Georgia Security Guard License
In Georgia, only armed security guard employees register with the state. The Board charges $70 plus a $5 online processing surcharge ($10 if paper), with separate vendor fingerprint fees. Unarmed guards pay no state registration fee. Employee registrations renew every odd‑year by August 31 for $65.
The security guard license cost in Georgia depends on whether you’ll be armed. Unarmed guards are not state‑registered. Armed security guard employee registration costs $70 to the Georgia Board plus a $5 online (or $10 paper) processing fee, with separate third‑party fingerprint fees; renewal is $65 every odd‑year by Aug. 31. Fee schedule, renewal dates, and armed/unarmed rules.
Requirements last verified: 2026-07-30
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing/registration agency | Georgia State Board of Private Detective & Security Agencies (Georgia Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division). Board page |
| Who must register | Armed security guard employees must be registered by their licensed employer; unarmed guards are not registered but must complete Board‑mandated training. SOS FAQ |
| Initial Board fee (armed guard) | $70 registration fee, plus $5 online processing surcharge (or $10 if paper). Application & fee schedule (p.3) |
| Fingerprint/background fee | Paid to the State’s live‑scan vendor during scheduling (separate from Board fees). Instructions reference Fieldprint for GAPS processing. Amount set by the vendor. Instructions |
| Training (unarmed) | Minimum 24 hours basic security officer training before working. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 509-3-.02 |
| Training (armed) | 24‑hour basic course plus firearms curriculum with at least 15 hours handgun instruction and 80% range qualification. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 509-3 (firearms curriculum) |
| Minimum age | Unarmed employment: at least 18; Armed guard registration: at least 21 (per Board guidance). O.C.G.A. § 43-38-7; SOS FAQ |
| Employer insurance/bond | Company must maintain $25,000 surety bond, or ≥$1,000,000 liability insurance, or ≥$50,000 net‑worth affidavit. Applies to companies, not individual employees. O.C.G.A. § 43-38-6(d) |
| Renewal | $65 on‑time renewal for employee registrations; all employee registrations and weapon permits expire August 31 of odd‑numbered years; late fee $80. Fee schedule; 509-2-.01 |
| Continuing education | Registered security employees: 8 hours CE per renewal period (first renewal exempt). 509-3-.12 |
How to calculate the security guard license cost in Georgia
- Confirm role (armed vs. unarmed). Unarmed security guards are not registered with the Board, so there’s no state registration fee—only required training costs. Armed guards must be registered by a licensed employer. SOS FAQ
- Add Board application fees. For an armed guard, budget $70 to the Board plus a $5 online processing surcharge (or $10 if submitting a paper packet). Board fee schedule
- Include fingerprint costs. Georgia requires a GCIC/FBI fingerprint check processed via GAPS with scheduling through Fieldprint; you’ll pay the vendor at booking. Results typically post to the Board within about 48 hours of printing. Instructions
- Account for training. All guards need the 24‑hour basic course; armed guards also need handgun training and range qualification (80% minimum). Training pricing is set by providers, not the Board. 509-3-.02 and firearms curriculum
- Plan for renewal. Employee registrations renew every odd‑numbered year by August 31: $65, plus 8 hours of CE for security employees (first renewal exempt). Late renewal is $80. 509-2-.01; fee schedule; 509-3-.12
Security guard license cost in Georgia: armed vs. unarmed
In Georgia, unarmed guards are not registered with the state—your cost is training only. Armed guards must be registered by a licensed private security company and pay Board fees ($70 + $5 online surcharge) and live‑scan fingerprint fees, plus any employer‑required equipment and training costs. SOS FAQ; Board fee schedule
Georgia security guard registration fees and billing details
The Board’s employee registration fee for armed guards is a one‑time $70 at application, with a $5 online processing surcharge ($10 if paper). Renewal for all employee registrations is $65; late renewal $80. A $25 fee applies if you later add or change weapon type. See fee table
Training and exam costs for a Georgia security guard license
Georgia mandates 24 hours of basic security training for all guards and an additional firearms curriculum (minimum 15 hours handgun instruction plus range qualification at 80% or better) for armed status. There’s no written state exam for employee registration—exams apply to company licensure only. 509-3 training rules; 509-2 (company exams)
Key Georgia security guard deadlines and eligibility
Employee registrations and weapons permits expire August 31 of odd‑numbered years. Unarmed work is permitted at 18; armed registration requires 21 per Board guidance. Companies, not employees, carry bond/insurance. 509-2-.01; O.C.G.A. § 43‑38‑7; SOS FAQ; O.C.G.A. § 43‑38‑6
Related Georgia licensing guidance
If you’re considering supervising staff or opening a firm, review our plain‑English walkthrough of Georgia private security company licensing requirements. Exploring investigations work? Compare processes and pricing in our guide to the private investigator license cost in Georgia.
Related License Navigator guides: Security guard license cost in Illinois: exact 2026 fees · Security guard license cost in Arkansas: exact 2026 fees · Security guard license cost in Arizona: exact 2026 fees
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an armed security guard license in Georgia?
Expect $70 to the Georgia Board plus a $5 online processing surcharge (or $10 paper), separate live‑scan fingerprint fees paid to the vendor, and provider‑set training costs for the 24‑hour basic course and firearms curriculum. Renewal is $65 every odd‑year by August 31. Board fees; renewal dates.
Do unarmed security guards pay any Georgia state license fee?
No. Unarmed security guards are not registered with the state, so there’s no Board registration fee—only training costs with a Board‑approved instructor. SOS FAQ; 509‑3 training rule.
Is there a state exam for Georgia security guard employees?
No written state exam is required for employee registration. Exams apply to company licenses (security agency or private detective agency). Armed employees must complete firearms training and qualify at 80% or better. 509‑2 (company exams); 509‑3 firearms curriculum.
When do Georgia security guard registrations expire and what is the renewal fee?
Employee registrations and weapon permits expire August 31 of each odd‑numbered year. The on‑time employee renewal fee is $65; late renewal is $80. Security employees need 8 hours of CE per renewal (first renewal exempt). 509‑2‑.01; 509‑3‑.12.
What age do I need to be to work security in Georgia?
You can work unarmed at 18 (no state registration). To be registered as an armed guard, Board guidance requires you to be at least 21 and meet all statutory and training requirements. O.C.G.A. § 43‑38‑7; SOS FAQ.
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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.