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How to become a licensed security guard in Virginia. State license required. Unarmed training: 18 hours. Armed training: 32 hours. Total initial fees: $250-$475. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Yes
License Required?
18 hrs
Unarmed Training
32 hrs
Armed Training
$250-$475
Total Initial Fees
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Virginia requires registration for security officers through the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
18 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
DCJS-approved training schools
Armed training available
32 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must complete 8 hours arrest authority and 24 hours handgun training (3 hours shotgun if applicable)
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Biennial renewal with 6-8 hours CE for armed
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Officer Registration
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
2 years (biennial)
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 | $50 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $100-$300 |
Unarmed License Fee | $50 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $250-$475 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial)
Renewal Period
4 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
4 hours in-service CE for unarmed; 6-8 hours for armed
Firearms Requalification
Firearms requalification required at renewal for armed
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
Virginia 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.
Virginia's modular training system allows officers to add capabilities: 18-hour core for unarmed, plus 8 hours arrest authority and 24 hours handgun training for armed. Shotgun training (3 hours) is only required if the officer will use a shotgun.
Virginia uses a modular training system: 18-hour core, 8-hour arrest authority, 24-hour handgun.
Shotgun training (3 hours) is only required if the officer will have access to a shotgun.
Fingerprinting is scheduled through Fieldprint Virginia.
Renewal CE hours differ: 4 hours for unarmed, 6-8 hours for armed.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Virginia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#10 of 51
Cost
#29 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$36,450
25th percentile
Median
$43,440
+13% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$55,710
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
33,440 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: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) — Licensing Requirements
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Virginia requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 18 hours. All licensing is managed through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.