Security guard license ยท GA
How to get a security guard license in Georgia
Georgia registers private security employees through the Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, part of the Secretary of State's office. This page quotes the Board's rules as published in the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia.
This page summarizes Georgia's official security guard licensing rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies before you apply.
Credential: Security employee registration
Oldest check on this page: 2026-09-24
Background check
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Background check
Verified 2026-09-24The Board issues a registration only after criminal background and fingerprint results have come back.
Official wording
the Board may issue a license or registration card, provided that criminal background and fingerprint results have been received.
From Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, Rules chapter 509-2: Licensure (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia) -
Felony convictions
Verified 2026-09-24Any felony conviction may be grounds for the Board to deny a registration.
Official wording
Any felony conviction may be cause for the Board to deny an application for employee registration and/or weapon permit.
From Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, Rules chapter 509-2: Licensure (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia)
Training
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Basic training
Verified 2026-09-24At least 24 hours of classroom instruction (the rule in effect since January 1, 2022), completed before you start providing security services.
Official wording
Effective January 1, 2022 a minimum of 24 hours of classroom instruction is required for all private security agency licensees and private security employees
From Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, Rules chapter 509-3: Training (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia) -
When
Verified 2026-09-24Employees must complete the training before providing private security services, and get a copy of the completion certificate.
Official wording
(1) Employees shall be required to complete the training prior to providing private security or private detective services as set forth in 43-38-3(3) and (4). Record of board mandated training must be maintained in the employees' files and the employee must be provided a copy of the certificate of completion.
From Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, Rules chapter 509-3: Training (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia) -
Before renewal
Verified 2026-09-248 hours of continuing education before each registration renewal.
Official wording
Registered security employees must have eight (8) hours of continuing education prior to their registration renewal.
From Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, Rules chapter 509-3: Training (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia)
Renewal
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Expiration
Verified 2026-09-24Employee registrations expire on August 31 of each odd-numbered year.
Official wording
Employee registrations and/or weapon permits issued by the Board shall expire on August 31 of each odd-numbered year.
From Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, Rules chapter 509-2: Licensure (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia)
If you want to carry a firearm
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Handgun training
Verified 2026-09-24Armed employees need at least 15 hours of handgun training from a Board-licensed instructor.
Official wording
A minimum of 15 hours of instruction is required for handgun training, and shall be administered by an instructor who is licensed by the Board
From Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, Rules chapter 509-3: Training (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia) -
Every year
Verified 2026-09-24Weapon permit holders must qualify every year with the weapon they carry.
Official wording
The holder of any weapon permit issued by the Board must qualify annually with the weapon carried or assigned.
From Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, Rules chapter 509-4 (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia) -
Caliber limits
Verified 2026-09-24An exposed weapons permit covers a revolver up to .357 or a semi-automatic handgun up to .45.
Official wording
The issuance of an exposed weapons permit shall authorize the holder of such permit to carry a revolver of no greater caliber than a .357, or to carry a semi-automatic handgun of no greater caliber than .45.
From Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, Rules chapter 509-4 (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia)
Sources
- Rules chapter 509-2: Licensure (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia), Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies
- Rules chapter 509-3: Training (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia), Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies
- Rules chapter 509-4 (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia), Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies
Changes to this page
- First published from Board rules chapters 509-2, 509-3 and 509-4. The Board's fee schedule and the statute pages were blocked by a verification page when we checked, so fees and minimum age are not listed yet.
This page summarizes Georgia's official security guard licensing rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies before you apply.
Spotted a rule that changed? Tell us at the address below and we'll re-check the official source.