Guard Card Atlas

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Security guard requirements compared

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.

StateMinimum ageBefore you startAfter you startOngoing trainingRenewalFee
California You must be at least 18.Complete the Power to Arrest training.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).
Florida You must be at least 18.At least 40 hours of professional training from a school licensed by FDACS.Not stated in the sources we useNot stated in the sources we use$45 license fee plus $16.75 fingerprint retention to renew a Class D.$97.75 in total: $42 fingerprint processing, $10.75 fingerprint retention and a $45 license fee.
Georgia Not stated in the sources we useAt 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 use8 hours of continuing education before each registration renewal.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 useA 16-hour unarmed security guard course.Not stated in the sources we useNot stated in the sources we useThe 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 useNot stated in the sources we useNot stated in the sources we useNot stated in the sources we useThe 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.
Tennessee You must be at least 18.4 hours covering orientation, legal powers and limits, emergency procedures and general duties.Not stated in the sources we use2 hours of refresher training before you renew.Renew every two years. There is a 90-day grace period with a $20 late fee for each month.$95 to apply and $70 to renew for 2 years.
Texas Not stated in the sources we usePass 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 useNot stated in the sources we useYou 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).

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