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Armed guards ยท 6 states

Armed security guard license requirements by state

Updated

This page covers 6 states: CA, GA, NY, NC, OH, TX. Carrying a firearm on the job takes more than a basic guard card. Each state below sets its own extra rules for armed work, usually firearms training and regular requalification. Every line is taken from the state pages on this site, with the agency's exact wording one click away.

This page summarizes official armed security guard rules from several states for general information. It is not legal advice, and it does not cover gun-carry laws outside guard work. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state agency before you apply.

At a glance

StateMinimum ageFirearms trainingKeeping it currentArmed fee
California You must be at least 21 for a BSIS Firearms Permit.Complete the Course of Firearms Training at a Bureau-approved facility and pass the written exam and range qualifications.The permit expires two years after it's issued.$110 for a new firearms permit application.
Georgia Not stated in the sources we useArmed employees need at least 15 hours of handgun training from a Board-licensed instructor.Weapon permit holders must qualify every year with the weapon they carry.Not stated in the sources we use
New York Not stated in the sources we use47-hour firearms training; to enroll, you need a guard registration and a valid New York pistol permit.An 8-hour annual firearms course every calendar year while your armed registration is active.Not stated in the sources we use
North Carolina Not stated in the sources we useThe 20-hour armed guard course, on top of the 16-hour unarmed course.Not stated in the sources we use$83 for a new armed registration, plus processing fees.
Ohio Not stated in the sources we useA basic firearm training program at a school approved by the Ohio peace officer training commission: twenty hours of handgun training, plus five hours for any other firearm you will use.Requalify on a certified range at least every twelve months (starting eighteen months after your basic training).Set by the director; state law caps it at fifteen dollars.
Texas Not stated in the sources we useCommissioned officers also take the Level III course (at least 45 hours) and test, and show firearm proficiency within 90 days of applying.Commissioned officers complete 6 hours of continuing education.$57 for an original or renewal commissioned license.

"Not stated" means the official source we use for that state doesn't cover it. It doesn't mean the state has no rule.

California

Base credential: Security Guard Registration (the "guard card"). Agency: California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Full rules on the California page.

Need to check a guard's registration in California? See how to look up a California guard card on the official BSIS search.

Georgia

Base credential: Security employee registration. Agency: Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies. Full rules on the Georgia page.

New York

Base credential: Security Guard Registration. Agency: New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. Full rules on the New York page.

North Carolina

Base credential: Unarmed security guard registration. Agency: North Carolina Private Protective Services Board. Full rules on the North Carolina page.

Ohio

Base credential: Security guard employee registration (filed by your employer). Agency: Ohio Department of Public Safety. Full rules on the Ohio page.

  • Firearms training

    Verified 2026-09-24

    A basic firearm training program at a school approved by the Ohio peace officer training commission: twenty hours of handgun training, plus five hours for any other firearm you will use.

    Official wording
    (1) The licensee or employee either has successfully completed a basic firearm training program at a training school approved by the Ohio peace officer training commission, which program includes twenty hours of training in handgun use and, if any firearm other than a handgun is to be used, five hours of training in the use of other firearms, and has received a certificate of satisfactory completion of that program from the executive director of the commission;
    From Ohio Revised Code (Ohio Legislative Service Commission), Section 4749.10: Carrying firearm

  • Every year

    Verified 2026-09-24

    Requalify on a certified range at least every twelve months (starting eighteen months after your basic training).

    Official wording
    (4) At any time within the immediately preceding twelve-month period, the licensee or employee has requalified in firearms use on a firearms training range at a firearms requalification program certified by the Ohio peace officer training commission or on a firearms training range under the supervision of an instructor certified by the commission and has received a certificate of satisfactory requalification from the certified program or certified instructor, provided that this division does not apply to any licensee or employee prior to the expiration of eighteen months after the licensee's or employee's completion of the program described in division (A)(1) of this section. A certificate of satisfactory requalification is valid and remains in effect for twelve months from the date of the requalification.
    From Ohio Revised Code (Ohio Legislative Service Commission), Section 4749.10: Carrying firearm

  • Firearm registration fee

    Verified 2026-09-24

    Set by the director; state law caps it at fifteen dollars.

    Official wording
    (2) The licensee or employee submits an application to the director of public safety, on a form prescribed by the director, in which the licensee or employee requests registration as a class A, B, or C licensee or employee who may carry a firearm. The application shall be accompanied by a copy of the certificate or the written evidence or other evidence described in division (A)(1) of this section, the identification card issued pursuant to section 4749.03 or 4749.06 of the Revised Code if one has previously been issued, a statement of the duties that will be performed while the licensee or employee is armed, and a fee the director determines, not to exceed fifteen dollars.
    From Ohio Revised Code (Ohio Legislative Service Commission), Section 4749.10: Carrying firearm

Texas

Base credential: Non-commissioned security officer license; armed work needs a commissioned security officer license. Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Program. Full rules on the Texas page.

Sources

  1. Firearms Permit Fact Sheet (Rev. January 2025), California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services Document date: January 2025. Verified 2026-09-24.
  2. Fee schedule (fee change effective October 1, 2025), California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services Document date: September 2025. Verified 2026-10-15.
  3. Rules chapter 509-3: Training (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia), Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies Verified 2026-09-24.
  4. Rules chapter 509-4 (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia), Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies Verified 2026-09-24.
  5. Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24), New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services Document date: Rev. 12/24. Verified 2026-09-24.
  6. Frequently Asked Questions, North Carolina Private Protective Services Board Verified 2026-09-24.
  7. Section 4749.10: Carrying firearm, Ohio Revised Code (Ohio Legislative Service Commission) Verified 2026-09-24.
  8. Working Prior to Licensure, Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program Verified 2026-09-24.
  9. Training and Continuing Education, Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program Verified 2026-09-24.
  10. Individual Application Checklist Definitions (REV 07-02-2018), Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program Document date: REV 07-02-2018. Verified 2026-09-24.
  11. Fee Schedule (Rev. 09/03/2019), Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program Document date: Rev. 09/03/2019. Verified 2026-09-24.

This page summarizes official armed security guard rules from several states for general information. It is not legal advice, and it does not cover gun-carry laws outside guard work. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state agency before you apply.