Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed security guard in Ohio. State license required. Unarmed training: 8 hours. Armed training: 25 hours. Total initial fees: $155-$355. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Governing Authority
Ohio Department of Public Safety - Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS)
Official website →Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
25 hrs
Armed Training
$155-$355
Total Initial Fees
1 year
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Ohio requires registration for security guards through the Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS) section of the Department of Public Safety.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training through employer; employer registers guard with PISGS within 7 business days
Armed training available
25 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must complete 20-hour OPOTC-certified basic firearm training plus 5 hours range training
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard Registration Card
Card Name
Processing Time
2-4 weeks
Valid Period
1 year
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 | $40 |
Fingerprint Fee | $40 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $75-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $40 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $25 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $155-$355 |
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
$25 (or $40 if late)
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
Ohio 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.
Ohio's guard cards expire annually (one of the shortest validity periods) and late renewal incurs a penalty fee. Employers must register new guards within just 7 business days of hiring.
Ohio employers must register guards within 7 business days of hiring.
Guard cards expire annually.
Late renewal incurs an increased fee ($40 vs $25).
Armed guards need OPOTC-certified 20-hour basic firearms training plus 5 hours range.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Ohio.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#40 of 51
Cost
#3 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$30,540
25th percentile
Median
$36,180
-6% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$43,190
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
34,590 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.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Training requirements, guard card process, armed vs unarmed paths, background check details, and renewal info — delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Ohio requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 8 hours. All licensing is managed through the Ohio Department of Public Safety - Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.