Armed Security Guard License: State-by-State Requirements Guide (Updated 2025)

Property crime rates continue to rise across Washington State, creating a growing need for armed security personnel and private guards. The career path offers attractive compensation with median salaries of $46,840. However, obtaining an armed security guard license, also known as a guard card, requires more effort than most people realize.

State requirements and training standards vary significantly. Florida requires 42 hours of training for unarmed guards. Washington state adds an 8-hour firearms course to the requirements. Companies take these regulations seriously. Illinois imposes fines up to $10,000 on businesses that employ unlicensed security guards.

Understanding your state’s specific requirements is a vital part of starting or advancing your career as a private guard or with an armed security guard company. This piece breaks down everything you need to know about how to get an armed security license. You’ll learn about state requirements and specialized training programs that will help you succeed in armed security jobs.

Basic Requirements Across All States

State regulatory bodies have strict standards you must meet to get an armed security guard license. Here are the basic requirements and minimum qualifications that apply in all states for those seeking to work with an armed security guard service.

Minimum Age and Education

You must be at least 18 years old to work as an unarmed security guard. Armed security positions set the bar higher at 21 years. You also need a high school diploma or GED to get an armed security guard license or other security licenses.

Background Check Standards

Background screening is the life-blood of the licensing process. States need to assess if you can handle firearms responsibly and protect people and property. The screening looks at:

• Criminal history to verify you have no felony convictions or violent crime records
• Your work history to spot issues like gaps between jobs
• What your previous bosses and coworkers say about you
• Drug tests to confirm good judgment
• Credit history, especially if you’ll guard valuable items

Many states require FBI background checks for sensitive security roles. The Private Security Officer Employment Authorization Act says employers must get state criminal records before hiring. This law also protects employers who make hiring decisions based on background check results.

Physical Fitness Requirements

There are no specific height and weight rules, but armed security guards need to stay fit enough to perform their security guard responsibilities well. You should be able to:

• Lift 50 pounds or more
• See 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses
• Hear well enough to understand what people say
• Have enough stamina to stand and patrol for long periods

Employers might test you to check your:

• Strength and endurance
• Speed in emergency response
• Skills in defensive techniques
• Ability to stand or walk for long shifts

Physical fitness matters because armed guards often patrol large areas, handle emergencies, and deal with confrontations. Being in good shape also helps prevent injuries on the job and makes you better at your work.

These requirements form the basic criteria to get your armed security guard license. Different states and employers might ask for extra qualifications based on the job.

How to Get Armed Security Guard License

Getting an armed security guard license requires specific training and a well-laid-out application process. Here’s what you need to know about how to get a security license:

Complete Required Training

Your first step is completing mandatory training programs that differ by state. California requires a 14-hour complete training course. Students must finish 8 hours in the classroom and 6 hours at the range. New York State demands more extensive preparation:

• 8-hour pre-assignment training
• 16-hour on-the-job training within 90 days of employment
• 47-hour firearms training course

Tennessee asks for 16 hours of qualifying training and electronic fingerprinting through Identigo. New applicants get a 30-day temporary certification. They must complete fingerprinting and required training during this period.

Pass Firearms Qualification

Once you finish your basic training, you’ll need to prove your firearms handling skills. California’s applicants take the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16pf). This test reviews judgment, restraint, and self-control abilities. PSI Services LLC charges $65.00 for the assessment.

