US private security is licensed state by state, with no federal license. Here's how it works, where to compare the rules by state and topic, and how to verify a company is licensed and in good standing.
Private security in the United States is licensed almost entirely at the state level — there is no single federal security-guard license. That means the rules for who can operate a security company, what its officers must hold, and how armed work is permitted change every time you cross a state line. This guide is the map: how US security licensing works, where to compare the rules by state and by topic, and how to confirm that the company you're about to hire is actually licensed and in good standing.
In almost every state a legitimate provider needs a company license and its officers a guard credential, with a separate armed permit for armed posts. Because it's state-regulated, always verify a provider on the official state source — and remember licensing is only the floor: insurance, training and a clean disciplinary record matter just as much.
How security guard licensing works in the US
Four principles hold almost everywhere. First, licensing is state-run — a company licensed in one state is not automatically authorized in another. Second, there are usually two separate credentials: a license for the company and a registration for each officer, so verifying the firm and verifying the guards on your site are two different checks. Third, armed work adds a separate permit on top of the base guard credential, with its own firearms course and requalification. Fourth, a few states license only the company (leaving officer training to the employer) or only regulate armed personnel — so the model itself varies. Use the by-topic and by-state references below to see exactly how your state works.
Compare requirements across every state
Four national reference hubs let you compare one dimension of licensing across all the states we cover, then drill into any state:
- License lookup by state — the official verification tool and regulator for each state.
- Armed-guard requirements by state — carry rules, the firearm permit, and minimum age.
- Training requirements by state — the credential and required hours.
- Arrest & detention authority by state — what a guard can and can't do.
Security licensing by state
Each state has its own regulator, license names and requirements. Open your state for the full detail — who regulates it, the company and guard credentials, armed rules, penalties, and how to verify a license yourself.
Compliance beyond the license
A license is the floor, not the finish line. Before you sign, a professional provider should also clear these — each has its own guide:
- Certificate of insurance (COI) — the coverage and limits to require, and how to verify them.
- Use-of-force law and detention/arrest authority — the limits your officers operate under.
- Negligent-security liability — how inadequate security becomes your exposure.
- Post orders and how many guards you need — the operational basics.
- California SB-553 — a state workplace-violence rule that affects most employers there.
Verify a company before you hire
Licensing only helps if you check it. Our step-by-step guide on how to verify a security company's license walks through reading the record, and every profile in our directory of security companies is built from these official sources. When you're ready, hiring guide in hand, get free quotes from licensed providers.
Frequently asked questions
Do security guards need a license in the US?+
Is there a federal security guard license?+
How do I check if a security company is licensed?+
What does a security license actually guarantee?+
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