-pleas/clerks-of-courts

Rhode Island

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Requirements and application: https://riag.ri.gov/securityguardlicense

South Carolina

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

In South Carolina, applicant for license needs to be employed by a security company then the company will assist with obtaining a license. The first step is to apply for a job with a licensed and insured security company.
SLED requirements and FAQs: https://www.sled.sc.gov/PI_Security

South Dakota

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

License or certification not required. Hiring security company must be licensed and insured.
Hiring company may have their own set of requirements (i.e. training).

Tennessee

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Requirements for registration: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/pps/licensee-applicant-resources/get-a-license.html

Texas

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

In Texas, obtaining a license can only be done after the applicant is hired by a licensed/insured security company.
Begin the process here: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security

Utah

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Requirement and exam information: https://dopl.utah.gov/security-companies-and-guards/

Vermont

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Requirements and application: https://sos.vermont.gov/private-investigative-security-services/forms-instructions/

Virginia

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Requirements and application: https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/licensure-and-regulatory-affairs/unarmed-security-officercourier

Washington

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

In order to qualify, the applicant needs to be employed by a security company or have an offer of employment.
Requirements and application: https://www.dol.wa.gov/business/securityguards/sggetunarmed.html

Washington, D.C.

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Qualifications and application: https://dlcp.dc.gov/node/1617436

West Virginia

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

To qualify for license, applicant will have at least one year verified, full time employment with a licensed company.
Requirements and fees: https://sos.wv.gov/FormSearch/Business/Private-Investigations-and-Security-Guards/pisg_app.pdf

Wisconsin

Certification/Licensure required: Yes

Application for Private Security Permit: https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/PSP/Default.aspx

Wyoming

Certification/Licensure required: No

License or certification not required in Wyoming.
Hiring company may have their own set of requirements (i.e. training).