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How to become a licensed security guard in Illinois. State license required. Unarmed training: 20 hours. Armed training: 20 hours. Total initial fees: $260-$485. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Governing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Official website →Yes
License Required?
20 hrs
Unarmed Training
20 hrs
Armed Training
$260-$485
Total Initial Fees
3 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Illinois requires a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) through IDFPR under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor and Locksmith Act of 2004.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
20 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training must be completed at an IDFPR-approved training company; may be online or in-person
Armed training available
20 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must complete 20-hour IDFPR-approved firearms training covering shooting stance, legal aspects, concealed carry laws, and safe handling
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC)
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
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 | $55 |
Fingerprint Fee | $50 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $100-$250 |
Unarmed License Fee | $55 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $55 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $260-$485 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Continuing education required for renewal
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required
Renewal Fee
$55
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
Illinois 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.
Illinois uses the unique PERC/FCC system: Permanent Employee Registration Card for unarmed and Firearm Control Card for armed guards. PERC cards are valid for 3 years, longer than most states' 2-year validity.
Illinois uses the PERC (Permanent Employee Registration Card) system.
PERC cards are valid for 3 years.
Fingerprints must be taken within 60 days before application submission.
Armed guards require a separate Firearm Control Card (FCC).
The 20-hour basic training can be taken online.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Illinois.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#25 of 51
Cost
#31 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$36,790
25th percentile
Median
$38,630
+1% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$46,490
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
53,560 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: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Licensing Requirements
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Illinois requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 20 hours. All licensing is managed through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.