Can You Get a Security Guard License with a Criminal Record? (2026)

Security guards are responsible for protecting people, property, and premises. The profession involves public safety duties that may include patrolling facilities, monitoring surveillance equipment, controlling access to buildings, and in some cases carrying firearms. Because of these responsibilities, security guard licensing in most states involves a criminal background check.

If you have a criminal record and want to become a licensed security guard, you are likely wondering how your past may affect your ability to get licensed. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you in every state, but the standards tend to be stricter than in many other professions given the public safety nature of the work. Boards and licensing authorities typically evaluate each applicant individually based on the circumstances of the offense and evidence of rehabilitation.

It is worth noting that many states distinguish between unarmed and armed security guard licenses. Armed guard licenses typically involve additional background screening and may have stricter disqualification criteria, particularly for offenses involving violence or weapons. Requirements vary significantly by state.

Background Check Requirements by State

The table below shows background check and fingerprinting requirements for security guard licensure across all states in our database. Based on our data, 37 of 51 states require a criminal background check for security guard licensure.

Factors Boards Consider

Security guard licensing authorities consider several factors when reviewing an applicant with a criminal record. Because the profession involves protecting people and property, boards may pay particular attention to offenses that raise concerns about trustworthiness or potential for violence. Common considerations include:

• Nature and severity of the offense — Boards typically distinguish between misdemeanors and felonies. Violent offenses, weapons charges, and crimes involving dishonesty may receive closer scrutiny given the responsibilities of the role.
• Time elapsed since the offense — A significant period of time since the offense, combined with a clean record, is generally viewed favorably.
• Evidence of rehabilitation — Completing treatment programs, maintaining steady employment, and obtaining character references can demonstrate that you have moved past the circumstances of your offense.
• Number of offenses — A single, isolated incident is typically viewed differently than a pattern of criminal behavior.
• Relationship to the profession — Offenses directly related to security work, such as assault, theft, weapons violations, or fraud, may be viewed as more relevant than unrelated offenses.
• Completion of sentence — Whether all terms, including probation, fines, and restitution, have been satisfied.

Some states maintain lists of specific disqualifying offenses for security guard licensing. These typically include felony convictions involving violence, weapons offenses, and certain drug-related crimes. Some states impose waiting periods after conviction before an applicant becomes eligible. Check with your state's licensing authority for its specific disqualification criteria.

Steps to Take

If you have a criminal record and want to pursue a security guard license, these steps may help strengthen your application:

1. Consult an attorney. A lawyer experienced in occupational licensing can review your specific situation and advise on the best approach for a security guard license application.
2. Contact your state's licensing authority. Many states publish guidelines on how they evaluate criminal records for security guard applicants. Some offer pre-application reviews that let you find out whether your record may affect your eligibility before you invest in training.
3. Obtain your criminal record. Request a copy so you know exactly what the licensing authority will see. Errors on background checks are more common than you might expect, and correcting them before you apply can prevent delays.
4. Gather documentation of rehabilitation. Collect certificates from treatment programs, letters of recommendation from employers or community leaders, and records showing you have fulfilled all terms of your sentence.
5. Be honest and transparent. Failing to disclose a criminal record when asked can result in automatic denial. Full disclosure with context is generally better received.
6. Consider starting with an unarmed license. If your state distinguishes between armed and unarmed security guard licenses, an unarmed license may have fewer restrictions and can serve as a stepping stone to demonstrate your reliability.
7. Look into expungement or record sealing. Depending on your state and offense, you may be able to have your record expunged or sealed, which could simplify the licensing process.

Getting Licensed

For a complete walkthrough of the security guard licensing process, including training requirements, exams, and costs, see our guide on how to become a security guard. You can also browse security guard requirements by state for detailed state-specific information.