How to get a security guard license in Tennessee

Tennessee licenses unarmed security guards individually. The credential is the Unarmed Security Guard registration (registration card), issued by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services (PPS).

Licensing agencyTennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services (PPS) official source
Credential for unarmed guardsUnarmed Security Guard registration (registration card) official source
Credential for armed guardsArmed Security Guard registration (an armed registration also covers unarmed posts); enhanced armed registration needed for approved shotguns and rifles from 1 Jan 2026 official source
Minimum age, unarmed18 and a US citizen or resident alien official source
Minimum age, armed21 and a US citizen or resident alien official source
Training, unarmed4 hours of training covering orientation, legal powers and limitations of a security guard, emergency procedures and general duties; 2 hours refresher before each renewal official source
Training, armed4 hours general training + 8 additional classroom hours (firearm limits, handling, safety, maintenance) + 4 hours marksmanship with a minimum 70% score; 8 hours active shooter training for school posts official source
Background checkYes: background check through IdentoGO (agency ORI TN920120Z); felonies and listed misdemeanours must be 5 years past sentence or probation official source
State feeUSD 95 (unarmed security guard initial or reinstatement application (PPS fee page)); USD 70 (every 2 years) (unarmed renewal; late fee USD 20 per month within a 90-day grace period); USD 130 / USD 85 (armed initial / armed renewal (2 years)) official source
Renewal2 years (90-day grace period) official source
Working while the application is pendingYes for unarmed: applicants may work on a complete application while it is processed if the application fee is paid and a copy of the complete application is carried; armed guards must wait for the registration card before armed work (PPS pages) official source

Official Tennessee application page

Checked against official Tennessee 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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