Alabama Security Guard License

Requirements last verified: 2026-11-05

Alabama security guard license: who needs it

Alabama regulates contract security companies, security officers (unarmed), and armed security officers through the Alabama Security Regulatory Board (ASRB). With limited exemptions, you must be employed by a licensed contract security company and apply for a personal license within 30 days of initial employment; a temporary card must be carried while you work until the Board issues or denies your license. Licenses renew every two years on the anniversary of original licensure. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2024/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-7/))

Official contacts and where to apply

Alabama Security Regulatory Board (ASRB)
Mail: PO Box 309536, Montgomery, AL 36130-9536
Physical: 603 Interstate Park Dr, Montgomery, AL 36109
Phone: (334) 420-7234
Forms and applications: ASRB Forms
Personal application PDF: ASRB Personal License Application
Online payments (replacements/verifications/upgrades): ASRB Payments. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/))

ASRB licensing pathways

• Security Officer (unarmed) – personal license required. Minimum initial training: 8 hours with a Board-certified trainer. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-8/))
• Armed Security Officer – personal license plus additional firearms safety and qualification training. Classroom training minimum: 14 hours before applying; must qualify on Board-approved courses and obtain a county pistol permit. ([admincode.legislature.state.al.us](https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/832-X-1-.08))
• Contract Security Company – company license with a Qualifying Agent who is a licensed security officer and has specified management/supervisory experience. ([alison.legislature.state.al.us](https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=34-27C-4&utm_source=openai))

Fees

Fee	Amount	Notes
Personal application + background	$112	Personal License fee $75 + ALEA background fee $37 (effective July 1, 2025); submit as one $112 payment. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/))
Personal license renewal	$112	Same total shown on renewal form. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FullASRB-GuardCTQA-Renewal-07-01-25.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Criminal history check	Current ALEA rate	ALEA assesses the background-check fee; ASRB bundles the current rate (noted as $37 above). ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/alabama/Ala-Admin-Code-r-832-X-1-.10_v2?utm_source=openai))

Training requirements (hours and curriculum)

• Initial unarmed: minimum 8 hours with a Certified Trainer covering legal topics (Title 34-27C overview; arrest/detention; Alabama criminal law), emergency response (fire prevention, crowd control), equipment use, professionalism, and more. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-8/))
• Initial armed: minimum 14 hours classroom plus firearms safety/use-of-force training and weapons qualification on a Board-approved course (APOSTC course, NRA LE-approved course, or ASRB course). Passing score and periodic refresher firearms training are required. ([admincode.legislature.state.al.us](https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/832-X-1-.08))
• Refresher/continuing training: before each renewal, complete Board-approved refresher training (unarmed) and refresher firearms training (armed), including use-of-force refreshers. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-8/))
• Experience/other exemptions: certain recent military/government or employer programs that meet/exceed Board standards may satisfy basic training; sworn peace officers are exempt from basic training, but armed security requirements still apply. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-8/))

Find approved trainers on ASRB’s list of security guard training providers: ASRB Training. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/training))

Background check and fingerprinting

• What to submit: ASRB requires a completed ALEA Release, two FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards, and sworn background‑check information with your application. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/forms))
• How fingerprints are processed: ASRB forwards cards to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) for state and FBI checks under Alabama Background Check Service provisions. ([alison.legislature.state.al.us](https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=34-27C-4&utm_source=openai))
• Where to be printed: Use a local law‑enforcement agency or a vendor that rolls FBI cards (e.g., IdentoGO Alabama). Verify they can provide FD‑258 cards. ([identogo.com](https://www.identogo.com/locations/alabama?utm_source=openai))

Armed guard rules

• Pistol permit: Armed security officers must obtain a pistol permit from the sheriff of their county of residence. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-11/?utm_source=openai))
• Qualification: Must pass Board‑approved handgun/shotgun/rifle qualification; failure triggers remedial training and timelines set by rule. ([admincode.legislature.state.al.us](https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/832-X-1-.08))
• Disqualifiers: Anyone prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law cannot be licensed as an armed security officer. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/DQConv.pdf))

Disqualifying convictions

Licensure is denied for any felony (unless fully pardoned); specified misdemeanor convictions (including moral turpitude) within set time frames; registered sex offenders are ineligible. Armed licensure is barred if firearm possession is prohibited. See ASRB’s Disqualifying Convictions policy for details. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/DQConv.pdf))

Employer vs. individual responsibilities

• Employment prerequisite: You must be employed by a licensed contract security company to apply; the personal application requires your employing company and payment by company/cashier’s check or money order. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Full-PersonalApplication-7-13-2026.pdf))
• Company compliance: Companies must employ a Qualifying Agent meeting experience criteria and ensure all officers apply within 30 days; violations may trigger enforcement. ([alison.legislature.state.al.us](https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=34-27C-4&utm_source=openai))

