How to get a security guard license in Virginia

Virginia licenses unarmed security guards individually. The credential is the Unarmed Security Officer registration, issued by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Private Security Services (Licensure and Regulatory Affairs); 6VAC20-174.

Licensing agencyVirginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Private Security Services (Licensure and Regulatory Affairs); 6VAC20-174 official source
Credential for unarmed guardsUnarmed Security Officer registration official source
Credential for armed guardsArmed Security Officer/Courier registration with a firearms training endorsement (endorsements issued for a period not to exceed 12 months) official source
Minimum age, unarmed18 (6VAC20-174, minimum eligibility for registration, via search tool) official source
Training, unarmed18 hours: 01E Security Officer Core Subjects (excluding the written comprehensive exam) (6VAC20-174); 4 hours of 01I in-service training for each renewal official source
Training, armed50 hours total entry level (53 with shotgun): 18 hours core + 8 hours armed arrest authority (05E) + 24 hours security officer handgun (075E); in-service 8 to 11 hours official source
Background checkYes: fingerprints submitted with a $50 fingerprint processing fee; state and national search; temporary registration letter possible for up to 120 days while awaiting results official source
State feeUSD 50 (fingerprint processing application (6VAC20-174-20)); USD 25 (initial registration); USD 20 (registration renewal (late renewal adds a 50% reinstatement fee)); USD 10 (firearm endorsement (armed)) official source
Renewal2 years (24 months; initial registration letter for a period not to exceed 24 months) official source
Working while the application is pendingYes for unarmed: may work up to 90 consecutive days while completing the compulsory minimum training provided fingerprints were submitted on or before the hire date and the employer supplies a 90-day authorization document; no more than 120 days of employment without a registration (DCJS pages via search tool) official source

Official Virginia application page

Checked against official Virginia 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.

Open security guard jobs in Virginia

638 listings right now: see all.