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Security Guard
Total cost: $215-$465
Governing Authority
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Official website →Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
36 hrs
Armed Training
$215-$465
Total Initial Fees
2 years (expires 08/31 even years)
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$50
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$40
Training Fee
$75-$250
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
Wisconsin requires a Private Security Person Permit through the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
DSPS-approved training program; most employers require completion
Armed training available
36 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must complete 36-hour firearms training; up to 30 hours waivable if authorized by another jurisdiction in prior 5 years (6-hour refresher still required)
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Private Security Person Permit
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
Expires 08/31 of even years per Wis. Stat. § 440.08(2)
Overall licensing difficulty: 2/100
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 | $40 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $75-$250 |
Unarmed License Fee | $50 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $215-$465 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (expires 08/31 even years)
Renewal Period
8 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
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Wisconsin is unique in that felony convictions permanently disqualify applicants with NO exceptions -- even a pardon cannot restore eligibility. All permits have a synchronized expiration date of August 31 of even years.
Wisconsin prohibits issuing permits to anyone convicted of a felony, with no exceptions -- even a pardon does not restore eligibility.
All permits expire on 08/31 of even years.
Up to 30 hours of armed training can be waived for prior out-of-state authorization.
The 6-hour refresher covers Wisconsin-specific law.
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Security Guard requirements in Wisconsin verified against Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), March 2026.