Side by side

Security guard requirements compared

Updated 2026-10-21

Only states we've verified appear here. Each cell links to the line on the state page that shows the official wording and the date we checked it.

State	Minimum age	Before you start	After you start	Ongoing training	Renewal	Fee
California	You must be at least 18.	BSIS lists the Power to Arrest training among the requirements to be eligible to apply.	32 hours of security officer skills training within your first six months.	8 hours of continuing training annually.	Submit your renewal at least 60 days before the registration expires.	$60 for a new registration and $44 to renew (the current column of the BSIS fee schedule).
Georgia	Not stated in the sources we use	At least 24 hours of classroom instruction (the rule in effect since January 1, 2022), completed before you start providing security services.	Not stated in the sources we use	8 hours of continuing education before each registration renewal; the first renewal after the license is granted is exempt.	Employee registrations expire on August 31 of each odd-numbered year.	Not stated in the sources we use
New York	You must be at least 18 to apply.	8-hour pre-assignment training, taken once; include the certificate with your application.	16 hours of on-the-job training within 90 days of starting work.	An 8-hour annual in-service course each calendar year.	The registration lasts two years; you need two annual in-service courses in that period to renew.	$36.00 non-refundable application fee to the Department of State.
North Carolina	Not stated in the sources we use	A 16-hour unarmed security guard course.	Not stated in the sources we use	Not stated in the sources we use	The unarmed registration expires one year after it is issued and must be renewed every year.	$68 for a new unarmed registration, plus processing fees.
Ohio	Not stated in the sources we use	Not stated in the sources we use	Not stated in the sources we use	Not stated in the sources we use	The registration expires each year on the anniversary of issue. The renewal fee is set by the director, capped at thirty-five dollars.	Set by the director; state law caps it at forty dollars.
Texas	Not stated in the sources we use	Pass the Level II training course and test, given by a licensed training school or by a licensed guard company.	Not stated in the sources we use	Not stated in the sources we use	You can't file a renewal until you've earned any continuing education hours DPS requires.	$37 for an original or renewal non-commissioned license (30 + 5 + 2 on the DPS fee schedule).

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

This table summarizes official rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Confirm with the state agency before you apply.