How to get a security guard license in Washington

Washington licenses unarmed security guards individually. The credential is the Private Security Guard license (unarmed), issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing, Private Security Guard Program (RCW chapter 18.170; WAC chapter 308-18).

Licensing agencyWashington State Department of Licensing, Private Security Guard Program (RCW chapter 18.170; WAC chapter 308-18) official source
Credential for unarmed guardsPrivate Security Guard license (unarmed) official source
Credential for armed guardsArmed private security guard endorsement (requires a current firearms certificate from the Criminal Justice Training Commission) official source
Minimum age, unarmed18 (RCW 18.170.030) official source
Minimum age, armed21 (DOL armed guard page) official source
Training, unarmed8 hours of preassignment training (at least 4 in an organized formal setting) plus a department exam; then 8 hours of postassignment training; annual refresher training of at least 4 hours per the DOL summary (WAC 308-18-300 and 308-18-305) official source
Training, armedfirearms certificate from the Criminal Justice Training Commission; hours not stated on the pages read; annual shooting requirements kept by the company official source
Background checkYes: fingerprint-based background check through IdentoGO; apply first, receive an application number, then submit fingerprints (DOL) official source
State feeUSD 101.00 (private security guard original license plus background check fee (WAC 308-18-150)); USD 95.00 (license renewal; late renewal penalty USD 15.00); USD 10.00 (armed endorsement); USD 25.00 (transfer fee when changing employer); separate (IdentoGO fingerprinting service fee, amount not on the DOL page) official source
Renewal1 year (licenses expire one year from issuance and must be renewed each year, WAC 308-18-160) official source
Working while the application is pendingYes: a licensed private security company may issue a temporary registration card after the employee completes preassignment training and submits a complete application (mailed to DOL within 3 business days); valid for a maximum of 60 days, no firearms (RCW 18.170.090) official source

Official Washington application page

Checked against official Washington 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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