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Security Guard
Total cost: $260-$485
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)
Application Fee
$55
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$50
Training Fee
$100-$250
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$55
Armed License Fee
$75 (per FCC application)
Renewal Fee
$55 (PERC renewal)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Illinois requires a PERC through IDFPR under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor and Locksmith Act of 2004 (225 ILCS 447).
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
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC)
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
3 years
Overall licensing difficulty: 2/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Security Guard Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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
Not sure if you need a security guard license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $55 |
Fingerprint Fee | $50 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $100-$250 |
Unarmed License Fee | $55 |
Armed License Fee | $75 (per FCC application) |
Renewal Fee | $55 (PERC renewal) |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $260-$485 |
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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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Illinois with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
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Security Guard requirements in Illinois verified against Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), March 2026.