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How to become a licensed security guard in District of Columbia. State license required. Unarmed training: 40 hours. Armed training: 8 hours. Total initial fees: $400-$700. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Governing Authority
DC Metropolitan Police Department - Security Officers Management Branch (SOMB)
Official website →Yes
License Required?
40 hrs
Unarmed Training
8 hrs
Armed Training
$400-$700
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
21+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
The District of Columbia requires security officers to obtain a Special Police Officer (SPO) commission through the Metropolitan Police Department's Security Officers Management Branch (SOMB).
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
40 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training must be completed at an approved training academy
Armed training available
8 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must demonstrate proficiency with duty firearm and pass qualification
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Special Police Officer Commission
Card Name
Processing Time
6-8 weeks
Valid Period
2 years
21+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
Yes
Required
Yes
Fingerprinting
Yes
Federal Check
Yes
State Check
Disqualifying Offenses
Drug screening required
Drug test required; failure permanently disqualifies from SPO commission
Yes
Company License
Yes
Insurance Required
Yes
Bonding Required
Employer Training Obligations
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $75 |
Fingerprint Fee | $50 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $200-$400 |
Unarmed License Fee | $75 |
Armed License Fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee | $75 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $400-$700 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Refresher training required for renewal
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required
Renewal Fee
$75
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
DC 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.
DC has the highest minimum age requirement at 21 for all security officers (even unarmed). Applicants must be sponsored by a licensed security agency and pass both a drug test and physical exam. Drug test failure results in permanent disqualification.
DC requires a Special Police Officer (SPO) commission, not a standard security guard license.
Minimum age is 21 for all security officers (unarmed and armed).
Applicants must have a sponsor from a licensed security agency or authorized employer.
Drug test failure results in permanent disqualification.
A physical exam and physician certification are required.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in District of Columbia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#1 of 51
Cost
#37 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$46,040
25th percentile
Median
$63,130
+65% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$74,460
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
16,160 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.
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District of Columbia requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 40 hours. All licensing is managed through the DC Metropolitan Police Department - Security Officers Management Branch (SOMB).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.