Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed security guard in West Virginia. 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
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
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
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard License
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
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
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in West Virginia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#35 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
$28,990
25th percentile
Median
$37,220
-3% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$47,290
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
6,290 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: West Virginia Secretary of State - Licensing Division — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: West Virginia Secretary of State - Licensing Division — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for security guard licensing exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Training requirements, guard card process, armed vs unarmed paths, background check details, and renewal info — delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
West Virginia requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 8 hours. All licensing is managed through the West Virginia Secretary of State - Licensing Division.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.