Get a Vermont Security Guard License

To get a security guard license in Vermont, you must be at least 18, complete 40 hours of approved security training, pass the Vermont security exam, and (to practice independently) document two years of qualifying security experience. Apply online with the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation and pay the required fees.

Requirements last verified: 2026-09-29

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Vermont Secretary of State – Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), Private Investigative & Security Services. See program page and statutes/rules: OPR program; 26 V.S.A. ch. 59.
Minimum age	18 years for licensed security guards (admin rules). Administrative Rules (2026).
Training	40 hours of approved private security training required for licensure. Administrative Rules (Licensed Security Guard Training – 40 hours).
Exam	Must pass the security services licensure examination. Authority: 26 V.S.A. § 3175; referenced in § 3174.
Experience (to practice independently)	At least two years of satisfactory security work experience to practice independently as a licensed security guard. 26 V.S.A. § 3174(c).
Background check	OPR may inquire into character/integrity; fingerprint-based background check is required for armed security specialties. § 3174(b); OPR Background Checks.
Fees (individual license)	Licensed PI/Security Guard (Code 066): UNARMED $140 application / $175 renewal; ARMED $205 application / $230 renewal. Renewal cycle: May 31 of odd years. OPR fee schedule.
Employee registration (alternative)	Registered Investigative/Security Employee (unarmed) $95 application / $70 renewal; armed $150 / $140. Registration requires 8 hours training and agency employment/supervision. Fee schedule; § 3176; Administrative Rules.
Insurance/Bond	No bond specified for individual licensed guards in statute/rules; separate business requirements apply to licensed agencies. See OPR Forms & Instructions and Agency application instructions.
Renewal	Biennial on May 31 of odd-numbered years via OPR Online Services. OPR fee & renewal dates.

How to get a security guard license in Vermont (step-by-step)

1. Decide your pathway: licensed guard vs. registered employee. If you’ll work under an agency’s supervision, consider becoming a Registered Security Employee. To operate independently or serve as a qualifying agent, pursue the licensed security guard credential. See § 3176 (employees) and § 3174 (licenses).
2. Complete approved training. Take the 40-hour licensed security guard course outlined in the Administrative Rules. Keep completion documentation for your application. Administrative Rules – Licensed Security Guard Training.
3. Prepare for and pass the Vermont security exam. The Director administers a separate exam for private security services to test lawful and safe practice. 26 V.S.A. § 3175.
4. Document two years of qualifying experience (for independent practice). Gather employer letters, W‑2s, or licensure verifications showing at least two years of acceptable security experience. § 3174(c).
5. Apply online with OPR. Create an account and submit your Licensed Private Investigator/Security Guard application (Code 066), upload training/experience evidence, and pay the application fee. OPR program page.
6. Request required background checks (armed only). If adding an armed specialty, follow OPR fingerprint instructions (FD‑258 card) and mail packets to the Vermont Crime Information Center. OPR Background Checks.
7. Maintain and renew on schedule. Track the fixed renewal date (May 31, odd years) and pay the renewal fee; add specialties (e.g., armed) in your OPR account after licensure. OPR fees/renewal dates; Program FAQs.

Vermont security guard license: training, exam, and experience explained

Vermont’s Administrative Rules require a 40‑hour licensed security guard course covering defined topics, plus a state security exam. Independent practice additionally requires two years of acceptable experience; otherwise, you may work as a registered employee under a licensed agency after only 8 hours of pre‑employment training. See Administrative Rules and § 3175.

Costs and renewal for a Vermont security guard license

OPR publishes profession‑specific fees and a synchronized renewal calendar. As of today, the Licensed PI/Security Guard application is $140 (unarmed) or $205 (armed) with renewals at $175 or $230, respectively; renewals occur May 31 of odd years. Compare figures and budget using our breakdown of the Security Guard License Cost in Vermont. Official fees: OPR fee schedule.

Working under an agency vs. independent practice

If you’ll work as an employee, register as an Investigative/Security Employee and ensure your agency files your registration and supervises you, per § 3176. To run your own book of business or qualify an agency, you need the licensed security guard credential and the two‑year experience minimum in § 3174(c). If you plan to expand into investigations, read our guide on How to Get a PI License in Vermont and the Vermont Private Investigator License costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need two years of experience to get licensed as a Vermont security guard?

You must complete the 40‑hour course and pass the exam to be licensed. To practice independently as a licensed guard (not just as a registered employee), Vermont requires at least two years of satisfactory security experience. See 26 V.S.A. § 3174(c) and the Administrative Rules.

What’s the difference between a registered security employee and a licensed security guard?

A registered employee works under a licensed agency’s supervision and typically completes 8 hours of training; a licensed security guard completes 40 hours, passes the exam, and—if practicing independently—meets the two‑year experience rule. See § 3176 and Administrative Rules.

Are fingerprints required?

Fingerprint‑based checks are required for armed private investigators and armed security guards. Unarmed applicants may still be reviewed for character and fitness. See OPR’s Criminal Background Checks and § 3174(b).

How much does a Vermont security guard license cost?

OPR lists Licensed PI/Security Guard fees: application $140 (unarmed) or $205 (armed); renewal $175 (unarmed) or $230 (armed). Registered employee fees are lower. Renewals occur May 31 in odd years. Source: OPR Fee Schedule.

Can I add an armed specialty later?

Yes. After you hold an active license, you can log into your OPR account and add an armed specialty; you’ll need approved firearms training and fingerprint processing. See program FAQs and Background Checks.

What uniforms or badges are allowed for Vermont security guards?

Uniforms, badges, and insignia must not suggest law enforcement authority; the distinction must be clear from front and back. See program FAQs and rule guidance.

Ready to move forward? License Navigator can walk you through training choices, exam prep, documentation, and your OPR online application—so you get licensed in Vermont with fewer delays.