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How to become a licensed security guard in Michigan. State license required. Unarmed training: 8 hours. Armed training: 16 hours. Total initial fees: $165-$365. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
16 hrs
Armed Training
$165-$365
Total Initial Fees
3 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Michigan regulates private security primarily at the company (agency) level through LARA. Individual guards do not need a personal license but must be registered by their employer and pass background checks.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training provided by employer; state-approved course covering law, ethics, report writing, and emergency response
Armed training available
16 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must obtain weapons permit and demonstrate proficiency
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedNot Required
Guard Card
Processing Time
Can work up to 90 days pending fingerprint results
Valid Period
N/A
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-$200 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $165-$365 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Continuing education required
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
Michigan 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.
Michigan allows guards to begin working after passing a name-based background check, with up to 90 days to complete the FBI fingerprint check. If fingerprints are not cleared within 90 days, the guard must stop working.
Michigan does not require individual guard cards; regulation is at the agency level.
Guards can work up to 90 days after passing name-based check while awaiting FBI fingerprint results.
If FBI results are not cleared within 90 days, the guard must stop working.
Armed guards need additional training and a weapons permit.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Michigan.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#30 of 51
Cost
#4 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$31,300
25th percentile
Median
$38,120
-1% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$48,120
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
25,760 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: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — Licensing Requirements
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Michigan requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 8 hours. All licensing is managed through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.