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Security Guard
Total cost: $250-$475
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)
Application Fee
$50
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$50
Training Fee
$100-$300
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$50
Armed License Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
$50
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
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Officer Registration
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
2 years (biennial)
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
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 | $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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Virginia with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
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Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in Virginia verified against Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), March 2026.