South Dakota Security Guard License

There is no state-issued security guard license in South Dakota. To work legally, meet any city requirements where you’ll work. Rapid City licenses both guards and security businesses with fingerprint/background checks and set fees; other cities may not. Armed duties must follow South Dakota firearms law and local rules.

Requirements last verified: 2026-09-29

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	No state security guard license. Local licensing where applicable (e.g., Rapid City Finance Office under Rapid City Municipal Code ch. 5.52). See the state’s list of occupational licensing agencies (security not listed) at SD DLR, and Rapid City’s program at Rapid City – Licenses.
State fees	None (no state guard license). Confirmed by the absence of any security-guard regulator on the official SD DLR occupational licensing agencies list.
Rapid City license fees (individual)	$75 initial; $50 renewal, plus SD DCI background check $26.75 and fingerprint fee $20; totals shown on the city’s current procedure sheet (rev. 12/09/2024) at Rapid City – Security License Procedure. Background/fingerprint fee authority: RCMC 2.20.030.
Rapid City license fees (company)	$250 initial; $200 renewal, plus SD DCI $26.75 and fingerprint $20 as applicable; fee table in the same official procedure sheet (rev. 12/09/2024): Rapid City – Security License Procedure.
Experience/training	No statewide standard. Rapid City authorizes the Chief of Police to require basic security instruction for applicants (RCMC 5.52.040). See ordinance text at Ordinance 5758 (RCMC ch. 5.52).
Exam	None at the state level; none prescribed in Rapid City ordinance (review/approval is by the Chief of Police per RCMC 5.52.050–.060). Source: RCMC ch. 5.52.
Minimum age	18 for Rapid City security applicants (age is part of the sworn application per RCMC 5.52.030). Source: RCMC ch. 5.52.
Insurance/bond	Rapid City requires security businesses to maintain at least $1,000,000 liability insurance per occurrence and to file proof with the City (RCMC 5.52.120 Insurance required). Source: RCMC ch. 5.52.
Armed work	No state guard permit. Rapid City: “No special security agent shall carry or use any firearm without a permit therefor as required by the state” (RCMC 5.52.120 Firearms). Always comply with current SD firearms law and local rules. Source: RCMC ch. 5.52.
Renewal cycle	State: N/A. Rapid City licenses issued for 24 months with biannual background check/fingerprints; renewal totals shown on the official procedure sheet (rev. 12/09/2024) at Rapid City – Security License Procedure.

How to get a security guard license in South Dakota

1. Confirm whether your city licenses guards. South Dakota has no statewide guard card. Use the state’s official agencies list to confirm there’s no state regulator (SD DLR) and check the city where you’ll work. Rapid City does license security under RCMC ch. 5.52 (Rapid City – Licenses).
2. If working in Rapid City, choose the correct license type. Individuals (merchant/private security) apply for an individual license; companies apply for a merchant security business license. See forms, fees, and steps in the city’s procedure sheet (rev. 12/09/2024): Security License Procedure.
3. Complete fingerprints and criminal background check. Schedule fingerprinting with Rapid City Police; pay the DCI fee and city rolling fee as listed (authority in RCMC 2.20.030; fingerprinting info at RCPD Fingerprinting).
4. Pay the license fees. Current Rapid City totals (individual/company, initial/renewal) are shown in the official fee table on the procedure sheet (rev. 12/09/2024): Security License Procedure.
5. Companies: provide proof of liability insurance. Rapid City requires at least $1,000,000 per-occurrence coverage for security businesses (RCMC 5.52.120). See ordinance: RCMC ch. 5.52.
6. Receive your approval and start work. The Chief of Police reviews applications and may require basic instruction (RCMC 5.52.040–.060). Keep your license and any required ID/badge with you while working. Source: RCMC ch. 5.52.
7. Renew on time. Rapid City security licenses are valid for 24 months; background check and fingerprints are required again at renewal. See schedule and totals on the official procedure sheet (rev. 12/09/2024): Security License Procedure.

South Dakota security guard license: statewide vs. local rules

South Dakota does not regulate or license security guards at the state level. You will not find a state guard card or a state registry on the official Department of Labor & Regulation list of occupational licensing agencies. Some cities, notably Rapid City, run their own licensing with fingerprints, background checks, fees, and insurance for companies under RCMC ch. 5.52 and the official procedure. The Attorney General similarly confirms there is no state licensure for private investigators, underscoring South Dakota’s local-first approach (SD Attorney General – FAQ).

How much does a security guard license cost in South Dakota?

Statewide cost: $0 (no state license). In Rapid City (as of the city’s 12/09/2024 procedure sheet), individual licenses total $121.75 to start and $96.75 to renew; company licenses total $296.75 to start and $246.75 to renew, including DCI and fingerprint fees (Rapid City – Security License Procedure; fee authority: RCMC 2.20.030). For a broader breakdown and budgeting tips, see our guide to SD security guard license cost (2026).

Armed security in South Dakota

There is no separate statewide armed-guard license. In Rapid City, ordinance language states that no special security agent may carry or use a firearm without any permit “as required by the state” (RCMC 5.52.120 Firearms) — always follow current South Dakota firearms law and any local conditions in your city (RCMC ch. 5.52).

Do I need a private investigator license too?

Some security roles overlap with investigations. South Dakota has no state PI license; the Attorney General notes only local or business registration may apply (AG FAQ). If you plan to add investigative services, see our step-by-step South Dakota Private Investigator guide and companion analysis of PI License Cost in South Dakota.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does South Dakota require a state security guard license?

No. South Dakota has no state-issued guard card or regulator listed on the official Department of Labor & Regulation’s occupational licensing agencies page. Licensing, if required, occurs at the city level (e.g., Rapid City under RCMC ch. 5.52). Sources: SD DLR; RCMC ch. 5.52.

How do I get licensed in Rapid City?

Apply through the City Finance Office, complete fingerprints and an SD Division of Criminal Investigation background check, pay the listed fees, and (for companies) provide proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance. The Chief of Police reviews applications. Sources: Rapid City – Licenses; Security License Procedure; RCMC ch. 5.52.

What are the Rapid City fees right now?

Per the city’s official procedure sheet (rev. 12/09/2024): individual $75 initial/$50 renewal plus DCI $26.75 and fingerprint $20; company $250 initial/$200 renewal plus DCI $26.75 and fingerprint $20. Totals are shown on the form. Authority for background/fingerprint fees: RCMC 2.20.030; procedure: Rapid City – Security License Procedure.

Is there a statewide training or exam?

No statewide training or exam. Rapid City allows the Chief of Police to require basic instruction for applicants and sets uniform/ID and conduct standards in ordinance. Source: RCMC ch. 5.52.

How long does approval take?

Processing depends on background check and city review. Rapid City provides fingerprint scheduling details and explains the review/appeal path in its official procedure and RCPD fingerprinting pages. Sources: Security License Procedure; RCPD Fingerprinting.

Ready to move forward? License Navigator can map the exact city-by-city path, estimate your true out-of-pocket costs, and keep you on top of renewals so you never lapse.