Loading...
Loading...
Security Guard
Total cost: $240-$415
Governing Authority
Montana Board of Private Security Patrol Officers and Investigators (under DOLI)
Official website →Yes
License Required?
16 hrs
Unarmed Training
8 hrs
Armed Training
$240-$415
Total Initial Fees
1 year
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$50
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$40
Training Fee
$100-$200
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$50
Armed License Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
$50
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Montana requires licensing for private security guards through the Board of Private Security under the Department of Labor and Industry.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
16 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training must be completed through an approved program
Armed training available
8 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must demonstrate proficiency with duty firearm
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Browse Security Guard study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Private Security Guard License
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
1 year
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Browse study guides
Security Guard Exam Prep
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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 | $100-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $50 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $240-$415 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
4 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Refresher training required
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
Montana 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 Montana with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Montana requires security firms to provide photo ID cards and uniforms with visible 'security guard' patches. Independent guards must maintain $500,000 in liability insurance.
Montana requires security firms to provide photo ID cards for all guards (effective July 2024).
Guards must wear uniforms with company name and 'security guard' patch.
Independent guards not employed by a firm must maintain $500,000 liability insurance.
Licenses must be renewed annually.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in Montana verified against Montana Board of Private Security Patrol Officers and Investigators (under DOLI), March 2026.