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How to become a licensed security guard in Hawaii. State license required. Unarmed training: 8 hours. Armed training: 8 hours. Total initial fees: $215-$365. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
8 hrs
Armed Training
$215-$365
Total Initial Fees
3 years (June 30 cycle: 2024, 2027, 2030)
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Hawaii requires registration for security guards through the Board of Private Detectives and Guards under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL).
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training must be given by a Board-approved instructor using Board-approved curricula
Armed training available
8 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must obtain written authorization from appropriate state agency or chief of police to carry firearms
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Guard Employee Registration
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
3 years (renewal on June 30 every 3 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 | $75-$150 |
Unarmed License Fee | $50 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $215-$365 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years (June 30 cycle: 2024, 2027, 2030)
Renewal Period
4 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
4-hour refresher course required for renewal
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
Hawaii 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.
Hawaii uses a unique 3-year renewal cycle aligned to June 30 (2024, 2027, 2030, etc.). Armed guards need explicit written authorization from a state agency or chief of police to carry any weapon, including firearms, batons, and chemical sprays.
Hawaii registrations renew every 3 years on a June 30 cycle.
Armed guards require specific written authorization from the appropriate state agency or chief of police.
Private detectives/guards cannot carry weapons without specific written authorization.
Background checks are processed through Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and FBI.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Hawaii.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#14 of 51
Cost
#9 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$36,730
25th percentile
Median
$41,770
+9% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$47,350
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
9,790 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.
Source: Hawaii Board of Private Detectives and Guards (DCCA/PVL) — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Hawaii Board of Private Detectives and Guards (DCCA/PVL) — Licensing Requirements
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Hawaii requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 8 hours. All licensing is managed through the Hawaii Board of Private Detectives and Guards (DCCA/PVL).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.