Reciprocity and special cases

• Reciprocity: ASRB may license an applicant licensed in another state if now an Alabama resident and the other state’s standards are equivalent or substantially similar. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2024/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-7/))
• Short‑term work: Officers working six months or less per year may be eligible for a one‑time special licensure fee set by rule. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2024/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-7/))

Renewal

• Cycle: Every two years from original issuance date. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2024/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-7/))
• Before you renew: Complete Board‑approved refresher training (and firearms refresher, if armed); submit renewal form and fee (currently $112). ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-8/))
• Late renewals: The Board may assess late fees by rule if not filed before expiration. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Law9.3.19.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Processing times

Step	Typical timing	Notes
Complete training	1–2 days (unarmed 8 hrs; armed ≥14 hrs)	Actual schedule depends on provider. ([admincode.legislature.state.al.us](https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/832-X-1-.08))
Fingerprint/background	Varies	ASRB cites manual fingerprint-card processing via ALEA/FBI as a primary source of delay. ([alison.legislature.state.al.us](https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/eopa/audit_reports/27S-007_27S-07-Security%20Regulatory%20Board%20Sunset%20Report.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Work on temporary card	Immediately after application	Carry the temporary license while Board review is pending; valid until approval or denial. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Full-PersonalApplication-7-13-2026.pdf))

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

#	Action	Form/link
1	Get hired by a licensed contract security company.	Verify employer license via ASRB roster. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/))
2	Complete required initial training (8 hrs unarmed; 14 hrs armed + firearms).	Find a provider: ASRB Training. ([admincode.legislature.state.al.us](https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/832-X-1-.08))
3	Get two FBI FD‑258 fingerprint cards completed; attach ALEA Release.	See ASRB Forms; ALEA background info: ALEA Background Check. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/forms))
4	Complete the Personal License Application; include photos and required IDs.	Personal Application (PDF). ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Full-PersonalApplication-7-13-2026.pdf))
5	Pay the $112 application/background total (company, cashier’s check or money order to ASRB).	Fee basis shown on ASRB site and forms. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/))
6	Cut and carry the Temporary Personal License portion while working pending decision.	See end of application PDF. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Full-PersonalApplication-7-13-2026.pdf))
7	If applying armed: complete pistol‑permit process with your county sheriff.	Alabama Code §34‑27C‑11. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-11/?utm_source=openai))

FAQs

Do I need a license to work unarmed security in Alabama?

Yes. Security officers must be licensed by ASRB; apply within 30 days of initial employment and carry a temporary card while pending. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2024/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-7/))

How long does approval take?

No fixed timeline is published; the Board notes background checks via manual fingerprint cards are the main bottleneck. You may work on your temporary card until ASRB issues or denies your license. ([alison.legislature.state.al.us](https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/eopa/audit_reports/27S-007_27S-07-Security%20Regulatory%20Board%20Sunset%20Report.pdf?utm_source=openai))

What are the minimum training hours?

Unarmed: at least 8 hours. Armed: at least 14 hours plus firearms safety, use‑of‑force, and weapons qualification. Refresher training is required for renewal. ([admincode.legislature.state.al.us](https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/832-X-1-.08))

Is there reciprocity with other states?

ASRB may license an applicant currently licensed in another state if now an Alabama resident and that state’s standards are equivalent or substantially similar. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2024/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-7/))

What convictions disqualify me?

Felonies without full pardon; certain misdemeanors (moral turpitude/violent/sexual) within specified timeframes; registered sex offenders; and anyone prohibited from possessing firearms (for armed status). ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/DQConv.pdf))

Where can I get fingerprinted?

Check with local law enforcement or a vendor like IdentoGO that can roll FBI FD‑258 cards. Submit two cards with your application; ASRB routes them to ALEA/FBI. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/forms))

Key statutes and rules (for reference)

• Definitions; armed vs. unarmed; ID card: Ala. Code §34‑27C‑1. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-1/?utm_source=openai))
• Applications; temporary card; renewal cycle; reciprocity; timelines: Ala. Code §34‑27C‑7. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2024/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-7/))
• Training requirements (8‑hr unarmed minimum; armed firearms & use‑of‑force): Ala. Code §34‑27C‑8. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-8/))
• Training rule and hour minimums/curriculum; firearms qualification standards: Ala. Admin. Code r. 832‑X‑1‑.08. ([admincode.legislature.state.al.us](https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/832-X-1-.08))
• License terms, fees, and late fees authority: Ala. Code §34‑27C‑4. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Law9.3.19.pdf?utm_source=openai))
• Pistol permit for armed officers: Ala. Code §34‑27C‑11. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-34/chapter-27c/section-34-27c-11/?utm_source=openai))
• Disqualifying convictions policy and firearm prohibitions: ASRB rule/policy. ([asrb.alabama.gov](https://asrb.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/DQConv.pdf))