New York’s armed guards must keep their qualifications current through:

• 8-hour firearms training every year
• A 50-round shooting qualification course with 70% accuracy
• A 10-question test with a minimum score of 70%

Submit Application Documents

The last step needs a complete security guard application package. You’ll need these documents:

1. Head-and-shoulder photograph
2. Fingerprinting receipt
3. Training completion certificates
4. Court records (if applicable)
5. Application fees

States charge different licensing fees. Tennessee asks for $105.00 to process your original license. New Jersey splits the payments:

• $50.00 paid online to the state
• $150.00 paid to local police department

Equipment requirements vary by state. New Jersey’s Santiago law requires:

• Uniforms marked with ‘Armed Security’
• Safety level 3 or 4 firearm holster
• Round nose ammunition
• Maximum two 10-round magazine clips

California’s firearms permit applicants must meet extra requirements:

• U.S. citizenship or permanent legal immigration status
• Minimum age of 21 years
• No firearm ownership restrictions under state or federal law
• Current security guard registration

Armed security guards need to maintain their certifications regularly. Most states require yearly requalification and continuing education courses. These requirements help guards stay proficient with firearms and current with security protocols.

State-Specific Training Hours

Training requirements for armed security guard licenses vary significantly from state to state. Security professionals who want certification must understand these differences.

Basic Training Requirements

The initial training hours show marked differences between jurisdictions. California requires 40 hours of detailed training. This includes 8 hours of pre-assignment instruction and 32 hours of specialized coursework. Florida sets 42 hours for unarmed guards. Armed certification needs extra firearms training.

States organize their training programs differently:

• New Jersey calls for 24 hours of pre-assignment training and biennial refresher courses
• New York wants 8 hours of pre-assignment training and 16 hours of on-the-job instruction within 90 days
• Alaska blends 8 hours of pre-assignment coursework with 40 hours of on-the-job training

Advanced Firearms Training

Armed security certification requires specialized firearms instruction beyond basic training. Vermont asks for 16 extra hours of firearms-specific training. The training focuses on:

• Safe weapon handling protocols
• Marksmanship proficiency
• Legal considerations
• Emergency response procedures

Connecticut has an 8-hour initial firearms qualification course. Students must show proficiency with their duty weapons and use 60-240 rounds of ammunition for qualification attempts. The state allows up to four qualification attempts. Scoring depends on average performance.

Annual Renewal Training

Armed security credentials require regular requalification in most states. Industry data shows 72% of states that need armed refresher training specify annual renewal cycles. The requirements include:

• California: 8 hours of annual training with 2 hours of use-of-force review
• New Jersey: 8-hour refresher course that covers updated policies, counterterrorism awareness, and professional conduct
• Connecticut: Yearly requalification with duty firearms

State Variations Chart

States have their own unique requirements. Georgia wants 24 hours of classroom training. Montana needs 16 hours of pre-assignment instruction and 8 hours of annual continuing education. Delaware requires a 40-hour firearms training program specifically for armed guards.

Training completion offers flexibility in some jurisdictions. About 45% of states let guards complete part of their unarmed training after starting work. All the same, every state requires complete firearms training before guards can perform armed security duties.

Legislative changes shape training requirements continuously. California’s Assembly Bill 229 expanded the Power to Arrest and Use of Force training to 8 hours total. The bill allocates 3 hours for arrest procedures and 5 hours for force application. These changes highlight the growing focus on de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution skills.

License Application Process

Getting an armed security guard license requires attention to detail. You need to know exactly what documents to submit and how much you’ll need to pay to get your license.

Required Documentation

You’ll need to submit a detailed package of documents through your state’s licensing authority. The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) in California needs:

• Completed Security Guard Registration application
• Live Scan fingerprinting form with ATI number
• Certificate of completion from an 8-hour ‘Power to Arrest’ training course
• Passport-quality photographs taken within the past year

New applicants in California must complete extra training hours within set timeframes:

• 16 hours within 30 days of receiving the interim license
• Remaining 16 hours within six months

The paperwork goes beyond simple forms. Armed security guards must keep proper records of incidents. California requires you to submit incident reports within 7 days when these happen:

• Physical altercations
• Firearm discharges
• Use of deadly weapons

Fees by State

License costs vary a lot depending on where you live. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

California:

• Original Application: USD 55.00
• Fingerprinting Services: USD 49.00 plus additional processing fees
• Firearms Permit Initial Application: USD 100.00
• Firearms Permit Renewal: USD 118.00

