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How to become a licensed security guard in Minnesota. State license required. Unarmed training: 12 hours. Armed training: 12 hours. Total initial fees: $165-$365. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Governing Authority
Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services (under DPS)
Official website →Yes
License Required?
12 hrs
Unarmed Training
12 hrs
Armed Training
$165-$365
Total Initial Fees
1 year
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Minnesota licenses Protective Agent companies rather than individual guards. Individual security guards must be employed by a licensed Protective Agent company and complete pre-assignment training.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
12 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
12 hours pre-assignment (on-the-job) training within first 21 days of employment
Armed training available
12 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must demonstrate proficiency with duty firearm
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedNot Required
Guard Card
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
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
6 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
6 hours annual continuing education required for all employees
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required
Renewal Fee
$50
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
Minnesota 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.
Minnesota uses a unique 'Protective Agent' licensing system where companies are licensed rather than individual guards. Guards must complete 12 hours of training within the first 21 days of employment.
Minnesota licenses Protective Agent companies, not individual guards.
Guards must complete 12 hours of pre-assignment training within 21 days.
6 hours of annual continuing education is required.
The Board oversees more than 400 licensed companies.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Minnesota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#5 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
$37,820
25th percentile
Median
$46,020
+20% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$57,470
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
14,030 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.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for security guard licensing exams.
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Minnesota requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 12 hours. All licensing is managed through the Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services (under DPS).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.