A “Guard Card” is the mandatory occupational license for individuals seeking employment as security professionals. This credential confirms that the holder has met all state requirements, including completing required training and passing a criminal background check. The amount of time required to obtain this license varies significantly depending on the specific state or jurisdiction where the applicant intends to work.
Initial Training Requirements
The first major time commitment in the process is completing the required pre-assignment training, which typically takes one to three days. Many states mandate a short course, often an 8-hour minimum, that must be completed before an application can be submitted to the licensing authority. This initial instruction frequently covers topics such as the power to arrest and other foundational security concepts.
Training requirements are often staggered, meaning additional hours are required after the initial license is granted and the individual begins working. For example, some states require an additional 16 hours of training within the first 30 days of employment, followed by another 16 hours within the first six months, totaling 40 hours of training in the first year. This phased approach allows the job seeker to quickly satisfy the minimum requirement to apply while completing the rest of the education on the job.
Submitting the Security Guard License Application
Once the initial training is complete, the applicant moves to the administrative steps of gathering and submitting the required documentation. Undergoing electronic fingerprinting, often through a system like Live Scan, is necessary for the mandatory background check. Applicants must schedule this appointment, pay the associated fees, and ensure the results are sent electronically to the state licensing body.
Gathering necessary paperwork, such as the training completion certificate and identification documents, and accurately filling out the application form also takes time. The application, along with the required fees, is then submitted to the state agency responsible for security licensing. The results of the fingerprint-based criminal history check are typically the first component to reach the licensing body, setting the stage for the official review process.
State Processing and Background Check Timeline
The longest and most unpredictable phase of the process is the state’s review of the application and the completion of the background check. This waiting period generally ranges from four to twelve weeks, depending on the state’s current application volume and staffing levels. The primary activity during this time is the background check, which involves a review of the applicant’s criminal history by state and federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The licensing authority uses this time to verify all submitted information, confirm the training certificate, and review the results of the fingerprint-based criminal history check. This waiting period is entirely out of the applicant’s control and represents the bulk of the total time it takes to receive the final card.
Factors That Can Speed Up or Delay the Process
Applicants can maximize efficiency by ensuring the application is complete and accurate before submission. A common cause of delay is the submission of incomplete forms or errors in the application data, which requires the licensing body to send the paperwork back for correction. Errors during the fingerprint submission, such as smudged or unclear prints, can also lead to delays because the applicant is required to be re-fingerprinted.
Having a complex or recent criminal history, even if it does not automatically disqualify the applicant, may also extend the processing time. Such cases often require a more in-depth review by the licensing board to determine eligibility, adding weeks or months to the standard timeline. The quickest way to move forward is to flawlessly complete all applicant-controlled steps.
Working with Temporary Authorization
In many jurisdictions, a job seeker can begin working in a security role before the physical Guard Card is printed and mailed. This is possible because the state often grants a temporary authorization or registration once the application and background check have been successfully processed and approved.
This temporary authorization allows the newly approved security professional to be legally employed while the state completes the final step of producing and mailing the license. This system is beneficial for both the job seeker and the employer, allowing the individual to start earning a living sooner. The employer typically verifies the temporary authorization status directly with the state licensing agency.
Maintaining and Renewing the Guard Card
Once obtained, a Guard Card is not permanent; most licenses have a lifespan of two to four years before renewal is required. To maintain the card, security professionals must complete continuing education (CE) requirements throughout the license period. These requirements often involve a specific number of annual training hours to ensure the guard’s skills and legal knowledge remain current.
The renewal process is generally much faster than the initial application because the applicant’s information is already on file with the licensing authority. This process requires submitting a renewal application, paying a fee, and providing proof of completed continuing education. While a background check is often conducted again upon renewal, the streamlined process usually minimizes the waiting time compared to the original application.