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How to become a licensed security guard in Kentucky. No state license required. Total initial fees: varies. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Governing Authority
No state licensing authority for unarmed guards
No
License Required?
Varies
Unarmed Training
N/A
Armed Training
Varies
Total Initial Fees
N/A
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedNot Required
License Requirement
No state-level licensing
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Kentucky does not require state-level licensing for unarmed security guards. Armed guards must comply with CCDW requirements or have documented firearms training.
Additional Requirements
Additional Requirements
Armed guard not regulated separately
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedNot Required
Guard Card
18+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
No
Required
No
Fingerprinting
No
Federal Check
No
State Check
Drug screening not required by state
No
Company License
Employer Training Obligations
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | Varies |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedN/A
Renewal Period
—
CE Hours Required
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
Kentucky does not have state-level security guard licensing.
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.
Kentucky has no state-level security guard licensing for unarmed guards. Armed guards are recommended to have a CCDW permit.
This state does not license or register security guards at the state level. Requirements may exist at the local (city/county) level. Check with local law enforcement or business licensing offices.
Armed guards should have a CCDW (Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapons) permit or documented training.
Employers typically provide their own training.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kentucky.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#46 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$30,780
25th percentile
Median
$35,520
-7% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$39,340
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
13,500 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)
Estimated total: 4–15 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: No state licensing authority for unarmed guards — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: No state licensing authority for unarmed guards — Licensing Requirements
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Kentucky does not require a state-level security guard license. All licensing is managed through the No state licensing authority for unarmed guards.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.