Security Guard License New Hampshire

Direct answer (50 words): To learn how to get a security guard license in New Hampshire, decide if you need an employee license ($5) or an individual/agency license ($150/$350), complete the required State Police forms, pass criminal-history and (if armed) fingerprint checks, and renew every two years with any firearms proficiency as required.

Requirements last verified: 2026-09-28

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	NH Department of Safety, Division of State Police, Permits & Licensing; licenses and rules under RSA 106‑F and Saf‑C 2200. See statutes and rules: RSA 106‑F and Saf‑C 2200.
License types & forms	• Employee license (for guards employed by a licensed agency): Form DSSP 247 (referenced in Saf‑C 2203.04). Rule Saf‑C 2203.04. • Individual license (one‑person agency) or Agency license: Form DSSP 259 (individual) and DSSP 258 (agency). See Saf‑C 2203.02 and the agency application DSSP 258 (rev. 6/2020).
Exact fees	• Individual security guard license: $150 (Saf‑C 2205.04(a)). • Employee license: $5 (Saf‑C 2205.04(c)). • Agency license: $350 (Saf‑C 2205.04(b)). • State criminal record check: $25 (Saf‑C 5703.06) + $10 Dept. background investigation (Saf‑C 2205.03). • Armed status fingerprint capture: $10 + FBI processing fee (Saf‑C 2205.01; Saf‑C 5705.06(b)).
Minimum age	At least 18 years old (state reference for security guard licensure; see NH Employment Security overview citing RSA 106‑F). NHES licensure summary (p. 178).
Exam / training	No written exam for unarmed guards. Armed guards must meet initial and annual firearms proficiency and training under RSA 106‑F:8 and related rules Saf‑C 2206.
Background checks	State criminal history check (DSSP 256 process) and Department background investigation required; armed applicants also submit fingerprints per RSA 106‑F:6, Saf‑C 5703.06, and Saf‑C 2205.01‑.03.
Insurance / bond	Security guard agencies—including one‑person “individual” agencies—must file a $50,000 two‑year surety bond with the application (DSSP 258 instructions).
Renewal cycle	All licenses are valid 2 years and must be renewed every 2 years; submit renewal at least 15 days before expiration (RSA 106‑F:7; renewal form DSSP 157 noted in DSSP 157).

How to get a security guard license in New Hampshire

1. Choose your license path. If you’ll work for a licensed guard agency, apply for the employee license (DSSP 247). If you’ll operate solo as your own agency, apply for an individual/agency license using DSSP 259 and, if needed, DSSP 258. Rules and forms: Saf‑C 2203.02–.04; DSSP 258.
2. Gather identity and eligibility documents. Bring government photo ID and required personal details; applicants must meet character and eligibility standards under RSA 106‑F:6. In-person submission is customary per state guidance: NHES licensure summary.
3. Complete background checks. Pay the $25 NH criminal record check fee and $10 Department background investigation fee; armed applicants also schedule fingerprint capture ($10) plus FBI fee. Cite: Saf‑C 5703.06; Saf‑C 2205.01‑.03; RSA 106‑F:6.
4. If armed, complete firearms proficiency. Qualify initially and annually, using form DSSP 158, with required instruction and courses under RSA 106‑F:8 and Saf‑C 2206; submit the signed DSSP 158.
5. Pay the license fee and submit. Fees: $5 (employee), $150 (individual), $350 (agency) plus checks above. See Saf‑C 2205.04 and the agency application DSSP 258.
6. Receive your license/ID card. After review and investigation, the commissioner issues your license and photo identification card, per RSA 106‑F:6.
7. Renew on time every two years. File at least 15 days before expiration, keep any agency bond active, and (if armed) maintain yearly firearm proficiency. See RSA 106‑F:7 and Saf‑C 2206.

New Hampshire security guard licensing explained

New Hampshire regulates both people and businesses under RSA 106‑F. No one may work for a security guard service without a license, and agencies must be licensed separately. See RSA 106‑F:3. If you’re only working as an employee for a licensed agency, the $5 employee license applies; if you’ll operate solo as your own agency, the $150 individual license and a $50,000 agency bond requirement apply (Saf‑C 2205.04; DSSP 258).

Armed vs. unarmed security guard licenses

Unarmed licensure does not require an exam. Armed status adds fingerprints and mandatory firearms proficiency on initial licensure and annually thereafter under RSA 106‑F:8 and Saf‑C 2206. Armed applicants pay the $10 fingerprint capture fee plus the FBI processing fee (Saf‑C 5705.06(b)).

What it costs to become licensed

Building your budget? We break down every state‑set charge, optional extras, and what your employer typically pays in our detailed guide to the NH security guard license cost. If you work near the border, compare with our analysis of the security guard license cost in New Jersey to plan multi‑state work.

Considering investigative work too?

Many guards later pursue a PI credential. See our step‑by‑step playbook for the NH Private Investigator License and, if you’re planning ahead, a full look at PI licensing costs in New Hampshire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be 18 to be licensed?

Yes. State guidance indicates applicants must be at least 18. See NH Employment Security’s summary of security guard licensing and RSA 106‑F requirements (NHES licensure summary).

What’s the difference between an employee license and an individual license?

The $5 employee license is for guards who work for a licensed security guard agency. An “individual” license is for a one‑person agency operating under the individual’s name and costs $150; it also carries the $50,000 surety bond requirement like other agencies (Saf‑C 2201.09, 2205.04; DSSP 258).

Is there a written exam?

Not for unarmed licensure. Armed applicants must meet firearms proficiency on initial licensure and annually, documented on DSSP 158, with minimum training content in statute (RSA 106‑F:8; Saf‑C 2206; DSSP 158).

How long does approval take?

There’s no fixed statutory timeline; the commissioner issues a license after reviewing references and completing the background investigation. Renewals must be filed at least 15 days before expiration (RSA 106‑F:6; RSA 106‑F:7).

Do I have to apply in person?

Applications and forms are available online/by mail per rule, but state guidance indicates applications are customarily submitted in person with photo ID at the Department of Safety (Saf‑C 2202.01, 2203.02(e); NHES licensure summary).

If you want personal help assembling forms, understanding which license you need, and estimating total costs, License Navigator can walk you through each step and keep you on track for timely approval.