Arizona Security Guard License Costs

The security guard license cost in Arizona is $72 for unarmed ($50 AZDPS fee + $22 fingerprint processing). Going armed costs $122 as a new armed application, or $72 to upgrade an existing unarmed card, plus $10 per additional armed employer. All registrations are valid four years.

Requirements last verified: 2026-07-30

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), Security Guard & Private Investigator Licensing Unit. See the Security Guard section and fees on the AZDPS Licensing page. AZDPS Licensing
Application fees (individual)	Unarmed (new/renew): $50; Armed (new/renew): $100; Upgrade from Unarmed to Armed (one-time initial): $50; Additional Armed Employer registration: $10. Source: AZDPS fee table and Arizona Administrative Code R13-6-103. AZDPS fees · AAC R13-6-103
Fingerprint fee	$22 per fingerprint card; fingerprints are required for every security guard application. AZDPS (fingerprint requirement) · AZDPS SG Application Checklist
Minimum age	18 years old (A.R.S. § 32-2622). A.R.S. 32-2622
Training/exam	No state exam. Employers must provide required pre-assignment training; armed guards must complete 16 hours of firearms-safety instruction (and 8-hour refreshers) with a DPS-certified instructor (AAC R13-6-603). AAC R13-6-603 · A.R.S. 32-2632
Armed status prerequisites	An employer must request and authorize armed status on the application (A.R.S. § 32-2623). A.R.S. 32-2623
Insurance/bond	No individual guard insurance requirement. Agencies must show general liability coverage of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate before license issuance. AZDPS Licensing (insurance)
Renewal cycle	4 years for all registrations; AZDPS recommends filing renewals within 180 days of expiration (AAC R13-6-302). AZDPS (4-year term)
Processing time	Allow at least 15 business days after submitting your application; ID cards are printed and mailed after approval. AZDPS processing
Fee waivers	Initial license fee waived for qualifying low-income applicants, recent veterans, and active-duty spouses under A.R.S. 41-1080.01; the $22 fingerprint fee still applies. AZDPS (fee waiver note)

How to get your Arizona security guard license and what it costs

1. Create your AZDPS Public Services Portal account. Start online to apply and track status. AZDPS Public Services Portal
2. Complete required training. Your employing agency must provide pre-assignment training; for armed status, complete 16 hours of firearms-safety training with a DPS-certified instructor and obtain the signed Armed Security Guard Training Verification form. AAC R13-6-603
3. Get fingerprinted. Submit a classifiable fingerprint card and pay the $22 fingerprint processing fee. AZDPS SG Checklist
4. Submit the application and fees. Unarmed: pay $50. Armed: pay $100 if applying as armed; or $50 to upgrade an existing unarmed card (first time). Add $10 for each additional armed employer listing. AZDPS fees · AAC R13-6-103
5. Employer authorization for armed status. Your employer must request and authorize armed status within your armed application. A.R.S. 32-2623
6. Watch for approval and card mailing. AZDPS advises allowing at least 15 business days; after approval, your card is printed and mailed. AZDPS processing
7. Renew every four years. Renew within 180 days before expiration; pay the same registration fee (unarmed $50; armed $100) plus a new $22 fingerprint fee. AZDPS (4-year term) · AAC R13-6-302

Security guard license cost in Arizona: detailed breakdown

Arizona publishes exact fees in rule. For most applicants, the out-of-pocket state payments are:

• Unarmed (new/renew): $50 application + $22 fingerprint = $72. AZDPS fees · Fingerprint $22
• Armed (apply as armed): $100 application + $22 fingerprint = $122. AZDPS fees
• Upgrade from Unarmed to Armed (first time): $50 upgrade + $22 fingerprint = $72. AAC R13-6-103 (upgrade)
• Additional Armed Employer: $10 per added employer on your armed registration. AZDPS fees

Remember that training tuition (unarmed/armed courses) is separate and paid to your instructor or agency; the state does not set those prices. Armed training content and instructor credentials are mandated by rule. AAC R13-6-603

Eligibility, age, and armed authorization

You must be 18 or older and meet statutory background criteria to qualify for a registration certificate. A.R.S. 32-2622. To be registered as armed, your employer must formally request and authorize your armed status in the application, and you must complete the firearms training noted above. A.R.S. 32-2623 · AAC R13-6-603

Renewal timing and what to budget

All AZ security guard registrations are valid for four years. AZDPS recommends submitting renewals within 180 days of expiration. Budget the same registration fee (unarmed $50 or armed $100) plus another $22 fingerprint processing fee at renewal. AZDPS term/processing · AAC R13-6-302

Costs if you plan to start or work for a security guard agency

Individual guards do not need their own insurance or bond. Agencies, however, must file proof of $100,000 per occurrence / $300,000 aggregate general liability coverage before license issuance. If you’re exploring agency ownership or multi-state operations, see our 2026 industry guide for strategy and compliance pitfalls. AZDPS (insurance requirement) · navigating private security & investigative agency licensing

Comparing costs: guards vs. investigators in Arizona

Fees for security guards differ from private investigator credentials. If you’re weighing both career paths or planning cross-licensing, review our PI resources next for exact Arizona PI costs and the full PI application roadmap: private investigator license cost in Arizona and how to get a private investigator license in Arizona.

Related License Navigator guides: Security guard license cost in Georgia: 2026 prices · Security guard license cost in Illinois: exact 2026 fees · Security guard license cost in Arkansas: exact 2026 fees

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total out-of-pocket state cost to get an unarmed guard card?

$72 total: $50 AZDPS unarmed registration fee plus the $22 fingerprint processing fee. AZDPS fees · AZDPS fingerprint fee

How much does it cost to become an armed security guard in Arizona?

If you apply as armed, pay $100 plus $22 fingerprint ($122). If you already hold an unarmed card, the one-time upgrade fee is $50 plus the $22 fingerprint ($72). Add $10 per additional armed employer. AZDPS fees · AAC R13-6-103

Do I need an employer to get armed status?

Yes. Your employer must request and authorize your armed registration on your application. A.R.S. 32-2623

Is there a state exam for the Arizona guard card?

No state exam. However, employers must provide required pre-assignment training, and armed applicants must complete the state-specified firearms-safety curriculum with a DPS-certified instructor. A.R.S. 32-2632 · AAC R13-6-603

How long is the Arizona guard card valid, and what does renewal cost?

Four years. Budget the same registration fee (unarmed $50; armed $100) plus the $22 fingerprint fee at renewal; submit within 180 days before expiration for smooth processing. AZDPS term/renewal guidance · AAC R13-6-302

Who qualifies for fee waivers?

Under A.R.S. 41-1080.01, AZDPS may waive the initial license fee for qualifying low‑income applicants, recent veterans, and active‑duty spouses; the $22 fingerprint fee still applies. AZDPS (fee waiver note)

Want a custom checklist with only the fees and steps you need? License Navigator can build your Arizona security guard licensing plan in minutes—so you get licensed fast and on budget.