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Security Guard
Total cost: $155-$355
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 (anniversary date of initial issuance)
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$40
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$40
Training Fee
$75-$200
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$40
Armed License Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
$25
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 requalification required; must requalify within the preceding 12-month period at an OPOTC-certified range or under OPOTC-certified instructor
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard Registration Card
Card Name
Processing Time
2-4 weeks
Valid Period
1 year (expires annually on anniversary date of initial issuance)
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
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 | $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 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year (anniversary date of initial issuance)
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Ohio with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
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Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in Ohio verified against Ohio Department of Public Safety - Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS), March 2026.