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Security Guard
Total cost: $147-$272
Governing Authority
Arizona Department of Public Safety - Security Guard and Private Investigator Licensing Unit
Official website →Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
16 hrs
Armed Training
$147-$272
Total Initial Fees
4 years (on/after Sept 26, 2025); 2 years (before Sept 26, 2025)
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Training Fee
$75-$200
Varies by training provider
Unarmed Registration Fee
$72
AZ uses 'registration' terminology, not 'license'. Includes fingerprint processing.
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
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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); 2 years for those issued before that date
Overall licensing difficulty: 2/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Security Guard Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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
Not sure if you need a security guard license? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified4 years (on/after Sept 26, 2025); 2 years (before Sept 26, 2025)
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Arizona with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
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Security Guard requirements in Arizona verified against Arizona Department of Public Safety - Security Guard and Private Investigator Licensing Unit, March 2026.