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How to become a licensed security guard in Utah. State license required. Unarmed training: 8 hours. Armed training: 16 hours. Total initial fees: $215-$415. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Governing Authority
Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)
Official website →Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
16 hrs
Armed Training
$215-$415
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Utah requires licensing for security officers through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Background checks are processed through the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI).
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
DOPL-approved basic education and training program
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 Officer License
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks; interim license available with clean BCI report
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 | $50 |
Fingerprint Fee | $40 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $75-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $50 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $215-$415 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
4 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Continuing education required
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required
Renewal Fee
$50
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
Utah 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.
Utah offers an interim license option for applicants with a clean BCI 'Right of Access' report, allowing them to start working while the full background check is processed.
Utah offers an interim license option with a clean BCI report.
Background checks go through both BCI (Bureau of Criminal Identification) and FBI.
Chemical dependency, habitual drunkenness, or court-declared incompetence are disqualifying.
Competence restoration can reverse incompetence disqualification.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Utah.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#13 of 51
Cost
#9 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$36,440
25th percentile
Median
$42,440
+11% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$46,180
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
7,000 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: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) — Licensing Requirements
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Utah requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 8 hours. All licensing is managed through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.