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Security Guard
Total cost: $274-$499
Yes
License Required?
24 hrs
Unarmed Training
47 hrs
Armed Training
$274-$499
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$36
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$102
Training Fee
$100-$300
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$36
Armed License Fee
$36
Renewal Fee
$25
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
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard Registration Card
Card Name
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Valid Period
2 years
Overall licensing difficulty: 3/100
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 | $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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
16 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
8 Hour Annual In-Service Training each calendar year (16 hours total over 2-year registration period)
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare New York with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
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Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in New York verified against New York Department of State - Division of Licensing Services, March 2026.