Security Guard License in Virginia
Virginia regulates security officers through DCJS. Unarmed applicants complete 01E training, submit the registration, fingerprints, and criminal history fees, then await background clearance. Armed officers must add 05E/075E and a separate annual firearm endorsement. Renew registration every two years (4 hours in‑service).
To get a security guard license in Virginia, complete DCJS-approved entry training (01E – 18 hours), submit the Initial Registration Application, fingerprints, and criminal history form with fees, then wait for background clearance. Armed work also requires a firearms endorsement and additional courses (05E + 075E). See steps below.
Requirements last verified: 2026-09-29
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Private Security Services. Program page; authority in 6VAC20-174. Regulations. |
| Minimum age & eligibility | Must be 18+ and a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien. DCJS Unarmed Security Officer page. |
| Training (unarmed) | 01E Security Officer Core Subjects – 18 hours with written exam. 6VAC20-174-330. |
| Training (armed add-on) | Total 50 hours (53 w/ shotgun): 01E (18) + 05E Arrest Authority (8) + 075E Handgun (24) [+ 08E Shotgun (3) if applicable]. 6VAC20-174-220. |
| Application (initial) | Initial Registration Application (2-year) fee $39. Form PSS-RA. DCJS form. |
| Fingerprinting & background | Fingerprint processing fee $50 (PSS-FP) + Criminal History Processing fee $25; submit via Fieldprint. Processing can take up to 60 business days. 6VAC20-172-20 (fees) • PSS-FP • Criminal History Processing Form • DCJS fingerprint FAQ. |
| Firearms endorsement (armed) | Annual firearm endorsement fee $10; retraining required within 90 days before each annual expiration. 6VAC20-174-20 (fee) • DCJS Firearms Endorsement. |
| Renewal (registration) | Every 2 years; renewal fee $34; complete 4 hours in-service (01I). PSS-RR (renewal app) • 6VAC20-174-330 (01I). |
| Insurance/bond | No insurance/bond for individual registrants. Private security businesses must carry $100,000 liability or surety bond. DCJS Private Security FAQs. |
| Work while pending | Unarmed may work up to 90 consecutive days after fingerprints are submitted (with employer’s 90‑day authorization) while completing 01E and awaiting registration. DCJS Unarmed page. |
How to get a security guard license in Virginia
- Confirm eligibility. You must be 18+ and a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien. DCJS eligibility.
- Complete entry training. Take 01E Security Officer Core Subjects (18 hours) at a DCJS‑certified school. 6VAC20-174-330.
- Create your DCJS online account and apply. Submit the Initial Registration Application (PSS‑RA) online and pay the $39 fee. Online licensing portal • PSS‑RA.
- Submit background checks. File the Criminal History Processing Form ($25) and schedule electronic fingerprints (PSS‑FP; $50). Criminal History Processing Form • PSS‑FP • Processing timelines.
- Begin work if unarmed (optional). After fingerprints are submitted, you may work up to 90 days while finishing training and awaiting your temp/permanent registration, if your employer issues the required authorization. DCJS guidance.
- Add armed authority if needed. Complete 05E (8 hrs) and 075E (24 hrs) [+08E shotgun 3 hrs if needed], then apply for the firearm endorsement ($10; renew annually). 6VAC20-174-220 • 6VAC20-174-20 • DCJS Firearms.
- Maintain your credential. Complete 4 hours in‑service (01I) every 24 months and renew your registration ($34). If armed, complete firearms retraining within 90 days before each annual firearm endorsement expiration. PSS‑RR • DCJS Firearms.
- Expect background timing. Fingerprint results to DCJS can take up to 60 business days; plan your start date and renewals accordingly. DCJS fingerprint FAQ.
Virginia security guard license: unarmed vs. armed
Virginia calls this a DCJS “registration.” Unarmed security officers complete 01E (18 hrs) and register for two years. Armed officers must first be registered, then add an annual firearm endorsement after 05E + 075E (and 08E if carrying shotgun). 6VAC20-174-220 & 330; DCJS Firearms Endorsement.
Fees to get a VA security guard license
Your total state fees typically include: $39 initial registration, $50 fingerprint processing, $25 criminal history processing, and (if armed) $10 for the firearm endorsement each year. Training school tuition is separate. For budgeting tips, see our breakdown in Virginia security guard license costs. Sources: PSS‑RA; 6VAC20-172-20; Criminal History Processing; 6VAC20-174-20.
How long does it take?
Training time varies by provider. Background checks can take up to 60 business days after fingerprint submission, per DCJS. Plan ahead so you don’t lapse—especially if you also maintain the annual firearm endorsement. DCJS fingerprint timeline.
Key Virginia DCJS security guard forms
Initial Registration Application (PSS‑RA), Renewal Registration (PSS‑RR), Fingerprint Processing (PSS‑FP), and Criminal History Processing Form are all required at different stages. Access them via DCJS or the links in the table above. DCJS online portal.
Related Virginia credentials you might add later
Some officers eventually cross-train into investigations. If that’s you, compare requirements in our guide to the Virginia Private Investigator License and our 2026 checklist of Private Investigator License Requirements in Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a state exam for Virginia security guards?
No separate state exam. However, DCJS entry-level courses (01E, 05E, 075E, etc.) include written examinations you must pass to receive credit. 6VAC20-174 Part VIII.
Can I start working before my card arrives?
Unarmed only: yes, up to 90 consecutive days after fingerprints are submitted, with your employer’s 90‑day authorization while you finish training and your registration processes. Armed work requires the firearm endorsement first. DCJS Unarmed guidance.
How often do I renew?
Your DCJS registration renews every two years with 4 hours of in‑service (01I). If armed, your firearm endorsement expires annually and requires retraining within the 90 days before expiration. PSS‑RR • Firearms Endorsement.
What disqualifies applicants?
DCJS reviews criminal history; certain felonies and specified misdemeanors can lead to denial. Each case is evaluated under agency guidelines. DCJS Private Security FAQs.
Do I need insurance as an individual guard?
No. Individuals do not need a bond or liability policy to register. Licensed private security businesses (your employer) must maintain required insurance or a $100,000 surety bond. DCJS FAQs.
Need help mapping your exact steps and costs? License Navigator can walk you through every DCJS form, deadline, and fee—so you can focus on landing shifts, not paperwork.
Want it filed for you? Talk to a licensing expert
Published by
About this publication
Licensing Navigator researches business licensing requirements and organizes them into practical, state-by-state guidance. Our pages are research aids, not legal advice.