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Security Guard
Total cost: $240-$415
Governing Authority
Delaware State Police Professional Licensing Section / Board of Examiners of Private Security
Official website →Yes
License Required?
16 hrs
Unarmed Training
8 hrs
Armed Training
$240-$415
Total Initial Fees
5 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$50
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$40
Training Fee
$100-$200
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$50
Armed License Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
$50
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Delaware requires state-level licensing for security guards through the Delaware State Police Professional Licensing Section, regulated by the Board of Examiners of Private Security.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
16 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training must be completed at a Board-approved training facility or licensed Class B/C security agency
Armed training available
8 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must pass firearms qualification and obtain Red Card endorsement
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Yellow Card (unarmed) / Red Card (armed)
Card Name
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Valid Period
5 years
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 |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
Fingerprint Fee | $40 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $100-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $50 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $240-$415 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified5 years
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Renewal training required
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required
Renewal Fee
$50
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
Delaware 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 Delaware with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Delaware uses a unique color-coded system: Yellow Card for unarmed guards and Red Card for armed guards. The 5-year license validity is among the longest in the nation, and the exam must be taken at a Delaware Technical & Community College campus.
Delaware uses a color-coded card system: Yellow Card for unarmed, Red Card for armed.
The licensing exam must be taken at a Delaware Technical & Community College campus.
Security guard licenses are valid for 5 years -- one of the longest in the nation.
Misdemeanor convictions for theft/drugs/moral turpitude are disqualifying for 7 years.
The Test/Exam is administered exclusively at a DTCC campus (Stanton/New Castle County, Dover/Kent County, Georgetown/Sussex County).
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Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in Delaware verified against Delaware State Police Professional Licensing Section / Board of Examiners of Private Security, March 2026.