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Security Guard
Total cost: $215-$415
Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
16 hrs
Armed Training
$215-$415
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$50 non-refundable application processing fee (included in total license fee)
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$40
Training Fee
$75-$200
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
West Virginia requires registration for security guards through the Secretary of State's office.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training through employer or approved provider
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
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard License
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
2 years (initial); subsequent renewals also 2 years
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 non-refundable application processing fee (included in total license fee) |
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 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
4 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Refresher training 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
West 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 West Virginia with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
West Virginia uniquely requires 5 character references, each of whom must have known the applicant for at least 5 years. A surety bond or proof of liability insurance must be filed with the application.
West Virginia requires 5 character references, each having known the applicant for at least 5 years.
A surety bond or liability insurance is required.
Narcotics addiction, habitual drunkenness, or court-declared incompetence are disqualifying.
Fingerprints submitted through IdentoGO by IDEMIA.
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Security Guard requirements in West Virginia verified against West Virginia Secretary of State - Licensing Division, March 2026.