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Security Guard
Total cost: $195-$330+ (unarmed) / $230-$360+ (armed)
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)
Application Fee
$75 (unarmed) / $100 (armed)
Per Rule 0780-05-02-.23, effective June 19, 2025. Nonrefundable, nonproratable. Plus fingerprint processing fees set by TBI and FBI.
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
Set by TBI/FBI
Fingerprint processing fees set by TBI and FBI, collected in addition to application fee.
Training Fee
$100-$200
Varies by training provider
Unarmed Registration Fee
$20
Unarmed security guard registration fee. Nonrefundable, nonproratable. Per Rule 0780-05-02-.23, effective June 19, 2025.
Armed Registration Fee
$30
Armed security guard registration fee. Nonrefundable, nonproratable. Per Rule 0780-05-02-.23, effective June 19, 2025.
Renewal Fee
$70 (unarmed) / $85 (armed)
Timely renewal fee. Nonrefundable, nonproratable. Per Rule 0780-05-02-.23, effective June 19, 2025.
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
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard Registration
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
2 years
Overall licensing difficulty: 2/100
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 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) |
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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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Tennessee with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
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Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in Tennessee verified against Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance - Private Protective Services, March 2026.