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Security Guard License Lookup Tools: Verify Credentials in 50 States

Security Guard License Lookup Tools: Verify Credentials in 50 States

Verify security guard credentials in all 50 states using official license lookup tools. Updated for 2026 with state-by-state verification resources from Belfry.

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Updated on
September 17, 2026
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Security guard licensing requirements vary across the United States. Some states maintain comprehensive online databases where you can verify a license instantly, while others require you to contact the licensing authority directly. For security companies hiring officers across multiple locations, keeping track of these differences can quickly become a compliance challenge.

That's why we've created this practical guide to security guard license lookup tools for all 50 states. Whether you're a security company owner, HR administrator, operations manager, or job seeker checking your own credentials, this directory helps you find the correct licensing authority faster.

If your company manages officers across multiple states, individual license lookups are only part of the compliance process. Belfry's Automated License Tracking helps you monitor expiration dates, receive renewal reminders, and prevent expired licenses from slipping through scheduling workflows.

In this guide, you'll learn:

  • What a security guard license lookup tool is
  • How to use our state-by-state directory
  • What information you can find during a security guard license check
  • How Belfry simplifies multi-state license compliance

 

What Is a Security Guard License Lookup Tool?

A security guard license lookup tool is an official state database or licensing portal that allows you to verify whether a security officer holds a valid license or registration. Depending on the state, you can usually search using the officer's name, license number, or registration number.

For employers, a security guard credential verification process is one of the fastest ways to confirm an applicant is legally authorized to work before extending an offer.

It's equally valuable after hiring. Operations managers frequently need to verify security guard license status before assigning officers to regulated environments such as healthcare facilities, schools, financial institutions, or government contracts.

Rather than relying on emails or phone calls, an official guard license lookup tool provides immediate confirmation whenever online verification is available.

If you're unfamiliar with state-issued guard credentials, check out our guide on What Is a Guard Card? to learn how it differs from other licensing requirements.

 

How to Use This Guide

Finding the correct security license verification by state is simple. Follow the steps below to quickly find your state's official license lookup resource and verify security guard credentials. 

Step 1: Find Your State

Scroll to your state in the alphabetical directory below.

Step 2: Click the Official Lookup Link

Each listing directs you to the appropriate state licensing agency, regulatory board, or official verification resource.

Step 3: Verify the License

Follow the instructions provided by the agency. Most online portals allow you to complete a security guard license check using a name or license number.

Important: This information was verified and updated in July 2026. Our editorial team reviews this directory regularly. However, licensing requirements, agency names, and website availability can change without notice. Always verify licensing decisions directly with the appropriate state licensing authority.

 

Security Guard License Lookup Tools by State

Below is our complete directory of official licensing agencies and lookup resources for all 50 states.

Alabama

Alaska

(There is information on licensing and contact information for inquiries, but no online lookup tool is available)

Arizona

(Provides contact information and application forms, but no online lookup tool)

Arkansas

(Note: This is not an official government website)

  • Requirements: License number; registration and sign-up needed

California

  • Agency: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)
  • Lookup link: https://search.dca.ca.gov/
  • Requirements: Name (first and last) and license number required; free to access

Colorado

(Note: We include this relevant lookup tool, but keep in mind that its license type menu doesn’t explicitly show a “security guard license” option.)

  • Requirements: Search by license type and individual's last name; free to access

Connecticut

(Note: We include this lookup tool, but keep in mind that its license type menu doesn’t explicitly show a “security guard license” option.)

  • Requirements: Search by license type and individual's last name; free to access

Delaware

  • Agency: Delaware State Police
  • Lookup link: https://dsp.delaware.gov
    (No specific online lookup tool; provides contact information and general licensing information)
  • Requirements: Contact the Delaware State Police for license verification.

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

  • Agency: Security guard licensing is managed at the city level
  • Lookup link: [None]
  • Requirements: [None]

Illinois

(Note: We include this lookup tool, but keep in mind that its license type menu doesn’t explicitly show a “security guard license” option.)

Indiana

Iowa

(Provides general information on private security licensing, but no online lookup tool)

Kansas

(Provides general information on private security licensing, but no online lookup tool)

  • Requirements: Contact each county or city clerk for more information

Kentucky

  • Agency: Security guards are not required to obtain a special license in Kentucky
  • Lookup link: (No readily available online lookup tool)
  • Requirements: Contact local state police for info.

Louisiana

  • Agency: Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners
  • Lookup link: https://www.lsbpselicense.com/ 
  • Requirements: Search by license type and code; free to access

Maine

  • Agency: The State of Maine does not regulate individual security guards
  • Lookup link: None
  • Requirements: None

Maryland

(Provides general information on private company security licensing, but no online lookup tool)

Massachusetts

(Provides general information on private security licensing, but no online lookup tool)

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

  • Agency: The State of Mississippi does not regulate the private security industry
  • Lookup link: None
  • Requirements: None

Missouri

  • Agency: Security guard licensing is managed at the city level
  • Lookup link: (No readily available online lookup tool)
  • Requirements: Contact each county and city website for license info

Montana

Nebraska

  • Agency: Individual guards are not licensed through the state.
  • Lookup link: None
  • Requirements: None

Nevada

New Hampshire

(Provides general information on private security licensing, but no online lookup tool)

New Jersey

(Note: You need to have a log in ID created with your agency)

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

  • Agency: Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET)
  • Lookup link: https://cleet.us.thentiacloud.net/webs/cleet/register/#
  • Requirements: Search by individual's first name, last name, business name, location name, profession, services, or city; free to access

