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How to become a licensed security guard in Tennessee. State license required. Unarmed training: 8 hours. Armed training: 16 hours. Total initial fees: $195-$330+ (unarmed) / $230-$360+ (armed). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Governing Authority
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance - Private Protective Services
Official website →Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
16 hrs
Armed Training
$195-$330+ (unarmed) / $230-$360+ (armed)
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Tennessee requires registration for security guards through the Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services program.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training through approved providers
Armed training available
16 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must demonstrate proficiency with duty firearm
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard Registration
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
2 years
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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 Per Rule 0780-05-02-.23, effective June 19, 2025. Nonrefundable, nonproratable. Plus fingerprint processing fees set by TBI and FBI. | $75 (unarmed) / $100 (armed) |
Fingerprint Fee Fingerprint processing fees set by TBI and FBI, collected in addition to application fee. | Set by TBI/FBI |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $100-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee Unarmed security guard registration fee. Nonrefundable, nonproratable. Per Rule 0780-05-02-.23, effective June 19, 2025. | $20 |
Armed License Fee Armed security guard registration fee. Nonrefundable, nonproratable. Per Rule 0780-05-02-.23, effective June 19, 2025. | $30 |
Renewal Fee Timely renewal fee. Nonrefundable, nonproratable. Per Rule 0780-05-02-.23, effective June 19, 2025. | $70 (unarmed) / $85 (armed) |
Total Initial Fees Unarmed: $75 application + $20 registration + $100-$200 training + TBI/FBI fingerprint fees. Armed: $100 application + $30 registration + $100-$200 training + TBI/FBI fingerprint fees. Per Rule 0780-05-02-.23, effective June 19, 2025. | $195-$330+ (unarmed) / $230-$360+ (armed) |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Refresher training required
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required
Renewal Fee
$70 (unarmed) / $85 (armed)
Timely renewal fee per Rule 0780-05-02-.23, effective June 19, 2025.
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
Tennessee 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.
Tennessee updated its fees and training requirements in June 2025 under 'Dallas' Law' amendments, which added specific training requirements for security guards in alcohol-serving establishments and armed guards in schools.
Tennessee's Private Protective Services program was created in 1987.
Fee schedule updated effective June 19, 2025 per Rule 0780-05-02-.23 under Dallas' Law amendments. Fees increased to maintain statutory financial self-sufficiency of the Program.
Dallas' Law (Ch. 1121, 2022) requires additional training (de-escalation, safe restraint, first aid, CPR) for guards at alcohol-serving establishments. $25 fee for adding Dallas Law or Active Shooter classification to registration card. Biennial refresher required.
Unarmed renewal: $70. Armed renewal: $85. Downgrade (armed→unarmed): $10. Upgrade requires new armed application and full fees.
Duplicate certification/license/registration card: $25. Certified trainer timely renewal: $160.
Tennessee ranks #9 out of 37 for lowest security guard licensing fees ($195-$330+ (unarmed) / $230-$360+ (armed)). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Tennessee.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#41 of 51
Cost
#31 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$31,070
25th percentile
Median
$36,090
-6% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$42,300
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
28,260 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
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Tennessee requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 8 hours. All licensing is managed through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance - Private Protective Services.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.