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How to become a licensed security guard in New York. State license required. Unarmed training: 24 hours. Armed training: 47 hours. Total initial fees: $274-$499. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Yes
License Required?
24 hrs
Unarmed Training
47 hrs
Armed Training
$274-$499
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
New York requires state-level registration for all security guards through the Department of State Division of Licensing Services. NYC adds additional NYPD requirements.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
24 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training through DOS-approved schools; 8 hours pre-assignment, 16 hours OJT within 90 days
Armed training available
47 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must complete 47-hour firearms training through approved program and pass qualification
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Semi-annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard Registration Card
Card Name
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Valid Period
2 years
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 | $36 |
Fingerprint Fee | $102 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $100-$300 |
Unarmed License Fee | $36 |
Armed License Fee | $36 |
Renewal Fee | $25 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $274-$499 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
16 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
16 hours of annual in-service training required (8 hours per year)
Firearms Requalification
Semi-annual firearms requalification required
Renewal Fee
$25
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
New York 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.
New York requires 47 hours of firearms training for armed guards, one of the highest in the nation. NYC adds its own layer of requirements through the NYPD License Division, creating a dual-regulation system for guards working in the five boroughs.
New York requires 8-hour pre-assignment training before work, then 16 hours OJT within 90 days.
Annual in-service training of 8 hours is required.
Armed guards must complete 47 hours of firearms training -- among the highest in the nation.
NYC has additional requirements through the NYPD License Division.
Two 8-hour in-service training sessions (one per year) are needed for renewal.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New York.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#12 of 51
Cost
#34 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$37,050
25th percentile
Median
$42,680
+11% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$50,270
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
132,140 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: New York Department of State - Division of Licensing Services — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New York Department of State - Division of Licensing Services — Licensing Requirements
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New York requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 24 hours. All licensing is managed through the New York Department of State - Division of Licensing Services.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.