Utah Security Guard License: How To
Utah licenses security officers through DOPL. Unarmed applicants complete an approved 8‑hour basic course; Armed applicants add a 12‑hour firearms course. Apply to DOPL, submit fingerprints, and pay the $60 fee. Renew on Nov. 30 of even years, with 32 CE hours per cycle (plus firearm CE for Armed).
To get a security guard license in Utah, complete a Division‑approved 8‑hour basic course (armed adds a 12‑hour firearms course), submit fingerprints for a BCI/FBI background check, and apply to Utah DOPL online or by form with the $60 fee; licenses renew Nov. 30 of even years. Armed officers must also complete firearm CE every six months.
Requirements last verified: 2026-09-29
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) – Security Companies & Guards (Unarmed; Armed) |
| Minimum training | Unarmed: Division‑approved 8‑hour basic course. Armed: 8‑hour basic + Division‑approved 12‑hour firearms course (DOPL; DOPL). |
| Exam | No state licensing exam for Unarmed, Armed, or Armored Car Security Officers (DOPL Exam Information). |
| Background check & fingerprints | BCI/FBI fingerprint‑based check required; submit via authorized vendor or FD‑258 cards after applying (DOPL Fingerprinting). |
| Fees | Initial application: $60 (Unarmed or Armed). Renewal: $42. Additional vendor fees apply for fingerprints (DOPL Fee Schedule). |
| Minimum age | Armed: 18+ at application (Utah Admin. Code R156‑63a‑302e). Unarmed: rule does not specify a separate minimum age; employers typically require 18. |
| Continuing education (CE) | 32 hours CE every 2‑year cycle for Armed and Unarmed; Armed adds 16 hours firearm CE in 4‑hour blocks every 6 months (DOPL CE Presentation; R156‑63a). |
| Renewal cycle | Licenses renew on November 30 of even‑numbered years; DOPL emails notices ~90 days prior (DOPL CE Presentation). |
| Insurance/bond | Not required of individual officers; contract security companies must carry liability insurance (R156‑63a‑302d). |
| Application form | Apply online or use the Security Officer Application PDF (Online portal; Security Officer Application). |
How to get a security guard license in Utah
- Complete required training. Take a DOPL‑approved 8‑hour basic course; add the 12‑hour firearms course if you want an Armed license (Unarmed; Armed).
- Submit your application to DOPL. Apply online or by PDF form and pay the $60 application fee (Online portal; Application; Fee schedule).
- Complete fingerprints. After DOPL emails your authorization, submit electronic prints with an authorized vendor or mail two FD‑258 cards; vendor fees are paid directly (Fingerprinting instructions).
- Watch for DOPL approval or interim permit. DOPL processes your background and training. You may be issued an interim permit per rule while full licensure finalizes (R156‑63a‑302g).
- Maintain your license. Complete 32 hours CE each cycle (plus firearm CE for Armed) and renew by November 30 of even years (DOPL CE guide).
Utah security guard license requirements explained
Training hours and approved programs
Utah requires an 8‑hour basic education for all private security officers and an additional 12‑hour firearms course for Armed applicants. DOPL’s pages outline these prerequisites and link to approved programs and provider criteria (Unarmed; Armed).
Background checks and fingerprinting
All applicants undergo BCI and FBI checks using authorized electronic vendors or FD‑258 cards after submitting the license application. DOPL explains the steps, timelines, and that vendor fees are paid directly to the fingerprint provider (DOPL Fingerprinting).
Do Utah security guards take a state exam?
No. DOPL confirms there is no state licensing examination for Unarmed, Armed, or Armored Car Security Officers (company qualifiers do test) (Exam Information).
License fees and real‑world costs
DOPL’s fee schedule lists a $60 initial application and $42 renewal for Unarmed and Armed officers; fingerprint vendor fees are extra and paid to the provider (DOPL Fee Schedule; Fingerprinting). For budgeting tips, see our breakdown of Security Guard License Cost in Utah and compare with our cross‑state guides like Indiana Security Guard License Costs.
Age, eligibility, and statutory rules
Utah rule sets the Armed officer minimum age at 18 at application. Core qualifications, disqualifying convictions, and training minimums are in Title 58, Chapter 63 and the R156‑63a rules (R156‑63a‑302e; Utah Code §58‑63‑302; R156‑63a).
Continuing education and renewal timing
Both Unarmed and Armed officers must complete 32 hours of CE every 2‑year cycle; Armed officers must also complete 16 hours of firearms CE in four‑hour blocks every six months. Licenses renew on November 30 of even‑numbered years (DOPL CE Presentation).
Upgrading, endorsements, and related licenses
Already licensed elsewhere? Utah may allow licensure by endorsement for both Unarmed and Armed officers if your jurisdiction is approved. Considering investigative work later? See our step‑by‑step on the Utah Private Investigator License to understand added requirements (separate credential) (DOPL Unarmed; DOPL Armed).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Utah security guard license?
Time varies with training completion and fingerprint/background processing. DOPL requires you to submit prints after you apply; electronic submissions are fastest. You may receive an interim permit under rule while full review finalizes, then your license issues before the next renewal date (Fingerprinting; R156‑63a‑302g).
Do I need insurance or a bond to be licensed as an individual guard?
No. Insurance applies to licensed contract security companies, not individual officers. Individuals must meet training and background requirements and keep CE current; companies must maintain liability insurance per rule (R156‑63a‑302d).
What continuing education do I need to renew?
Unarmed and Armed officers each need 32 hours of CE every two years. Armed officers also need 16 hours of firearms CE completed in 4‑hour blocks every six months. Renewal occurs November 30 of even years, with DOPL reminders sent about 90 days prior (DOPL CE Presentation).
Is there a state exam for Utah security guards?
No state exam is required for Unarmed, Armed, or Armored Car Security Officer licenses. Exams apply only to company qualifiers (e.g., contract security company qualifying agent) (DOPL Exam Information).
How much does a Utah security guard license cost?
The DOPL application fee is $60 (Unarmed or Armed); renewal is $42. Expect additional out‑of‑pocket costs for your training courses and fingerprint vendor fees. For a full cost breakdown and budgeting tips, read our guide to Security Guard License Cost in Utah and cross‑state comparisons.
Ready to move forward? License Navigator can walk you through Utah’s training, fingerprints, and forms—step by step—so you can get licensed faster and stay compliant on renewal.
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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.