North Carolina:

• License Application: USD 188.00 plus processing fees
• License Issuance (upon approval): USD 550.00

New York does things differently with a tiered payment system:

• Armed Security Guard Training: USD 100.00
• Annual In-Service Training (Online): USD 70.00
• Annual Security Course: USD 65.00

You should plan for extra costs beyond the license fees. These can include:

• Replacement card fees (typically USD 25.00)
• Add-on caliber certifications
• Address change processing
• Name change documentation

The whole process usually takes 3-4 months. You’ll need to stay in touch with licensing authorities during this time. Most states let you track your security license application online so you can see where you stand.

Getting your armed security guard license means staying organized with your paperwork and planning ahead for costs. Research your state’s requirements carefully and make sure everything meets current standards before you submit.

Maintaining Your Armed Guard License

Your armed security guard license needs active maintenance through timely renewals, regular training, and proper documentation. Let’s look at these significant requirements that will give a proper authorization to work as an armed security professional.

Renewal Deadlines

States have strict rules about license renewal timing. Security guard certifications in Maryland stay valid for three years from when they’re issued. You should start your renewal process at least 90 business days before it expires to keep working without interruption.

New York gives security guard registrations a two-year validity period. Guards can’t work once their registration expires. Note that registrations expired beyond six months need a complete new application.

Security professionals must follow these steps to stay active:

• Submit renewals 60-90 days before expiration
• Finish all required training
• Pay renewal fees
• Keep personal information current

Continuing Education

Regular training is the foundation for armed security guards. Maryland requires eight hours of security training to renew your license. This keeps guards up-to-date with industry standards and best practices.

New York’s training requirements include:

• 8-hour yearly in-service training
• Two 8-hour sessions during registration period
• Records of completed courses

Training schools send course completion details directly to the Division of Criminal Justice Services. This electronic system makes verification between training providers and licensing authorities smooth.

Incident Reporting Requirements

Armed security professionals must document incidents properly. California requires reports within seven business days for:

• Physical fights with public members
• Using or firing weapons
• Using deadly weapons during duty

California’s recent law changes have added more reporting needs. Assembly Bill 229 now requires documentation when:

• Guards use any physical force
• Guards get arrested
• Someone needs first aid or medical care
• Guards face suspension or reprimand

Missing these reporting requirements leads to heavy fines. Non-compliance penalties have jumped from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation. Detailed records help you:

• Track force incidents
• Document weapon discharges
• Record physical confrontations
• Keep disciplinary records

Armed security agencies need detailed weapon information for each guard, including:

• Weapon type and serial number
• Who owns the weapon – agency or personal
• Qualification papers
• Current handgun permit copies

Good documentation does more than meet regulations. These records protect you and your employer by:

• Creating clear incident timelines
• Supporting your legal defense
• Showing professional behavior
• Making internal reviews easier

Conclusion

Armed security guard licensing requirements need close attention and strict compliance with state regulations. Each state has its own standards for training hours, application processes, and renewal requirements. Success in this field depends on understanding these variations.

Getting past the simple eligibility criteria is just the start. Armed security guards must finish required training programs and keep their documentation current. They also need to stay up-to-date with continuing education. Background checks, physical fitness standards, and firearms qualifications add more responsibilities.

The licensing journey needs the right guidance to succeed. Research your state’s specific requirements carefully before you start the application process. Our team can help you navigate your state’s armed security guard licensing requirements effectively.

A security guard’s active license needs constant attention. Regular training updates and timely renewals protect both the professional and their employer. Armed security guards create opportunities for career growth when they follow these requirements properly. This rewarding field offers great potential to those who meet all compliance standards consistently.

Whether you’re looking to become an armed courier, patrol agent, or work in armed mall security or armed bank security, understanding the licensing process is crucial. Private security personnel and security agencies must stay informed about Class A licenses, Class B licenses, and other relevant certifications to maintain compliance and professionalism in the industry.