Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed security guard in Delaware. State license required. Unarmed training: 16 hours. Armed training: 8 hours. Total initial fees: $240-$415. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
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)
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
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Yellow Card (unarmed) / Red Card (armed)
Card Name
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Valid Period
5 years
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 |
|---|---|
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 |
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Delaware.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#31 of 51
Cost
#19 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$36,660
25th percentile
Median
$37,690
-2% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$45,030
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,230 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.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for security guard licensing exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Training requirements, guard card process, armed vs unarmed paths, background check details, and renewal info — delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Delaware requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 16 hours. All licensing is managed through the Delaware State Police - Professional Licensing Section / Board of Examiners of Private Security.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.