Security Guard Licensing Requirements & Guard Card Regulations by State

Private security guard licensing standards in the United States vary substantially from state to state. Hiring licensed, fully vetted security guards is vital to ensure legal compliance and avoid severe commercial liability.

Key State Regulatory Agencies

• California (BSIS): Bureau of Security and Investigative Services requires an 8-hour pre-assignment course, LiveScan fingerprinting, and 32 hours of continuing education within 6 months.
• Texas (DPS-PSB): Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau regulates Level II (Non-commissioned/Unarmed), Level III (Commissioned/Armed), and Level IV (Personal Protection Officer).
• Florida (FDACS): Division of Licensing issues Class 'D' Unarmed Security Officer licenses (40-hour training) and Class 'G' Statewide Firearms licenses (28-hour firearms course).
• New York (DOS): Division of Licensing Services requires an 8-hour pre-assignment course, 16-hour on-the-job training, and annual 8-hour refresher courses.