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How to become a licensed security guard in Massachusetts. 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 (local police department licensing)
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
Massachusetts does not have a state guard card. Security guard licensing is handled at the local level by individual police departments. Watch guard licenses are issued locally.
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
Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts is one of the few states where security guard licensing is entirely local, handled by individual police departments with requirements varying by municipality.
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.
Licensing is handled by local police departments.
Requirements vary significantly by municipality.
Armed guards must have a Massachusetts LTC.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Massachusetts.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#6 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$38,390
25th percentile
Median
$44,950
+17% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$47,190
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
24,100 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 (local police department licensing) — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: No state licensing authority (local police department licensing) — Licensing Requirements
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Massachusetts does not require a state-level security guard license. All licensing is managed through the No state licensing authority (local police department licensing).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.