South Carolina Security Guard License

To get a security guard license in South Carolina, you must be hired by a SLED-licensed security company, complete SLED-approved basic training and a drug test, submit fingerprints and a photo, and apply for a one-year Security Officer Registration (unarmed $65; armed $110). Armed officers also need a SLED Security Weapons Permit. SC Code Title 40, Ch. 18; S.C. Regs. 73‑408, 73‑420. ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))

Requirements last verified: 2026-09-29

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Regulatory Services – Private Security. SLED Security Companies. ([sled.sc.gov](https://sled.sc.gov/security-companies?utm_source=openai))
Registration type	Security Officer Registration Certificate (one year; must work for a licensed security business). SC Code §40‑18‑80(A), (A)(5), (A)(9). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))
Fees	Unarmed $65 annually; Armed $110 annually; Replacement card $20. Set by regulation. S.C. Regs. 73‑408(5)(B). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/query.php?category=CODEOFREGS&conid=9141183&keyval=98034&numrows=100&result_pos=0&search=DOC&searchtext=media&utm_source=openai))
Training (unarmed)	Standard basic course of 4+ hours by a certified company training officer; written exam must be completed before duty. S.C. Regs. 73‑420(1)–(2). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/query.php?category=CODEOFREGS&conid=9141183&keyval=98034&numrows=100&result_pos=0&search=DOC&searchtext=media&utm_source=openai))
Training (armed)	Minimum 4 hours SLED‑approved firearms training on the specific weapon type, by a qualified instructor. S.C. Regs. 73‑420 n.1. ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/Chapter%2073.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Security Weapons Permit (armed)	Required for armed carry on duty; at least 21 years old; proof of proficiency; one‑year permit; separate SLED process. SC Code §40‑18‑100(A)–(C). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))
Minimum age	At least 18 for registration; at least 21 for a Security Weapons Permit. SC Code §40‑18‑80(A)(5)(b); §40‑18‑100(A). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))
Background, photo, drug test	Pre‑employment drug test required; color photo required; SLED conducts suitability/background review and may require fingerprints. SC Code §40‑18‑80(A)(5)(h), (A)(4), (A)(10)–(11). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))
Temporary work while pending	Up to 30 days after SLED receives the application; no arrest authority and no firearm until card is issued. SC Code §40‑18‑80(A)(2). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))
Insurance/bond	No bond for individual registration. Security businesses must post a $10,000 bond. SC Code §40‑18‑60(B). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))
Renewal cycle & window	Annual registration; submit renewal 30–60 days before expiration; late = invalid. S.C. Regs. 73‑408(1)–(3). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/query.php?category=CODEOFREGS&conid=9141183&keyval=98034&numrows=100&result_pos=0&search=DOC&searchtext=media&utm_source=openai))
Forms & portal	Use the SLED Services Portal for regulatory applications; SLED provides training/registration forms (e.g., Security Officer Proof of Training). SLED Services Portal; SLED Security Companies. ([applicants.sled.sc.gov](https://applicants.sled.sc.gov/?utm_source=openai))

How to get a security guard license in South Carolina

1. Get hired by a licensed security business. You must be employed by a SLED‑licensed contract or proprietary security company to qualify for registration. Verify your employer’s status. SC Code §40‑18‑80(A)(5)(a). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))
2. Complete SLED‑approved basic training. Take the standard 4+ hour Primary Basic course with a certified training officer and pass the written exam before duty. S.C. Regs. 73‑420. ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/query.php?category=CODEOFREGS&conid=9141183&keyval=98034&numrows=100&result_pos=0&search=DOC&searchtext=media&utm_source=openai))
3. Pass a SLED‑approved drug test. Your employer must document a pre‑employment drug test as part of your registration qualifications. SC Code §40‑18‑80(A)(5)(h). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))
4. Gather your documents. Provide a recent color photo; your employer completes the Proof of Training record and prepares the application packet. SLED Security Companies (forms). ([sled.sc.gov](https://sled.sc.gov/security-companies?utm_source=openai))
5. Submit your registration application and fee. File through the SLED Services Portal. Fees: $65 unarmed or $110 armed; registration is valid one year. Portal; Reg. 73‑408. ([applicants.sled.sc.gov](https://applicants.sled.sc.gov/?utm_source=openai))
6. While pending, follow the 30‑day limit. You may work up to 30 days after SLED receives your application, but you have no arrest authority and may not carry a firearm until your card is issued. SC Code §40‑18‑80(A)(2). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))
7. For armed status, obtain a Security Weapons Permit. Complete at least 4 hours of firearms training on your specific weapon, meet age 21+, and apply for the one‑year permit; some duties may also require a Security Concealed Weapons Permit. Reg. 73‑420 n.1; §40‑18‑100. ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/Chapter%2073.pdf?utm_source=openai))
8. Renew annually on time. File your renewal 30–60 days before expiration to avoid lapse. Reg. 73‑408(2)–(3). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/query.php?category=CODEOFREGS&conid=9141183&keyval=98034&numrows=100&result_pos=0&search=DOC&searchtext=media&utm_source=openai))

