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Security Guard
Total cost: $165-$365
Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
16 hrs
Armed Training
$165-$365
Total Initial Fees
3 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$50
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$40
Training Fee
$75-$200
Varies by training provider
Armed License Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
$50
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Consistent with MCL 338.1051 et seq. (Private Security Guard Agency Act): agencies must be licensed; individual guards are registered through their employer, not independently licensed.
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
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedNot Required
Guard Card
Processing Time
Can work up to 90 days pending fingerprint results
Valid Period
N/A
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 | $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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Michigan with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
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Security Guard requirements in Michigan verified against Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), March 2026.