Oregon

Pennsylvania

  • Agency: Pennsylvania has no statewide licensing board for security guards
  • Lookup link: None
  • Requirements: None

Rhode Island

(Provides general information on private security licensing, but no readily available online lookup tool)

  • Requirements: Contact the Rhode Island Attorney General’s website’s support by email (Securitylicensing@riag.ri.gov)

South Carolina

(Provides general information on private security licensing, but no readily available online lookup tool)

  • Requirements: Contact the SLED for license information 

South Dakota

  • Agency: Security guard licensing is managed at the city level
  • Lookup link: None
  • Requirements: None

Tennessee

  • Agency: Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
  • Lookup link: https://search.cloud.commerce.tn.gov/
  • Requirements: Search by name, license number, license type, city, etc.; free to access

Texas

Utah

  • Agency: Utah Department of Commerce, Licensing Division
  • Lookup link: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html#
  • Requirements: Search by individual's name or license number; free to access. Follow specific instructions directly on the website

Vermont

Virginia

  • Agency: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
  • Lookup link: https://www.cms.dcjs.virginia.gov/GLSuiteWeb/Clients/VADCJS/Public/IndividualVerification/Search.aspx
  • Requirements: Search by individual's name or license number, city, state, zip code, etc.; free to access

Washington

West Virginia

  • Agency: The State regulates the industry and employers, but not the individual security guards.
  • Lookup link: None
  • Requirements: None

Wisconsin

(Provides general information on private security licensing, but no readily available online lookup tool)

Wyoming

  • Agency: Security guard licensing is managed at the city level when managed at all.
  • Lookup link: None
  • Requirements: None

 

For a complete overview of state licensing rules, see our article on Security Guard License Requirements by State: A Full Guide.

 

What Information Can You Expect from a Security Guard License Check?

The information available depends on each state's licensing authority, but most lookup tools provide enough information to complete a reliable security guard credential verification.

Common information includes:

License Status: See whether a license is active, inactive, suspended, expired, or revoked before assigning a guard to a client site.

Expiration Date: Knowing when a license expires helps companies avoid scheduling officers whose credentials have lapsed.

Disciplinary History: Some states disclose disciplinary actions or enforcement decisions that may affect employment eligibility.

License Type: Many states distinguish between unarmed guards, armed guards, private patrol operators, supervisors, or other credential categories.

Renewal Information: Some portals also include renewal deadlines, continuing education requirements, or links to renewal instructions.

Conducting security guard license verification before hiring or assigning personnel helps reduce compliance risks while ensuring clients have confidence that qualified officers are protecting their properties. 

However, maintaining compliance doesn't stop at license checks. Security companies must also ensure the right officers are assigned to the right posts based on their certifications, licenses, and qualifications. Belfry's security guard and staff scheduling software helps streamline this process by incorporating workforce requirements into shift assignments. 

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Managing Guard License Compliance Across Multiple States

Individual security guard license lookup tools are extremely useful when verifying one officer. But if you're managing dozens or even hundreds of guards across multiple states, manual lookups and spreadsheet tracking quickly become unsustainable.

That's where Belfry's Automated License Tracking makes a significant difference.

Instead of manually monitoring every expiration date, administrators enter each officer's guard card and licensing information once. Belfry automatically tracks renewal dates and sends advance notifications to both supervisors and officers before licenses expire.

Even more importantly, compliance isn't just monitored, it's enforced. Belfry flags expired or soon-to-expire licenses during shift assignment, helping prevent unlicensed officers from being scheduled for regulated client sites.

For companies operating across three, ten, or even twenty states, centralized compliance dramatically reduces administrative work while lowering regulatory risk.

Learn how Belfry's security guard payroll and HR software helps centralize licensing, certifications, employee records, and workforce compliance.

Book a free demo to see automated license tracking in action.

 

Why Automated License Tracking Matters

Successful security operations depend on more than hiring qualified officers. Maintaining ongoing compliance requires visibility into certifications, renewals, scheduling, payroll, and operational performance.

Belfry brings these functions together in one platform by helping security companies:

  • Automatically monitor license and certification expiration dates
  • Notify administrators and officers before renewals are due
  • Prevent expired credentials from being overlooked during scheduling
  • Match officers to posts based on qualifications and certifications
  • Improve workforce visibility with officer performance analytics for security companies
  • Integrate compliance with your security guard clocking system for more accurate workforce management

If you're evaluating software that supports scheduling, compliance, and workforce management together, our Security Guard Scheduling Software: Complete Buyer's Guide provides a helpful overview.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a security guard license lookup?

A security guard license lookup is an official state tool that allows employers, HR professionals, and job seekers to verify whether a security guard's license is active and in good standing.

How do I verify security guard license status?

Visit your state's licensing authority, enter the required search information typically a name or license number and review the current license status.

Can I perform a security guard license check online in every state?

No. Many states provide online verification portals, while others require employers to contact the licensing agency directly for credential confirmation.

Why is security guard credential verification important?

Credential verification helps employers maintain compliance, reduce hiring risk, satisfy client requirements, and avoid assigning unlicensed personnel to regulated sites.

 

Simplify Multi-State License Compliance with Belfry

A reliable security guard license lookup is one of the simplest ways to confirm that an officer is properly licensed before hiring or assigning them to a client site. By using the official security license verification by state resources in this guide, you can complete a security guard license check quickly and confidently.

For companies managing multiple officers across multiple jurisdictions, manual lookups are only the beginning. Belfry's Automated License Tracking centralizes compliance, sends proactive renewal reminders, and helps ensure expired licenses never disrupt your operations.

Want to see how Belfry automates guard license compliance and workforce management?

Book a Free Demo

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