How to become a security guard in Kentucky
Here's exactly what Kentucky requires, and the official portal to apply. Finish it and you can start getting booked on XGuard.
Kentucky Has No Statewide Security Guard License
No state individual licence and no state agency requirement exist in Kentucky. Regulation is local only — e.g., Louisville Metro. needs_review: confirm Louisville/other-city specifics and that no state statute exists in KRS on sign-off.
- 1Confirm the no-license statusKentucky does not license security guards (armed or unarmed) at the state level. Check your specific city/county government for any local licensing — Louisville Metro is the best-documented example.
- 2If in Louisville and armedLouisville Metro licenses individual ARMED security guards and agencies under Metro Code Ch.124; resident applicants typically also need a KY CCDW (KRS 237.110). See the Firearm track.
- 3If unarmed or outside LouisvilleApply directly to security companies — screening is typically employer-level (background check) rather than government-issued.
- 4Note the PI distinctionPrivate INVESTIGATORS are licensed separately and statewide by the KY Board of Licensure for PIs (KRS 329A) — a different profession from guarding.
Louisville Armed Security Guard License (Local — No Kentucky Statewide Armed Credential)
This is a LOCAL (Louisville Metro) credential, not a statewide Kentucky armed-guard licence — Kentucky has no state armed-guard regime. If you work outside Louisville, armed work generally follows general Kentucky firearm law plus employer/venue policy, since most jurisdictions have no armed-guard licensing at all.
- 1Confirm your jurisdiction licenses armed guardsLouisville Metro (Metro Code Ch.124) is the primary documented example in Kentucky; most other KY jurisdictions have no equivalent local armed-guard license.
- 2Meet eligibilityU.S. citizen, 21+, no misdemeanor convictions in the most recent 2 years (felony convictions are generally permanently disqualifying), and an acceptable mental-health history.
- 3Get your CCDWKentucky-resident applicants typically also need a KY Concealed Carry Deadly Weapon license (KRS 237.110) as part of the armed-carry requirement.
- 4Submit the applicationFile the Armed Security Guard application with Louisville Metro ($25 fee); the license renews annually.
Kentucky Has No Statewide Security Business License — Register Locally
Kentucky has no state agency requirement and no state insurance mandate for security guarding businesses; authority is local governments only (e.g., Louisville Metro for armed agencies). needs_review per the research doc: confirm no state statute in KRS on sign-off.
- 1Register your businessForm your LLC or sole proprietorship with the KY Secretary of State — no security-specific state license is required to run a guarding business in Kentucky.
- 2Check Louisville rules if applicableIf you'll operate armed guards within Louisville Metro, you must also hold the Armed Security Agency license under Metro Code Ch.124.
- 3Note the PI distinctionIf your business will also perform investigations, that requires a separate statewide license from the KY Board of Licensure for Private Investigators (KRS 329A) — a different scope from guarding.
- 4Get insuredGeneral liability insurance isn't state-mandated for a KY guarding business, but is typically required by clients and venues.
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 profileXGuard 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.