Security Guard License in Illinois
In Illinois, security employees get a PERC from IDFPR and complete 20 hours of basic training; armed roles add an FCC after a 28-hour firearm course and qualification. This guide details exact fees, forms, training timelines, and renewal cycles with links to official rules and applications.
To get a security guard license in Illinois, apply for a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC), complete fingerprint-based background checks, and finish the state-required 20-hour basic training within 30 days of hire; armed guards also need a Firearm Control Card (FCC) after 28-hour firearm training.
Requirements last verified: 2026-09-24
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation — PERC and FCC administered under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004 (IDFPR Security Professions; 68 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1240). |
| Minimum age | Unarmed: 18 for PERC (PERC instructions). Armed: 21 for FCC (FCC application). |
| Background check & fingerprints | Fingerprint-based criminal history required; submit receipt/TCN with PERC application (IDFPR Fingerprint Results; PERC instructions). |
| Training (unarmed) | 20-hour basic training within 30 days of employment; annual 8-hour refresher thereafter (225 ILCS 447/25-20; 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.505). |
| Training (armed) | 28-hour firearm training approved by IDFPR; yearly 8-hour firearm refresher with live-fire qualification; written exam and qualification required (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.510; 225 ILCS 447/35-40). |
| Application fees | PERC initial: $55 (PERC instructions). FCC initial: $75 (FCC application; FCC FAQ). Fingerprinting vendor fees are separate (set by vendors). |
| Renewal | PERC: Expires May 31 every 3 years (2018, 2021, 2024, 2027, etc.); renewal fee $45 (PERC instructions; 2024 PERC Renewal form). FCC: Triennial renewal $45 (FCC renewal notice; 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570). |
| Exam | No state exam for PERC. Armed guards must pass written and range qualification as part of firearm training (225 ILCS 447/35-40). |
| Insurance/bond | Not required for individual PERC/FCC holders; applies to licensed agencies (private security contractor) instead (IDFPR Security Professions). |
How to get a security guard license in Illinois (step-by-step)
- Confirm eligibility. You must be at least 18 (unarmed) or 21 (armed) and able to pass a fingerprint-based background check (PERC instructions; FCC application).
- Complete fingerprints. Get electronically fingerprinted through an approved vendor and retain your receipt/TCN to include with the application (IDFPR Fingerprint guidance).
- Apply for your PERC. Submit the PERC application and $55 fee through the IDFPR online portal; upload your fingerprint receipt (IDFPR Security Professions; PERC instructions).
- Complete the 20-hour basic training. Within 30 days after hire, finish the 20-hour basic course; keep employer certification on file. Afterward, complete 8 hours of refresher training each year (225 ILCS 447/25-20; 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.505).
- To work armed, add the FCC. After PERC, complete an IDFPR-approved 28-hour firearm course, then have your employer submit the FCC application with $75. Annual 8-hour firearm refresher and requalification are required (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.510; FCC application).
- Renew on the triennial cycle. PERC renews every three years on May 31; FCC renews every three years from issuance. Fees: PERC $45; FCC $45 (PERC Renewal; FCC Renewal).
Illinois security guard license: PERC vs. FCC
The PERC is the baseline registration to work as a security employee in Illinois; it requires fingerprints and employer-certified basic training but no exam (PERC instructions; 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.505). The FCC authorizes carrying firearms on duty and requires a 28-hour firearm course, written and range qualification, plus annual 8-hour refreshers (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.510; 225 ILCS 447/35-40).
Illinois security guard license fees and renewal dates
Expect to pay a $55 PERC application fee and a $75 FCC initial fee; vendor fingerprinting costs are separate. PERCs expire on May 31 every third year statewide (e.g., 2024, 2027, 2030), with a $45 renewal. FCCs renew triennially for $45 (PERC instructions; PERC Renewal; FCC application; 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570).
Do you need a security company license in Illinois?
Employees obtain PERC/FCC, while businesses that provide security services must be licensed as private security contractors, which includes meeting bond/insurance and qualifying-agent requirements (IDFPR Security Professions). If you’re standing up an agency, see our in-depth guide to the Illinois private security contractor license requirements for ownership, bond, and QP rules.
How long does it take to get a PERC in Illinois?
Processing time varies based on application completeness and fingerprint clearances through state and federal databases. IDFPR processes PERCs via its online portal and issues the card after security clearance is complete (IDFPR Security Professions; Fingerprint guidance).
Training details for Illinois security guards
20-hour basic training topics
The Act requires at least 20 hours covering legal authority, emergency response, communications, and crimes affecting persons and property; employers certify completion and maintain records (225 ILCS 447/25-20).
28-hour firearm training (armed roles)
Before carrying a firearm on duty, you must complete a Division-approved 28-hour course and qualify on each weapon type you will carry, with a minimum 70% score; annual 8-hour refresher with live fire is required (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.510).
Related Illinois licensing insights
If you’re budgeting the full cost of becoming a guard, including fingerprints and renewal, see our breakdown of Illinois security guard license costs. Considering investigations work or adding services? Review key rules in our overview of Illinois private investigator laws to understand scope and limitations alongside security operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an exam for the Illinois security guard license?
No exam is required for the PERC. For armed roles, the FCC pathway includes a written exam and live-fire qualification within the 28-hour firearm training (225 ILCS 447/35-40).
Can I take the 20-hour basic training online?
Yes. The statute allows classroom or internet-based delivery by a qualified instructor; employers must certify completion within 30 days of hire (225 ILCS 447/25-20).
Do I need a FOID or a Concealed Carry License for armed security?
You must meet firearm eligibility and complete the FCC process; holding a civilian Concealed Carry License does not replace FCC requirements for on-duty armed work (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.530).
When exactly does the PERC expire?
The PERC expires May 31 every third year statewide (e.g., 2024, 2027, 2030). IDFPR typically emails renewal instructions about 90 days before expiration (PERC instructions).
How much is PERC renewal in Illinois?
$45 for the triennial renewal cycle, as specified on the current renewal form (PERC Renewal).
Ready to navigate your Illinois PERC or FCC with confidence? License Navigator can guide you step-by-step, from fingerprint prep to renewal reminders, so you don’t miss a requirement or deadline.
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