XGuard
← All states

How to become a security guard in Alaska

Here's exactly what Alaska requires, and the official portal to apply. Finish it and you can start getting booked on XGuard.

Guard license

Get licensed as an unarmed security guard in Alaska

Alaska is one of the states that DOES license individual unarmed guards directly (AS 18.65.400-490), separate from the agency license.

Training40 hrs in-service training within 180 days of hire + 8 hrs annual refresher
Cost— (see DPS fee schedule; no fixed public fee found)
Min age18
ExamNo written state exam — training completion + background check required
RenewsAnnual (with 8-hr refresher course)
  1. 1Check eligibilityMust have no felony conviction within the past 10 years and be free of disqualifying mental-health conditions; provide 5 years of employment/residence history and 3 references (at least 1 an Alaska resident).
  2. 2Complete in-service trainingComplete at least 40 hours of in-service training within 180 days of employment, then an annual 8-hour refresher course.
  3. 3Submit your applicationFile the Application for License as a Security Guard with Alaska DPS Permits & Licensing, including a recent photo and evidence of insurance.
  4. 4Get approved and start workOnce DPS issues your license, you may work as a licensed unarmed security guard statewide.
Open the official portal
Armed / firearm

Get the armed endorsement for Alaska security guards

This occupational firearms certification is separate from Alaska's general permitless-carry law — a personal concealed-carry right does not substitute for it.

Training8 hrs pre-assignment firearms training + annual live-fire requalification
Cost— (see DPS fee schedule)
Min age18
ExamAnnual firearms requalification (live-fire)
RenewsAnnual requalification required to keep armed status active
  1. 1Hold (or co-apply for) the unarmed guard licenseYou must meet all unarmed security-guard licensing requirements first — this is an endorsement on top of the base guard license, not a standalone credential.
  2. 2Complete DPS-acceptable firearms trainingComplete a DPS-acceptable firearms training certificate plus 8 hours of pre-assignment training in the legal use, handling, safety, and maintenance of deadly weapons (AS 18.65.470).
  3. 3Submit your firearms certificationInclude a copy of your firearms certification/qualification with your DPS guard application.
  4. 4Requalify annuallyRe-qualify with a firearm every year to maintain your armed guard license.
Open the official portal
Agency / master

License your own one-person security agency in Alaska

The sole-trader route requires holding both an individual guard license AND the separate agency license — the agency's qualifying manager must be a licensed guard.

TrainingN/A for the business itself — the qualifying manager must be a licensed Alaska security guard
Cost— (see DPS fee schedule); agency must carry $100k/person, $200k/occurrence liability + $100k property insurance
Exam—
RenewsPer DPS agency license term — see DPS
  1. 1Hold an individual guard licenseYou (or your qualifying manager) must already hold, or concurrently apply for, an individual Alaska DPS security guard license.
  2. 2Arrange required insuranceSecure agency insurance meeting DPS minimums: $100,000 per person / $200,000 per occurrence liability, plus $100,000 property coverage (AS 18.65.420).
  3. 3File the agency license applicationSubmit the security guard agency license application to the same Alaska DPS Permits & Licensing office that handles individual guard licenses.
  4. 4Operate as a sole traderOnce both your individual guard license and agency license are issued, you can legally run a one-person security guard business.
Open the official portal

Once you're licensed

Create your free XGuard profile now — upload your license the moment you have it, and we'll verify it and start matching you to paid security work near you.

Start your XGuard profile

XGuard guides you to the official process; the state issues your license. Figures are sourced from official regulators and verified before publishing, but requirements can change — always confirm on the official portal linked above.