Security guard license · TN
How to get a security guard license in Tennessee
Tennessee registers security guards through the Private Protective Services program at the Department of Commerce and Insurance. Unarmed and armed guards hold separate registrations.
This page summarizes Tennessee's official security guard licensing rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services before you apply.
Credential: Unarmed Security Guard Registration
Oldest check on this page: 2026-09-24
Who can apply
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Minimum age
Verified 2026-09-24You must be at least 18.
Official wording
1. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
From Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, Get an Unarmed Security Guard Registration -
Background check
Verified 2026-09-24Pass a background check through IdentoGO.
Official wording
Successful completion of a background check through IdentoGO.
From Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, Get an Unarmed Security Guard Registration -
Past convictions
Verified 2026-09-24If you were convicted of a listed crime, your sentence or probation must have ended at least 5 years before you apply.
Official wording
If convicted in any jurisdiction of any of the crimes listed, you must have completed serving a sentence or court-ordered probation at least five (5) years prior to application.
From Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, Get an Unarmed Security Guard Registration
Training
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Required training
Verified 2026-09-244 hours covering orientation, legal powers and limits, emergency procedures and general duties.
Official wording
1. Four (4) hours of training covering orientation, legal powers and limitations of security guard, emergency procedures, and general duties.
From Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, Get an Unarmed Security Guard Registration
Starting work
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While your application is processed
Verified 2026-09-24Unarmed applicants may work on a complete application once the fee is paid, carrying a copy of the application while working.
Official wording
Applicants for unarmed guard registration may work on a complete application while it is being processed but must have paid the application fee and keep a copy of their complete application on their person while they’re working.
From Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, Get an Unarmed Security Guard Registration
Fees and renewal
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Registration fee
Verified 2026-09-24$95 to apply and $70 to renew for 2 years.
Official wording
Unarmed Security Guard Transaction Fee Initial or Reinstatement $95 Renewal (2 Years) $70
From Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, Fees -
Every two years
Verified 2026-09-24Renew every two years. There is a 90-day grace period with a $20 late fee for each month.
Official wording
Registration must be renewed every two (2) years. The grace period for your license is 90 days. You are charged a late fee of $20 each month late within the grace period.
From Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, Renewal, Reinstatement, & Other Resources -
Before renewal
Verified 2026-09-242 hours of refresher training before you renew.
Official wording
b. Two (2) hours of refresher training must be completed prior to renewal.
From Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, Renewal, Reinstatement, & Other Resources
If you want to carry a firearm
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Minimum age
Verified 2026-09-24You must be at least 21 for an armed registration.
Official wording
1. Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
From Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, Get an Armed Security Guard Registration -
Firearms training
Verified 2026-09-248 more classroom hours on firearms and 4 hours of marksmanship training with a score of at least 70%.
Official wording
2. Eight (8) additional classroom hours covering legal limitations on the use of a firearm, handling of a firearm, and safety and maintenance of firearms. 3. Four (4) hours of marksmanship training, with a minimum 70% score on a commissioner-approved silhouette target course.
From Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, Get an Armed Security Guard Registration -
Working before the card
Verified 2026-09-24Armed guards must wait for their registration card before working.
Official wording
Armed guards must wait until they receive their registration card prior to working.
From Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, Get an Unarmed Security Guard Registration -
Shotguns and rifles
Verified 2026-09-24From January 1, 2026, armed guards need the enhanced armed guard registration to use approved shotguns and rifles.
Official wording
Effective January 1, 2026, armed guards must obtain the enhanced armed guard registration enhancement to use approved shotguns and rifles while providing security services.
From Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, Get an Armed Security Guard Registration -
At renewal
Verified 2026-09-24Requalify with a score of at least 70% and complete 4 hours of refresher training.
Official wording
b. Firearms requalification with at least a 70% score on a commissioner-approved silhouette target course. c. Four (4) hours of refresher training.
From Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, Renewal, Reinstatement, & Other Resources -
Armed registration fee
Verified 2026-09-24$130 to apply for an armed registration.
Official wording
The fee for an initial application is $130.
From Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, Get an Armed Security Guard Registration
Sources
- Get an Unarmed Security Guard Registration, Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services
- Fees, Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services
- Renewal, Reinstatement, & Other Resources, Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services
- Get an Armed Security Guard Registration, Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services
Changes to this page
- First published from the Private Protective Services registration, fee and renewal pages.
This page summarizes Tennessee's official security guard licensing rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services before you apply.
Spotted a rule that changed? Tell us at the address below and we'll re-check the official source.