Get a Montana Security Guard License

To get a security guard license in Montana, you must be at least 18, complete 16 hours of board‑approved training, pass MT DOJ/FBI fingerprint background checks, apply through the Montana Private Security Program, and be employed by a licensed private security firm; fees total $80 plus fingerprint costs, with $50 extra if armed.

Requirements last verified: 2026-09-27

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Montana Private Security Program, Department of Labor & Industry. See the state’s Private Security Guard page for current requirements and online application.
Application fee	$80, non‑refundable (Montana Private Security Program).
Training/experience	Minimum 16 hours of guard training; employer must certify completion prior to duty (ARM 24.182.807).
Background check	Fingerprint‑based MT DOJ and FBI national criminal history check required for licensure (MCA 37‑60‑303(2)). Fingerprint fees are paid to DOJ/FBI; see Montana DOJ Background Checks.
Employment verification	Verification of employment by a licensed private security firm is a final condition before the Department issues the license (ARM 24.182.514; see also the state Private Security Guard checklist).
Minimum age & education	At least 18 years old and high school diploma or equivalent (MCA 37‑60‑303(1)(a)-(b)).
Exam	No state written exam for guards; the 16‑hour training is required instead (state checklist; ARM 24.182.807).
Armed endorsement	Optional; $50 fee. Requires firearms training and annual proficiency per rule (Program fee list; ARM 24.182.420).
Renewal cycle & fees	Renew annually Jan 1–Mar 1; renewal $160; late fee $80 (Montana Private Security Program).
Insurance/bond	No individual guard insurance or bond listed; employer firm licensure and coverage obligations apply at the firm level (ARM 24.182.525; MCA 37‑60‑303).
Application form	Use the online system or the state’s current PDF application (Private Security Guard Application).

How to get a security guard license in Montana

1. Confirm eligibility. Ensure you are 18+ with a high school diploma or equivalent and meet character standards (MCA 37‑60‑303).
2. Complete 16 hours of approved training. Your security employer will certify completion as part of your application (ARM 24.182.807).
3. Submit fingerprints for a background check. Follow MT DOJ instructions for state and FBI checks and keep your receipt (MCA 37‑60‑303(2); Montana DOJ).
4. Apply to the Montana Private Security Program. File online or via the state PDF form and pay the $80 fee (Program page; application).
5. Provide employment verification. A licensed private security firm must verify your employment before the Department issues the license (ARM 24.182.514).
6. (Optional) Add an armed endorsement. Complete firearms training/qualification and pay the $50 endorsement fee if you will carry a firearm on duty (ARM 24.182.420; fees).
7. Renew annually. Renew between January 1 and March 1 each year; renewal $160; late fee $80 (Program renewal window).

Montana security guard license training requirements

Montana requires a minimum of 16 hours of training covering specified topics (role of the guard, MT/Federal law, use of force, emergency procedures, communication, crisis intervention, patrol, evidence, and more). Training must be completed and employer‑certified before you start guard duties (ARM 24.182.807).

Armed security guard endorsement in Montana

To work armed, you need the Department’s armed endorsement on top of your guard license. You must complete firearms training, qualify with the specific firearm(s) you will use, and re‑qualify annually; the endorsement costs $50 (ARM 24.182.420; Program fees).

Fingerprinting and background checks

All guard applicants must submit fingerprints for a national criminal history background check conducted by the Montana Department of Justice and the FBI; fingerprint fees are paid to DOJ/FBI separately from the application fee (MCA 37‑60‑303(2); MT DOJ).

Employment prerequisite for a Montana guard license

The Department will not issue your license until a licensed private security firm verifies your employment. This verification is a final condition of licensure, even after your background check clears (ARM 24.182.514; state checklist).

Montana security guard license fees and renewal

The application fee is $80; renewal is $160 each year, with an $80 late fee if you renew after the window. The annual renewal window runs January 1 through March 1 (Program renewal and fees). For a deeper dive into typical out‑of‑pocket expenses—including training and fingerprint costs—see our breakdown of the Security Guard License Cost in Montana.

Related Montana licensing paths

Many Montana guards eventually pursue investigative work. If that’s your goal, explore the Montana Private Investigator License requirements and compare budgeting considerations in our MT Private Investigator License Cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Montana security guard license?

Processing time varies with fingerprint results and application volume. Plan for time to complete 16 hours of training, submit fingerprints, and obtain employer verification. The Department issues the license only after all items clear and employment is verified (ARM 24.182.514).

Is there a written exam for the Montana guard license?

No state written exam is required. Instead, you must complete a 16‑hour training program that your employer certifies to the Department (state checklist; ARM 24.182.807).

Can I get licensed before I’m hired by a security company?

You can start the application and background check, but the Department will not issue your license until a licensed private security firm verifies your employment (ARM 24.182.514).

What does the armed endorsement in Montana require?

To carry a firearm on duty, you must hold a current guard license, complete firearms training that meets state standards, qualify with the firearm(s) you’ll carry, and re‑qualify annually; the endorsement costs $50 (ARM 24.182.420; fees).

What are the renewal dates and fees?

Renew annually from January 1 through March 1. The renewal fee is $160; the late fee is $80 if you renew after the window (Montana Private Security Program).

Ready to move forward? License Navigator can walk you through training, fingerprinting, and forms so you get your Montana security guard license right the first time.