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How to become a licensed security guard in Arizona. State license required. Unarmed training: 8 hours. Armed training: 16 hours. Total initial fees: $147-$272. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
16 hrs
Armed Training
$147-$272
Total Initial Fees
4 years for registrations issued on/after September 26, 2025 (per SB 1618); 2 years for registrations issued before that date
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Arizona requires state-level registration for security guards through the DPS Security Guard and Private Investigator (SGPI) Licensing Unit.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training may be completed online or in person through DPS-approved providers
Armed training available
16 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must complete live fire range qualification and written test
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Firearms refresher training required at renewal
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard Registration
Card Name
Processing Time
2-4 weeks
Valid Period
4 years (registrations issued on/after September 26, 2025)
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18+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
Yes
Required
Yes
Fingerprinting
Yes
Federal Check
Yes
State Check
Disqualifying Offenses
Drug screening not required by state
Yes
Company License
Yes
Insurance Required
Yes
Bonding Required
Employer Training Obligations
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $75-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee AZ uses 'registration' terminology, not 'license'. Includes fingerprint processing. | $72 |
Total Initial Fees Unarmed registration $72 + training $75-$200 (varies by provider) | $147-$272 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified4 years for registrations issued on/after September 26, 2025 (per SB 1618); 2 years for registrations issued before that date
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Refresher training required at renewal
Firearms Requalification
Firearms refresher training and qualification at renewal
Renewal Fee
$72
Includes fingerprint processing
Regulatory Board
Security guard licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require refresher training covering updated laws, use-of-force guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
Arizona does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state security guard licenses.
Security guard license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Most states require new applicants to complete state-specific training and background checks regardless of prior credentials.
Arizona extended its registration validity from 2 to 4 years effective September 26, 2025. Registrations issued before that date remain on 2-year terms. Unarmed training can be completed entirely online.
SB 1618 extended registration validity from 2 to 4 years for registrations issued on/after Sept 26, 2025. Reciprocity provisions added for out-of-state guards (max 30 days/calendar year). Fee: $72 unarmed (application + background check).
AZ uses 'registration' terminology, not 'license'.
Unarmed training can be completed online.
Armed training requires in-person attendance with live fire qualification.
Must be authorized to work in the US.
Precluding offenses per A.R.S. § 32-2622: felonies are disqualifying; some misdemeanors are initially disqualifying with possible restoration.
Arizona ranks #3 out of 37 for lowest security guard licensing fees ($147-$272). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arizona.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#27 of 51
Cost
#9 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$35,530
25th percentile
Median
$38,560
At national averageExperienced
$44,100
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
26,720 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Security Guards (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+3.5%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+35,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
137,700
per year (avg.)
1.0M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–15 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety - SGPI Licensing Unit — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety - SGPI Licensing Unit — Licensing Requirements
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Arizona requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 8 hours. All licensing is managed through the Arizona Department of Public Safety - SGPI Licensing Unit.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.