Illinois Security Guard License
In Illinois, expect to pay $55 for a PERC, plus fingerprint vendor and training costs. If you’ll work armed, add a $10 FOID and a $75 FCC, plus the 48‑hour firearm course. PERC renews every three years on May 31 for $45; FCC renews for $45. All figures are from IDFPR/ILGA.
The security guard license cost in Illinois centers on state-set fees: a PERC (Permanent Employee Registration Card) costs $55, a Firearm Control Card (for armed work) costs $75, and a FOID card (armed only) costs $10. Renewals are $45 each for PERC and FCC. Vendor fingerprint fees are separate and paid to the provider. See sources: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570, 430 ILCS 65/5.
Requirements last verified: 2026-07-30
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) – Security Professions. Apply/renew via IDFPR (CORE). IDFPR Security Professions. |
| Base credential (unarmed) | PERC (Permanent Employee Registration Card) required for security employees. Fee: $55. 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570(a)(5); also shown on IDFPR PERC form: PERC application. |
| Fingerprint/background | Electronic fingerprint processing is paid to the ISP-approved vendor at the vendor’s cost (IDFPR does not set the amount). 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570(c)(2). |
| Training (unarmed) | Minimum 20 hours within 30 days of employment; plus 8 hours within 6 months; and 8 hours refresher annually. 225 ILCS 447/25-20. |
| Armed authorization | Requires FOID ($10) and FCC ($75). FOID fee per statute; FCC fee per rule. 430 ILCS 65/5; 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570(a)(6); FCC required by 225 ILCS 447/35-35. |
| Firearm training (armed) | 48 hours initial (20 hrs core + 8 hrs live fire + 20 hrs legal/safety topics) and an exam; plus 8 hours firearm refresher each calendar year. 225 ILCS 447/35-40. |
| Minimum age | 18 years minimum to apply for a PERC. IDFPR PERC application. |
| Insurance/bond | Not required for individual PERC holders. Agencies (private security contractors) must maintain general liability insurance. 225 ILCS 447/25-10(b). |
| Renewal | PERC renewal $45; PERC expires on May 31 every three years (cycle). 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570(b)(5); cycle stated on IDFPR form: PERC application. FCC renewal $45 (period per card). 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570(b)(6); IDFPR FCC renewal notice: FCC renewal form. |
How to calculate your total security guard license cost in Illinois
- Decide unarmed vs. armed. Unarmed roles require only the PERC; armed roles require PERC + FOID + FCC and firearm training. See 225 ILCS 447/35-35 and 35-40.
- Budget mandatory fees. PERC $55; FOID $10 (armed only); FCC $75 (armed). Renewal fees are $45 for PERC and $45 for FCC. 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570; 430 ILCS 65/5.
- Account for fingerprints. Illinois requires live scan fingerprints; you pay the vendor’s set price directly (state sets no amount). 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570(c)(2).
- Complete required training. Unarmed: 20 hours within 30 days, +8 hours in 6 months, +8 hours annually. Armed: 48 hours initial + annual 8-hour firearm refresher. 225 ILCS 447/25-20; 35-40.
- Apply through IDFPR. Submit your PERC (and, if armed, FCC) via IDFPR’s system; FOID is handled by the Illinois State Police. IDFPR Security Professions; Illinois State Police FOID.
Security guard license cost in Illinois: deeper breakdown
If you plan to stay unarmed, your mandatory state costs are typically the PERC fee ($55) plus your fingerprint vendor’s charge. Armed security adds the FOID card ($10) and the FCC ($75), along with the 48-hour firearm course and annual refresher mandated by law. Statutory and rule citations: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570; 430 ILCS 65/5; 225 ILCS 447/35-35; 225 ILCS 447/35-40.
Illinois security guard license requirements that drive cost
PERC: the baseline credential for security employees
Illinois requires a PERC for security employees. You must be at least 18, pass a background check with fingerprints, and complete statutory training timelines. Cost highlights: $55 application, $45 renewal every three years (May 31 cycle). Sources: IDFPR PERC application (fees, cycle, 18+); 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570; training: 225 ILCS 447/25-20.
Armed roles: FOID + FCC + firearm training
Armed guards need a valid FOID ($10) from the Illinois State Police and a Firearm Control Card ($75) from IDFPR; employers cannot allow armed duties without a valid FCC. Initial firearm training is 48 hours with a written and range exam, plus 8 hours annually. Statutes/rules: 430 ILCS 65/5; 225 ILCS 447/35-35; 225 ILCS 447/35-40; fees: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570.
Renewal timing and what it costs to stay current
PERC renews on a three‑year cycle ending May 31, at $45 per renewal. FCC renewals are $45; your card shows its expiration. FOID typically renews on a 10‑year cycle ($10) with some automatic renewal pathways. Sources: IDFPR PERC application (cycle); 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570; 20 Ill. Adm. Code 1230.30.
Costs beyond state fees
You’ll also encounter training provider charges for the 20‑hour basic course (unarmed) and the 48‑hour firearm course (armed), plus fingerprint vendor fees. These are market‑priced, not set by the state. Fingerprint payment language is in 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570(c)(2).
If you’re comparing pathways (employee PERC vs. starting an agency), review our Illinois overview of private security license requirements in Illinois. If you’re weighing armed security against investigative work, see our guide to Illinois private investigator licensing laws.
Related License Navigator guides: Security guard license cost in Georgia: 2026 prices · Security guard license cost in Arkansas: exact 2026 fees · Security guard license cost in Arizona: exact 2026 fees
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum price to start working unarmed?
At minimum, budget the PERC fee ($55) plus your fingerprint vendor’s charge and the 20‑hour basic training cost. The state sets the $55 PERC fee, while fingerprinting and training prices are provider‑set. Sources: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570; 225 ILCS 447/25-20.
How much more does it cost to work armed?
Add FOID ($10) and FCC ($75) to the unarmed costs, plus the 48‑hour firearm course and qualifications. Annual 8‑hour firearm refresher training is also required. See 430 ILCS 65/5, 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570, and 225 ILCS 447/35-40.
Are there state exams for security guards?
There is no state exam for the PERC itself. However, armed roles must pass the firearm course’s written and range qualification exam as part of the 48‑hour training. Source: 225 ILCS 447/35-40(a)(2).
How often do I renew and what are the renewal fees?
PERC renews every three years on May 31 for $45. FCC renewals are $45 (see your card for the expiration date). FOID generally renews every 10 years for $10. Sources: IDFPR PERC application; 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570; 20 Ill. Adm. Code 1230.30.
What age do I need to be for a PERC and FCC?
You must be at least 18 to apply for a PERC. For armed work, you also need a valid FOID (armed eligibility criteria apply under 430 ILCS 65). Sources: IDFPR PERC application; 430 ILCS 65/5.
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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.