South Carolina security officer registration: what qualifies you

To register, you must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen, of good moral character, free of disqualifying criminal history, not unlawfully using drugs or abusing alcohol, and you must pass a SLED‑approved pre‑employment drug test. Registration is valid for one year and tied to your licensed employer. SC Code §40‑18‑80(A)(5), (A)(9). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))

How much does an SC security guard license cost?

State fees are fixed by regulation: $65 for unarmed registration and $110 for armed registration, per year. Replacement cards are $20. Your employer may also require you to cover training, drug testing, photo, and firearms qualification costs. See our detailed breakdown of South Carolina security guard license costs. Official fee schedule: Reg. 73‑408. ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/query.php?category=CODEOFREGS&conid=9141183&keyval=98034&numrows=100&result_pos=0&search=DOC&searchtext=media&utm_source=openai))

Armed security in South Carolina: permits and training

Armed security officers must first be registered, then obtain a SLED Security Weapons Permit (one year; age 21+) with proof of proficiency on the specific firearm type. SLED may also issue a Security Concealed Weapons Permit when it would help you perform assigned duties. SC Code §40‑18‑100; firearms training minimums appear in Reg. 73‑420 n.1. ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))

Working while your card is pending

South Carolina allows you to work up to 30 days after SLED receives your registration application, but you cannot exercise arrest authority or carry a firearm until the registration card is issued. Plan schedules accordingly with your employer. SC Code §40‑18‑80(A)(2). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))

Related South Carolina licensing paths

If your duties include investigative work for a fee, you may need a separate private investigator credential. Explore our step‑by‑step guide to the South Carolina private investigator license (2026) and compare estimated South Carolina PI licensing costs. For bodyguard roles off the protected property, armed carry may require SLED’s Security Concealed Weapons Permit. SLED PI overview. ([sled.sc.gov](https://www.sled.sc.gov/private-investigators?utm_source=openai))

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be employed before applying?

Yes. SLED only issues Security Officer Registration to individuals employed by a licensed security business; the employer verifies training and submits your application or directs you to do so. Registration is employer‑specific and valid for one year. SC Code §40‑18‑80(A)(5), (A)(9). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))

How many training hours are required in South Carolina?

The standard basic course is at least four hours and must include a written exam before duty. Armed officers must complete a separate, minimum four‑hour firearms block on the specific weapon type they’ll carry. Reg. 73‑420; Reg. 73‑420 n.1. ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/query.php?category=CODEOFREGS&conid=9141183&keyval=98034&numrows=100&result_pos=0&search=DOC&searchtext=media&utm_source=openai))

What’s the difference between armed and unarmed registration?

Both are one‑year SLED registrations; fees differ ($65 unarmed; $110 armed). To carry a firearm on duty, you must also obtain a SLED Security Weapons Permit (age 21+, proficiency proof). SLED may issue a Security Concealed Weapons Permit in limited cases. §40‑18‑100; Reg. 73‑408. ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))

Can I start working before my card arrives?

Yes, but only for up to 30 days after SLED receives your application. During that time, you have no arrest authority and cannot carry a firearm. After 30 days, you must stop until your card is issued. SC Code §40‑18‑80(A)(2). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))

Do individuals need insurance or a bond?

No. South Carolina’s $10,000 surety bond applies to licensed security businesses, not individual registered security officers. SC Code §40‑18‑60(B). ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php))

Ready to move forward? License Navigator can walk you through South Carolina’s SLED registration, required training, and armed authorization so you get approved the first time.