Armed guard / exposed firearm permit

What it is

The state credential that lets a security officer carry a firearm on duty. It sits on top of the unarmed guard registration and adds firearms training, a written test and range qualification.

Who needs it

Armed security officers, armored car guards and armed couriers.

Requirements

Usually the unarmed guard credential first, a higher minimum age in some states (21 in California), a state-approved firearms course, a written exam and a range qualification with the firearm you will carry. See your state below.

Typical cost and time

Cost

Check with Your state's private security regulator

Time

Check with Your state's private security regulator

Issuing body

Your state's private security regulator

Renewal

Armed credentials typically require annual or more frequent range requalification. See your state below.

State rules

• ArizonaArmed security guard registration
• CaliforniaBSIS Firearms Permit (exposed firearm)
• FloridaClass "G" Statewide Firearm License
• GeorgiaArmed security license (Board-licensed)
• IllinoisFirearm Control Card (FCC)
• New YorkArmed security guard registration
• North CarolinaArmed guard registration (firearm registration permit)
• TexasCommissioned Security Officer license
• VirginiaArmed Security Officer/Courier registration with firearms endorsement

Other states: check with your state's regulator. We only list states we've verified against official sources.

Sources

1. www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/fire_fact
2. www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/training-and-continuing-education

Last verified November 1, 2026. Where a field says "Check with", we couldn't confirm it from an official source.