Security Guard License Cost by State (2026): Complete Fee Breakdown

The cost to get a security guard license varies widely across the United States. Some states charge next to nothing, while others layer on training fees, background check costs, guard card application fees, and firearm qualification costs. Across the 51 states we track, total initial licensing fees range from $119.95 to $400. This guide breaks down every cost so you know exactly what to budget before you start the process.

Note that the fees listed here represent the government application and licensing fees only. Your total out-of-pocket cost will also include training course fees, fingerprinting fees, and — for armed guards — firearm qualification costs. We break down all of these below.

Security Guard License Cost: Full State-by-State Table

The table below shows every state we track, sorted alphabetically, with the total estimated initial fees. Click any state name to see full licensing requirements.

Note: The table above shows government application and licensing fees only. Training course fees, fingerprinting fees, and armed qualification costs are additional expenses.

Cheapest States for a Security Guard License

These states have the lowest total initial licensing fees among those that require a security guard license or guard card.

Most Expensive States for a Security Guard License

These states have the highest total initial licensing fees. Higher fees often correlate with more rigorous training requirements or additional guard card application steps.

What's Included in These Fees?

The fees in the table above represent state-reported initial licensing or registration fees. Your actual cost will likely be higher once you factor in:

• Training course fees: Unarmed training averages around 15 hours nationally. Third-party training providers charge anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on your state and the course format.
• Armed training fees: Armed security training averages around 19 hours nationally and typically costs more due to live-fire components and firearm qualification.
• Fingerprinting / background check fees: States that require a criminal background check — currently 36 of 51 licensing states mandate some form of background screening — typically charge $25–$75 for fingerprinting through an approved vendor.
• Guard card application fees: In states that require a guard card, there is often a separate application fee paid to the state regulatory agency on top of any training costs.
• Renewal fees: Most states require renewal every one to three years. Factor in renewal fees and any continuing education requirements when calculating your ongoing costs.

Tips for Reducing Your Licensing Costs

• Choose employer-sponsored training: Many large security companies pay for or reimburse training costs for new hires. Check whether an employer will cover your initial licensing before you pay out of pocket.
• Take online courses where permitted: Some states allow portions of the required training to be completed online, which is typically cheaper than in-person classroom instruction.
• Check for fee waivers: Veterans and current military members may qualify for fee waivers or reduced fees in some states. Contact your state licensing authority to ask.
• Bundle training with a guard card school: Some training providers include the state application fee as part of a bundled package, which can save money compared to paying separately.
• Compare armed vs. unarmed costs first: If you are just starting out, getting your unarmed license first is significantly cheaper. You can add an armed endorsement later once you are employed.

Ongoing Costs After Licensing

Your security guard license is not a one-time expense. Plan for these recurring costs:

• License renewal: Most states require renewal every one to three years. Renewal fees are typically lower than initial application fees but still need to be budgeted.
• Continuing education: Some states require continuing education hours at renewal. Course fees vary by provider.
• Firearm re-qualification: Armed guards must typically re-qualify with their firearm at regular intervals. This involves range fees and sometimes additional training costs.
• Uniform and equipment: Not a licensing cost, but uniforms, duty belts, and other equipment represent real startup expenses that vary by employer.

Next Steps

• How to Become a Security Guard — Full step-by-step guide covering training, background checks, and guard card applications.
• Easiest States to Get a Security Guard License — Ranked by total burden: training hours, fees, and requirements combined.

Education & Training Costs

The state fee table above reflects government application and licensing fees only. Training course fees are an additional expense that varies by provider and format. Unarmed security guard training (averaging around 15 hours nationally) typically costs $50–$300 through third-party providers. Armed security training (averaging around 19 hours) costs more due to live-fire components and firearm qualification requirements. Some large security companies cover training costs for new hires, so check with potential employers before paying out of pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions