Loading...
Loading...
Security Guard
Total cost: $400-$700
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)
Application Fee
$75
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$50
Training Fee
$200-$400
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$75
Armed License Fee
$100
Renewal Fee
$75
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
Browse Security Guard study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Special Police Officer Commission
Card Name
Processing Time
6-8 weeks
Valid Period
2 years
Overall licensing difficulty: 2/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Browse study guides
Security Guard Exam Prep
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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
Not sure if you need a security guard license? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare District of Columbia with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in District of Columbia verified against DC Metropolitan Police Department - Security Officers Management Branch (SOMB), March 2026.