Loading...
Loading...
Security Guard
Total cost: $177.25-$339.25
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)
Application Fee
$37
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$28.25
Training Fee
$75-$200
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$37
Armed License Fee
$57
(Updated to current TX DPS schedule: armed/commissioned $57.)
Renewal Fee
$37
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
Browse Security Guard study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
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
Overall licensing difficulty: 2/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Browse study guides
Security Guard Exam Prep
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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 | $37 |
Fingerprint Fee | $28.25 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $75-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $37 |
Armed License Fee (Updated to current TX DPS schedule: armed/commissioned $57.) | $57 |
Renewal Fee | $37 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $177.25-$339.25 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Texas with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in Texas verified against Texas Department of Public Safety - Private Security Bureau, March 2026.