State guard card (unarmed security)

What it is

A state registration or license that lets you work as an unarmed security officer. Most states call it a registration, license or 'guard card' and tie it to a fingerprint background check and pre-assignment training.

Who needs it

Unarmed security officers employed by a security company or in-house security employer. Requirements, hours and fees vary by state.

Requirements

Typically a minimum age (often 18), a fingerprint-based criminal history check, and state-mandated entry-level training before or soon after you start work. 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

Most states require periodic renewal and annual or per-term in-service training. See your state below.

State rules

• ArizonaSecurity guard registration (unarmed)
• CaliforniaSecurity Guard Registration (guard card)
• FloridaClass "D" Security Officer License
• GeorgiaUnarmed security employee registration (through employer)
• IllinoisPermanent Employee Registration Card (PERC)
• New YorkSecurity Guard Registration
• North CarolinaUnarmed security guard registration
• TexasNoncommissioned Security Officer license
• VirginiaUnarmed Security Officer/Courier registration

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/guard_fact.shtml
2. dos.ny.gov/security-guard-training-requirements

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