Kentucky Security Guard License

To get a security guard license in Kentucky, start by noting there is no statewide guard license. Local governments set rules. In Louisville Metro, both armed and unarmed guards—and agencies—must be licensed, with approved training, background checks, and (for armed) a valid CCDW. Follow your city’s process and renew annually.

Requirements last verified: 2026-09-24

How to get a security guard license in Kentucky

1. Confirm local requirements. Kentucky has no state guard license; check your city/county. For example, Louisville licenses armed and unarmed guards/agencies under LMCO Chapter 124. LMCO Ch. 124. ([codelibrary.amlegal.com](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/louisvillemetro/latest/loukymetro/0-0-0-13502?utm_source=openai))
2. Choose role and employer. In Louisville, you must be employed by a registered company or a licensed agency before you can be licensed as an armed guard. Louisville Armed Security page. ([louisvilleky.gov](https://louisvilleky.gov/government/alcoholic-beverage-control/armed-security-agencies-companies-guards?utm_source=openai))
3. Complete required training. Armed applicants must pass a Director‑recognized course with written exam and firearms qualification. LMCO 124.08. ([codelibrary.amlegal.com](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/louisvillemetro/latest/loukymetro/0-0-0-13611?utm_source=openai))
4. Obtain firearms credentials (armed only). Louisville requires a valid Kentucky CCDW for residents, maintained during licensure. LMCO 124.05(C). ([codelibrary.amlegal.com](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/louisvillemetro/latest/loukymetro/0-0-0-13570?utm_source=openai))
5. Submit application via Metro Business Portal. Upload forms and pay fees (agency license $100; officer fees per portal). Schedule fingerprints; background check fee currently $50. Portal; fingerprints. ([louisvilleky.gov](https://louisvilleky.gov/government/codes-regulations/codes-regulations-online-portal?utm_source=openai))
6. Wait for approval. Louisville targets up to 60 days for agencies and 30 days for armed officers once complete. ORD 058-2016. ([louisville.legistar.com](https://louisville.legistar.com/View.ashx?GUID=C2E28064-C4A4-4A0E-B8D8-5F65A067BE14&ID=4421656&M=F))
7. Work and carry your license. Louisville requires licensed guards to carry the license while on duty; agencies/companies may not use unlicensed guards. LMCO 124.02(D),(E). ([codelibrary.amlegal.com](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/louisvillemetro/latest/loukymetro/0-0-0-13529))
8. Renew annually and maintain compliance. Keep insurance (agencies), CCDW (armed), and training status current; renew on time. ORD 058-2016. ([louisville.legistar.com](https://louisville.legistar.com/View.ashx?GUID=C2E28064-C4A4-4A0E-B8D8-5F65A067BE14&ID=4421656&M=F))

Kentucky security guard license: statewide vs. local rules

There is no Kentucky‑wide guard license. Instead, cities/counties may license agencies and officers. Louisville Metro is the most prescriptive: it licenses agencies, armed officers (since 1985), and—under the 2024 “Christopher’s Law” update—unarmed officers. If you’ll work in Louisville, follow LMCO Chapter 124. DPL boards overview; O-209-24; LMCO index. ([dpl.ky.gov](https://dpl.ky.gov/?utm_source=openai))

Louisville armed security guard license requirements (example)

To be an armed guard in Louisville you must be 21+, meet criminal/mental fitness standards, complete approved training with firearms qualification, hold a valid Kentucky CCDW (if a KY resident), pass fingerprint/background checks, and keep your license on you while on duty. Agencies must be licensed and insured. LMCO 124.05; 124.08; ORD 058-2016. ([codelibrary.amlegal.com](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/louisvillemetro/latest/loukymetro/0-0-0-13570?utm_source=openai))

What if I’m working unarmed?

Louisville now licenses unarmed security officers and the agencies/companies that employ them, with registration, insurance and carry‑your‑license rules similar in structure to armed licensing. Review the 2024 ordinance text while the codifier updates the online code pages. O-209-24. ([louisvilleky.gov](https://louisvilleky.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/christophers-law-o-209-24-v.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Costs, timelines, and practical tips for Kentucky applicants

Budget at least: agency license $100/year (Louisville), fingerprinting $50 per armed guard, plus training tuition and CCDW costs for armed officers. Agencies must carry $100,000/$1,000,000/$3,000,000 liability coverage. Processing is up to 60 days for agencies and 30 days for officer licenses after complete submission. ORD 058-2016; Louisville fingerprints. ([louisville.legistar.com](https://louisville.legistar.com/View.ashx?GUID=C2E28064-C4A4-4A0E-B8D8-5F65A067BE14&ID=4421656&M=F))

For a deeper dive on out‑of‑pocket expenses statewide, see our breakdown of the true security guard license cost in Kentucky. If you’re starting or managing an agency, our Kentucky private security license guide explains insurance, registration, and multi‑city compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kentucky require a state security guard license?

No. Kentucky does not issue a statewide guard license. Requirements, if any, are set by local governments. Louisville Metro licenses armed and unarmed guards and agencies under Chapter 124. DPL boards overview; LMCO Ch. 124. ([dpl.ky.gov](https://dpl.ky.gov/?utm_source=openai))

How do I become an armed security guard in Louisville?

Be 21+, complete a Director‑recognized training course with firearms qualification, hold a valid Kentucky CCDW (if a resident), pass a fingerprint/background check, apply through the Metro Business Portal, and carry your license while on duty. LMCO 124.05; 124.08. ([codelibrary.amlegal.com](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/louisvillemetro/latest/loukymetro/0-0-0-13570?utm_source=openai))

What insurance does a Louisville security agency need?

Show liability coverage or assets equal to: $100,000 property damage; $1,000,000 for injury/death of one person; $3,000,000 per incident. Provide proof with your agency license application and at renewal. ORD 058-2016. ([louisville.legistar.com](https://louisville.legistar.com/View.ashx?GUID=C2E28064-C4A4-4A0E-B8D8-5F65A067BE14&ID=4421656&M=F))

How long does approval take?

Louisville allows up to 60 days after a complete agency application and up to 30 days after a complete armed officer application to issue or deny. ORD 058-2016 (LMCO 124.03, 124.05). ([louisville.legistar.com](https://louisville.legistar.com/View.ashx?GUID=C2E28064-C4A4-4A0E-B8D8-5F65A067BE14&ID=4421656&M=F))

Do I need a CCDW to work armed if Kentucky is permitless carry?

Yes, in Louisville. Local law requires Kentucky‑resident armed guard applicants to hold and maintain a valid state CCDW in addition to completing guard licensing steps. LMCO 124.05(C). ([codelibrary.amlegal.com](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/louisvillemetro/latest/loukymetro/0-0-0-13570?utm_source=openai))

Ready to move forward? License Navigator can map your city’s exact steps, forms, and fees—and keep you renewal‑ready year‑round.