Security Guard License Louisiana
This guide shows exactly how to get a Louisiana security guard license (Security Officer Registration) with LSBPSE, including fees, training, background checks, armed add-ons, and renewal. All figures and steps are sourced from current Louisiana statutes, rules, and the LSBPSE FAQ and fee schedule.
To get a security guard license in Louisiana, apply for Security Officer Registration with the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners (LSBPSE), complete S.O.S.T. 1101/1102 training and exam, pass an IdentoGO background check, affiliate with a licensed company, pay state fees, and wait for your registration card before working.
Requirements last verified: 2026-09-25
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners (LSBPSE) official site; statutory authority in La. R.S. 37:3270 et seq. (statutes). |
| License/registration type | Security Officer Registration card (unarmed or armed). You may not work until the physical/digital card is issued. LSBPSE Security Officer FAQ. |
| Fees (state) | Initial Security Officer Registration: $75; Renewal (biennial): $65; Status change/transfer/reinstatement: $30. Fees effective Aug. 1, 2025 per LSBPSE fee schedule and La. R.S. 37:3286(A). Fee schedule • R.S. 37:3286. |
| Background check & fingerprints | State and national criminal history check via IdentoGO (service code 27N43R) when required by LSBPSE. Vendor fees are paid to the provider. FAQ (IdentoGO service code) • LSBPSE notice. |
| Training & exam | Complete S.O.S.T. 1101 and 1102 and pass the required examinations before first work assignment (LSBPSE). Statute requires at least 8 hours of classroom training within 30 days of hire and a test; armed officers require firearms training and annual requalification. FAQ • R.S. 37:3284. |
| Minimum age | Unarmed (or baton): 18; Armed: 21. LAC 46:LIX-301(B). |
| Employment/affiliation | Must be affiliated with a licensed security company; the company must accept the portal affiliation and upload I-9/ID before approval. You cannot work until your card is issued. LSBPSE FAQ. |
| Armed endorsement | Complete board-prescribed firearms training and qualification before armed duties; carry armed registration card when transporting a firearm for work; armed officers must complete annual firearms retraining. R.S. 37:3284(D) • R.S. 37:3285. |
| Insurance/bond | No insurance required for individual officer registration. Licensed companies must carry at least $500,000 general liability with the State of Louisiana as additional insured. R.S. 37:3276(E). |
| Renewal | Every 2 years via LSBPSE portal; pay renewal fee and meet any training updates (armed officers: annual firearms retraining). LSBPSE FAQ • R.S. 37:3284(D). |
How to get a security guard license in Louisiana
- Create your LSBPSE portal account. Register in the Licensing & Registration Portal and upload a passport-quality photo. Start the “Initial Security Officer Application.” Portal steps (FAQ).
- Affiliate with a licensed security company. Request company affiliation in the portal; your employer must accept and upload your identification and Form I‑9. You cannot work until your registration card is issued. LSBPSE FAQ.
- Complete required training and pass exams. Finish S.O.S.T. 1101 and 1102 and pass the board-required tests before your first assignment; at least 8 classroom hours are mandated by statute within 30 days of hire. FAQ • R.S. 37:3284.
- Submit fingerprints and background check. When required, schedule IdentoGO LiveScan using LSBPSE service code 27N43R; pay vendor fees and ensure results are sent to LSBPSE. FAQ (service code) • IdentoGO notice.
- Pay state fees. Pay the $75 initial registration fee (portal or check). If applying to change to armed later, a $30 status-change fee applies. LSBPSE fee schedule.
- For armed officers only: qualify with firearms. Complete board-prescribed firearms training and qualification before any armed duties; complete annual firearms retraining thereafter. R.S. 37:3284.
- Watch for your registration card. Begin work only after LSBPSE issues your Security Officer Registration card showing the company name and issue/expiration dates. LSBPSE FAQ.
Louisiana security guard license requirements explained
LSBPSE regulates private contract security. By law, a security officer must be registered, trained, and tied to a licensed employer before working. The board’s FAQ confirms training and card-in-hand requirements, while R.S. 37:3284 sets baseline training hours and armed retraining. See LSBPSE FAQ and R.S. 37:3284.
Unarmed vs. armed security guard registration
- Unarmed (or baton): Minimum age 18; S.O.S.T. 1101/1102 and exam; background check as directed. LAC 46:LIX-301.
- Armed: Minimum age 21; complete firearms training/qualification before armed duties, carry the armed registration card when transporting a firearm for work, and retrain annually. R.S. 37:3284 • R.S. 37:3285.
How much does a Louisiana security guard license cost?
The state charges $75 for initial registration and $65 every two years to renew; other actions (status change/transfer/reinstatement) are $30. Background check and training vendors set their own prices. For a deeper dive into total out-of-pocket costs, see our analysis of security guard license costs in Louisiana. Official fee sources: LSBPSE fee schedule and R.S. 37:3286.
How to get a security guard license in Louisiana without experience
No prior security experience is required for officer registration. Focus on completing S.O.S.T. coursework and passing the exams, clearing your background check, and affiliating with a licensed company via the portal. Statutory training minimums are in R.S. 37:3284; application mechanics are outlined in the LSBPSE FAQ.
Renewing a Louisiana security guard license
Registrations are valid for two years. Renew in the portal, pay the $65 fee, and satisfy any training updates. Armed officers must complete annual firearms retraining even between biennial renewals. See LSBPSE FAQ and R.S. 37:3284(D).
Related Louisiana licensing paths
Some guards later move into investigations. If that’s you, compare requirements in our guide to the Louisiana Private Investigator license and see current exam and fee details in our 2026 update on the Louisiana private investigator process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start working after my company accepts my affiliation?
No. You may appear on the roster once affiliation is accepted, but you cannot work until LSBPSE issues your registration card and you have completed required training. Source: LSBPSE Security Officer FAQ.
How long is a Louisiana security guard registration valid?
Two years. Your card shows issue and expiration dates. Renew through the LSBPSE portal and pay the $65 renewal fee. Source: LSBPSE FAQ • Fee schedule.
What are the minimum training requirements?
LSBPSE requires S.O.S.T. 1101/1102 and passing exams before first assignment; Louisiana law mandates at least 8 hours of classroom training within 30 days of hire, plus firearms training and annual retraining for armed officers. Sources: FAQ • R.S. 37:3284.
What are the age requirements to be a security guard in Louisiana?
Unarmed (or baton) officers must be at least 18; armed officers must be at least 21. Source: LAC 46:LIX-301(B).
Do I need my own insurance or bond?
No. Individual officers do not need insurance or a bond. Licensed security companies must carry at least $500,000 general liability insurance naming the State of Louisiana as additional insured. Source: R.S. 37:3276(E).
Ready to move fast? License Navigator can help you interpret the rules, prep for S.O.S.T., estimate real-world costs, and stay renewal-ready so you can get your Louisiana guard card without guesswork.
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Licensing Navigator researches business licensing requirements and organizes them into practical, state-by-state guidance. Our pages are research aids, not legal advice.