Indiana Security Guard License Guide

Indiana does not issue an individual “security guard license.” To work as a guard, get hired by a licensed Security Guard Agency. To operate your own company, apply for a Security Guard Agency license through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA): age 21, 4,000 hours experience or qualifying degree, background checks, $100,000 insurance, $300 fee.

Requirements last verified: 2026-09-24

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) – Private Investigator & Security Guard Licensing Board. See the state’s official overview and FAQs. IPLA PISG Licensing Information.
Who needs the license	Security Guard Agencies (companies/sole proprietors). Individual employees do not hold a state guard license; they must work for a licensed agency. Source.
Application portal / form	Apply online via Access Indiana/MyLicense One. MyLicense One guide. IPLA lists application documentation and upload steps on the licensing page above.
Fees	$300 initial issuance; $150 if applying within 1 year before the common expiration window opens; $300 renewal every four years (Oct 1 cycle); $600 reinstatement if expired ≥3 years. Fee schedule (IPLA).
Experience / education	Qualifier must be at least 21 and have either: (1) 4,000 hours (≈2 years) W‑2 experience in investigative and/or security work, or (2) a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field approved by the Board. 1099 experience is not accepted. IPLA FAQs.
Background checks	Criminal history background checks from every city, county, and state of residence for the preceding 7 years, plus an Indiana State Police check uploaded to your account. IPLA background check instructions and licensing page.
Insurance / bond	General liability insurance at least $100,000; certificate must list the “State of Indiana” as additional insured; 10‑day cancellation notice to the Board. Cited by IPLA under IC 25‑30‑1.3‑16. IPLA insurance requirements.
Exam	No state examination for Security Guard Agency licensure is listed by IPLA. Source.
Renewal	Every 4 years on October 1; $300 renewal fee. Qualifier must obtain a limited criminal background check for the preceding 4 years for renewal. IPLA renewal instructions.
Carry/authority	License does not grant weapons carry privileges or arrest powers. IPLA FAQ.

How to get a security guard license in Indiana

1. Create your Access Indiana account and start the Security Guard Agency application in MyLicense One. Review IPLA’s application checklist. Portal guide; IPLA licensing details.
2. Confirm you meet the qualifier criteria: age 21, either 4,000 W‑2 hours in security/investigations or an approved bachelor’s degree. Gather W‑2 experience verification forms or official transcripts. IPLA FAQs.
3. Complete criminal background checks for every city, county, and state where you lived in the past 7 years, plus the Indiana State Police check; upload originals to your MyLicense One application. IPLA background check page.
4. Upload corporate filings (if applying as a company) and select a compliant agency name (no law‑enforcement implication language per IPLA rules). Source.
5. Pay the issuance fee ($300; or $150 if within one year of the quadrennial renewal date). Fee schedule.
6. Submit proof of $100,000 general liability insurance naming the State of Indiana as additional insured. IPLA can approve your application pending insurance, but the license is not issued until your certificate is uploaded. Insurance requirements.
7. Once approved, maintain compliance and calendar the common expiration (October 1 every 4 years). The renewal fee is $300 and requires a limited background check for the prior four years. Renewal instructions.

Do individual security guards need a license in Indiana?

At the state level, no. Indiana licenses agencies, not individual guards. If you only want to work as a guard, apply for employment with a licensed Security Guard Agency; the agency’s licensed qualifier covers the regulatory requirements. See IPLA’s overview and FAQs. Official source. For a deeper cost breakdown, see our companion guide on Indiana Security Guard License Costs.

Indiana security guard license requirements (agency)

Age, experience, and education

The agency’s qualifier must be at least 21 and meet one of two paths: 4,000 hours (about two years) of W‑2 experience in security/investigations, or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or an IPLA‑approved related field. 1099 experience is not accepted. IPLA FAQ.

Background checks

IPLA requires criminal background checks from each city, county, and state of residence for the previous seven years, plus an Indiana State Police check. Upload the original documents; third‑party reports are not accepted. IPLA background checks.

Insurance and business setup

Before issuance, upload proof of at least $100,000 in general liability coverage listing the State of Indiana as additional insured, with a 10‑day cancellation notice to the Board (cited by IPLA under IC 25‑30‑1.3‑16). Confirm your business filings and choose a compliant agency name. IPLA insurance/name rules.

Fees and renewal cycle

The issuance fee is $300 (or $150 if you apply within one year before the quadrennial renewal window). Licenses renew every four years on October 1; renewal is $300 and requires a limited four‑year background check for the qualifier. IPLA fee & renewal details. For a practical walkthrough of qualifications, see our Private Security License Requirements in Indiana (2026 Guide).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a security guard in Indiana without starting a company?

Apply to a licensed Security Guard Agency; Indiana does not issue an individual guard license. Employers may set hiring standards (e.g., training, drug testing, firearm policies). The state’s regulatory requirements (qualifier experience, background checks, insurance) attach to the agency, not the employee. See the state’s explanation on the IPLA page. Source.

What counts toward the 4,000 hours of experience?

W‑2 employment in investigative and/or security roles. IPLA explicitly notes the Board does not accept 1099 hours; applicants submit the Verification of Experience form(s) completed by past employers. A qualifying bachelor’s degree can substitute for hours. Details and forms are outlined by IPLA. Official guidance.

Is there a state exam for Indiana security guard licensing?

No. IPLA does not list a state examination for Security Guard Agency licensure. Applicants qualify by age plus experience or degree, background checks, fees, and proof of insurance. Confirm current requirements on the state’s licensing page and renewal instructions. IPLA source.

How much does an Indiana Security Guard Agency license cost?

$300 for issuance (or $150 if you apply within one year before the common expiration window), $300 to renew every four years, and $600 to reinstate an agency expired three or more years. These figures come directly from IPLA’s fee schedule. State fee schedule.

What insurance is required and when must I provide it?

General liability insurance of at least $100,000, listing the State of Indiana as additional insured, with a 10‑day cancellation notice to the Board. IPLA can approve your application pending insurance, but the license won’t be issued until your certificate is uploaded. IPLA insurance requirements.

Does the license allow me to carry a firearm or make arrests?

No. IPLA clarifies that licensure does not authorize carrying weapons or confer arrest powers. Firearm policies are governed by separate laws and employer procedures; consult counsel and agency policy before armed work. See the IPLA FAQ for the exact statement. Source.

Need help mapping costs, timelines, and qualifiers? Compare line‑item expenses in our Indiana Security Guard License Costs explainer, and review end‑to‑end requirements in our 2026 Indiana private security licensing guide. When you’re ready, License Navigator can keep you on track from application to renewal.