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How to become a licensed security guard in Texas. State license required. Unarmed training: 6 hours. Armed training: 45 hours. Total initial fees: $177.25-$339.25. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Yes
License Required?
6 hrs
Unarmed Training
45 hrs
Armed Training
$177.25-$339.25
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Texas requires state-level licensing for security officers through the DPS Private Security Bureau under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702. Level II for unarmed, Level III for commissioned (armed).
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
6 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training must be completed at a DPS-approved Level II training school
Armed training available
45 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must pass written test and course of fire administered by licensed Level III instructor at a licensed Level III training school
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Level II Security Officer Registration / Level III Commission
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
2 years
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 | $37 |
Fingerprint Fee | $28.25 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $75-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $37 |
Armed License Fee | $37 |
Renewal Fee | $37 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $177.25-$339.25 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
6 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
6 hours of continuing education required
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required
Renewal Fee
$37
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
Texas 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.
Texas uses a unique level system: Level II for unarmed guards and Level III for 'commissioned' (armed) guards. The term 'commissioned' is unique to Texas security law and grants limited peace officer-like authority. Level III requires 45 hours minimum firearms training.
Texas uses a level system: Level II for unarmed non-commissioned, Level III for commissioned (armed).
Level III requires a minimum 45 hours of firearms training -- significantly more than the 30 hours previously listed.
A Declaration of Psychological and Emotional Health is required for Level III.
The term 'commissioned' is unique to Texas security law.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Texas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#48 of 51
Cost
#7 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$28,810
25th percentile
Median
$33,390
-13% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$38,970
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
99,370 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.
Source: Texas Department of Public Safety - Private Security Bureau — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Texas Department of Public Safety - Private Security Bureau — Licensing Requirements
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Texas requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 6 hours. All licensing is managed through the Texas Department of Public Safety - Private Security Bureau.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.