How to get a security guard license in Nevada

Nevada licenses unarmed security guards individually. The credential is the Work Card (registration as a private patrol officer/security guard employee), issued by the Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board (PILB), NRS Chapter 648.

Licensing agencyNevada Private Investigators Licensing Board (PILB), NRS Chapter 648 official source
Credential for unarmed guardsWork Card (registration as a private patrol officer/security guard employee) official source
Credential for armed guardsArmed work card (hard plastic permanent card with firearm authorization after a Certified Firearm Instructor course) official source
Minimum age, unarmed18 (NRS 648.1493) official source
Training, unarmedNo pre-registration class hours stated; applicants working for a Private Patrol Officer licensee must pass a work card exam with a score of 100% official source
Training, armed8 hours of firearm training and instruction with a written exam (passing score 75%) plus a minimum of 5 hours of instruction and training at a firing range with qualification; requalify every 6 months (NAC 648.350). Employer must sponsor; provisional card holders cannot take the course official source
Background checkYes: fingerprints (electronic receipt or cards) and background check; provisional card issued after the initial background; permanent card after fingerprint results (30 to 90 days) official source
State feeUSD 85 (regular work card application (1 to 2 weeks to a provisional email); fingerprinting and photo are an extra fee paid to the fingerprint vendor); USD 129 (expedited application (3 to 4 business days to a provisional email)); USD 10 extra (if a fingerprint card (not electronic) is submitted when PILB staff instruct) official source
Renewal5 years (registration and cards expire 5 years after issue, NRS 648.1493) official source
Working while the application is pendingYes: after passing the initial background check a provisional (temporary) work card is emailed; the person is eligible for employment with an NRS 648 licensee while carrying it. Provisional holders cannot take the armed course official source

Official Nevada application page

Checked against official Nevada sources on Oct 18, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the licensing agency before you apply. This page lists only facts we could confirm on an official page.

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