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Security Guard
Total cost: $165-$365
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)
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
The board makes sure that investigative and security staff meet the required qualifications and training for their licenses, and follow the standards outlined in Minnesota laws and rules. Companies are licensed as Protective Agents; guards work under that licensure.
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
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedNot Required
Guard Card
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
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Minnesota with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
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Security Guard requirements in Minnesota verified against Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services (under DPS), March 2026.