Lesson 2 of 7 · 3 min read

Getting licensed in your state

Every state sets its own rules. Here is the usual path, DC, Maryland and Virginia in detail, and how to find the rules anywhere else.

The usual pattern

1. Meet the basics: usually at least 18, legally able to work in the U.S., and no disqualifying criminal record.
2. Get hired, or get a conditional offer. In many places the employer sponsors or submits your application.
3. Get fingerprinted for a background check.
4. Complete the state's required training from an approved provider.
5. Apply, and in some places pass an exam.
6. Renew on schedule, with refresher (in-service) training.

Washington DC

• Agency: the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) Security Program, which licenses Security Officers (SO) and Special Police Officers (SPO).
• Process: fingerprints scheduled with the Metropolitan Police Department before you apply, an exam for security officers, and an application with fees.
• Training: a DC government summary lists 40 hours of pre-assignment training in two parts (16 hours on arrest powers, search and seizure, DC law and use of force; 24 hours on terrorism awareness, emergency procedures and customer service), plus on-the-job and yearly in-service training. Armed SPOs also need firearms training and requalification. Confirm current hours with DLCP or your employer.
• SO vs. SPO: an SPO is commissioned and has arrest authority on the assigned property. A security officer does not.

Maryland

• Agency: the Maryland State Police Licensing Division issues a Security Guard Certification.
• Who can apply: you must be at least 18 and employed by, or applying with, a licensed security guard agency or employer. You can't apply on your own.
• Training: since January 1, 2025, new applicants need 12 hours of initial training from a provider approved by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission. Recent police service can substitute.
• Process: apply through the state Licensing Portal; your agency submits it. Livescan fingerprints are valid for 30 days, and the state asks you to allow 90 days for processing.
• Renewal: the certification is valid for 3 years; renewal needs 8 hours of approved continuing training.

Virginia

• Agency: the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) registers security officers.
• Basics: at least 18 and a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien.
• Training: unarmed officers need 18 hours of entry-level training (course 01E, Security Officer Core Subjects). Armed officers add an 8-hour arrest authority course (05E) and a firearms endorsement that is renewed every 12 months.
• Starting work: you may work up to 90 days while finishing training if your fingerprints were submitted by your hire date and your employer gives you a written authorization to carry on duty.
• Renewal: 4 hours of in-service training (course 01I).

Other states

Most states license security officers, and armed work is regulated everywhere. The agency varies: often the state police, a department of public safety, or a professional licensing board. In a few states, cities or counties handle unarmed officers.

To find your state's rules:

1. Open the U.S. Department of Labor's License Finder (CareerOneStop, linked below), search "security guard" and choose your state.
2. Open the licensing agency it lists, and read its own page. That is the official source.
3. Check the same things you saw above: minimum age, background check and fingerprints, training hours and approved providers, any exam, armed versus unarmed rules, and how often you renew.
4. Ask a licensed security company in your area how new officers get trained there. Many will tell you on a phone call or in the interview.

Be careful with anything sold as a "national" security license: there isn't one. Training only counts when it comes from a provider your state approves.