Security guard license · NC
How to get a security guard license in North Carolina
Updated
North Carolina registers security guards through the Private Protective Services Board, part of the Department of Public Safety. Unarmed and armed guards hold separate registrations.
This page summarizes North Carolina's official security guard licensing rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board before you apply.
Credential: Unarmed security guard registration
Oldest check on this page: 2026-09-24
Background check
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Criminal history check
Verified 2026-10-05A 60-month online criminal history record check from CRC.com, dated less than 60 days before you apply.
Official wording
A completed 60-month online criminal history record check from CRC.com, dated less than 60 days from the date of registration application.
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Security Employee Registration -
Fingerprints
Verified 2026-09-24New registrations need a completed FD-258 fingerprint card. Renewals do not.
Official wording
All new registrations require a completed FD-258 fingerprint card with the application. A fingerprint card is not required for registration renewals.
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Frequently Asked Questions
Training
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Required training
Verified 2026-09-24A 16-hour unarmed security guard course.
Official wording
What are the training requirements to obtain a registration? Unarmed security guards must complete a 16-hour course .
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Frequently Asked Questions -
Certificate date
Verified 2026-10-05Your 16-hour course certificate must be dated less than one year before you apply.
Official wording
A certificate of completion of the 16-hour unarmed security guard/armored car guard course, dated less than one year from the date of registration application.
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Security Employee Registration
Starting work
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Probationary period
Verified 2026-09-24A company may work a new unarmed guard as a probationary employee for 20 consecutive calendar days before it has to register them.
Official wording
How do I use probationary unarmed security guards? Companies may hire probationary unarmed security guards and work them for 20 consecutive calendar days before being required to register the guard.
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Frequently Asked Questions -
Registration deadline
Verified 2026-09-24Guards must be registered within 30 days of starting work, even if the job ends sooner.
Official wording
Guards must be registered within 30 days of beginning employment—even if their employment is terminated within the first 30 days.
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Frequently Asked Questions -
Where the 30 days start
Verified 2026-10-05The Board's registration page counts the 30 days from the end of the probationary period, while its FAQ (above) counts from the start of employment. Ask the Board which applies to you.
Official wording
the licensee shall register the employee within 30 days after the probationary employment period ends.
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Security Employee Registration -
Processing time
Verified 2026-09-24Most applications are processed within 45 days, and ID cards are mailed within 60 days. New registrations can take longer because of the fingerprint check.
Official wording
Most registration applications are processed within 45 days of submission and ID cards are mailed within 60 days of submission. New registrations may take longer to process due to the time it takes the N.C. SBI to process a fingerprint check .
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Frequently Asked Questions
Fees
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Registration fee
Verified 2026-09-24$68 for a new unarmed registration, plus processing fees.
Official wording
A new unarmed security guard registration application costs $68, plus processing fees.
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Frequently Asked Questions -
What the fee covers
Verified 2026-10-05A $30 application fee and a $38 fingerprint fee.
Official wording
Unarmed Guard - New Fees: $30 application fee, $38 fingerprint fee
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Security Employee Registration
Renewal
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Every year
Verified 2026-09-24The unarmed registration expires one year after it is issued and must be renewed every year.
From North Carolina General Assembly, N.C. General Statutes Chapter 74C: Private Protective Services
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Late renewal
Verified 2026-09-24You can renew up to 90 days late with a $25 late fee.
Official wording
An unarmed security guard registration may be renewed up to 90 days late, with a late fee of $25.
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Frequently Asked Questions -
Renewal fee
Verified 2026-10-05$30 application fee to renew.
Official wording
Unarmed Guard - Renew Fee: $30 application fee
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Security Employee Registration
If you want to carry a firearm
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Firearms training
Verified 2026-09-24The 20-hour armed guard course, on top of the 16-hour unarmed course.
Official wording
Armed security guards must complete the 16-hour unarmed course and the 20-hour armed guard course .
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Frequently Asked Questions -
Armed registration fee
Verified 2026-09-24$83 for a new armed registration, plus processing fees.
Official wording
A new armed security guard registration costs $83, plus processing fees.
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Frequently Asked Questions -
No late renewal
Verified 2026-09-24An armed registration cannot be renewed late. If it expires, you reapply, including the 20-hour course and a new fingerprint card.
Official wording
An armed security guard registration cannot be renewed late. If an armed security guard registration expires, a new application must be submitted, to include the 20-hour armed security guard course and a fingerprint card.
From North Carolina Private Protective Services Board, Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Security Employee Registration, North Carolina Private Protective Services Board
- Frequently Asked Questions, North Carolina Private Protective Services Board
- N.C. General Statutes Chapter 74C: Private Protective Services, North Carolina General Assembly
Changes to this page
- First published from the Private Protective Services Board FAQ and registration pages and N.C. General Statutes Chapter 74C. Minimum age is not listed yet: the Board rule that sets it was only available over an insecure link when we checked.
- Shortened the Renewal fee quote to the exact sentence on the Board's registration page and re-checked that page. The fee is unchanged.
- Added a note that the Board's registration page and its FAQ count the 30-day registration deadline from different starting points.
This page summarizes North Carolina's official security guard licensing rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board before you apply.
Spotted a rule that changed? Tell us at the address below and we'll re-check the official source.