A “Guard Card,” often referred to as a Security Guard Registration or License, is the mandatory government-issued credential that legally authorizes an individual to work in the private security industry. This license is a prerequisite for nearly all security officer positions in the United States, serving as evidence that the holder has met all regulatory prerequisites, including training and background screening. The requirements and the specific process for obtaining this card are determined by the jurisdiction, meaning the rules in one state can differ substantially from those in another. Prospective guards must always verify the specific rules and regulations of the state or local agency where they intend to work.
Establishing Basic Eligibility Requirements
Most jurisdictions establish a minimum age requirement, typically 18 years old for an unarmed position and 21 for an armed guard endorsement. Applicants must also demonstrate they are legally entitled to work in the United States, generally meaning they are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted resident alien. A clean criminal history is required, as state agencies maintain strict guidelines regarding disqualifying offenses. Felonies, especially those involving violence or weapons, will usually bar an applicant from receiving a license.
Completing Mandatory Training Courses
Before submitting a formal application, prospective security professionals must complete a set of state-mandated training hours from an approved provider. The required duration of this initial training varies significantly, ranging from an eight-hour pre-assignment course to a comprehensive total of 40 hours. This curriculum ensures all new guards possess a foundational understanding of their responsibilities and legal limitations. Many jurisdictions structure the training into phases, requiring an initial entry-level course followed by additional hours that must be completed shortly after employment.
For example, a candidate might be required to complete eight hours of “Power to Arrest” before applying for the card, with the remaining skills training due within the first six months of being hired. Core topics covered in these programs include public relations, observation and documentation skills, emergency response procedures, and the appropriate use of force. Approved training schools, certified by the state’s regulatory body, issue a completion certificate upon successful performance in the course and any required final examination.
Undergoing Fingerprinting and Background Checks
Verifying an applicant’s identity and criminal history is a mandatory step in the licensing process, performed through electronic fingerprinting. This procedure requires the applicant to visit an authorized vendor, such as a Live Scan facility, which captures the fingerprints digitally. The applicant must use a specific form or code provided by the state licensing agency to ensure the results are directed correctly for review. The electronic fingerprints are then submitted to both the state’s Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a comprehensive background check.
Applicants are responsible for paying the separate processing fees associated with the fingerprinting service and the subsequent background checks at the time of their appointment. The background check clearance is a prerequisite for the state agency to move forward with the final application review.
Submitting the Official Application and Fees
Once all preparatory steps are complete, the candidate must formally submit their application package to the state agency responsible for professional licensing. This packet typically includes the completed application form, proof of training completion, confirmation of the background check submission, and valid government-issued identification. The application must also be accompanied by the required governmental licensing fee, which is separate from the costs incurred for training and fingerprinting. These fees vary widely by state and are often non-refundable, regardless of the application’s outcome.
Agencies frequently offer the option to submit the application online through a dedicated portal. This method can expedite processing times compared to a traditional mail-in submission and allows the applicant to upload digital copies of supporting documents directly.
Awaiting Approval and Receiving the Guard Card
Following the submission of the complete application and payment, the process moves into a waiting period while the state agency reviews the file and awaits the background check results. Processing times are highly variable, often depending on the volume of applications and the queue for federal background clearance, which can take anywhere from a few days to several months. Applicants may track the status of their application through the agency’s online licensing database or be notified of approval.
Upon final approval, the state agency issues the official Guard Card, typically a plastic, wallet-sized credential that includes the guard’s photo, name, registration number, and expiration date. Some states may issue a temporary work permit initially, allowing the guard to begin employment while the physical card is being produced. The physical card must be carried at all times while on duty, serving as proof of licensure to employers and law enforcement.
Maintaining the License and Continuing Education
To remain legally authorized to work, security professionals must adhere to a schedule of license maintenance and continuing education requirements. Most guard cards operate on a biennial renewal cycle, meaning they must be renewed every two years before the expiration date. A lapse in renewal can lead to the card becoming inactive, preventing the individual from working legally. Renewal typically mandates the completion of annual continuing education (CE) or in-service training hours. These refresher courses often require a minimum of six to eight hours of instruction per year, covering topics like ethics, legal updates, and emergency procedures.
Guards must promptly notify the licensing agency of any changes to their personal information, such as a change of address. Professionals who wish to expand their capabilities, such as obtaining an armed endorsement or a baton permit, must complete additional specialized training and submit a separate application for that advanced authorization.