How to become a security guard in Mississippi
Here's exactly what Mississippi requires, and the official portal to apply. Finish it and you can start getting booked on XGuard.
No statewide unarmed guard license in Mississippi — get hired by a security company
Mississippi does not license unarmed security guards at the state level — there is no state application to file for this track. Get hired directly by a company; only a handful of cities add their own local requirement.
- 1Get hired by a security companyMississippi has no state board or license for unarmed guards — standards are set entirely by the employer.
- 2Check if your city licenses locallyA small number of cities (e.g. Biloxi) run their own local guard-licensing ordinance — check with your city clerk or police department.
- 3Planning to carry a firearm on duty?You still need the state DPS Security Guard Firearm Permit even though the unarmed role itself isn't licensed — see the Firearm track below.
Mississippi DPS Security Guard Firearm Permit (required for armed guard work)
A CCW/concealed-carry permit does NOT substitute — this is a separate DPS Security Guard Firearm Permit under Miss. Code §97-37-7, required even though MS has no state unarmed guard license.
- 1Confirm eligibilityMississippi resident for the preceding year, 21+, legally eligible to own/possess a firearm, no disqualifying felony or domestic-violence conviction (Miss. Code §97-37-7).
- 2Get fingerprintedFingerprint cards prepared by Mississippi Highway Patrol/DPS for the combined state + FBI background check.
- 3Complete and notarize the applicationApplication for Security Guard Permit (SGP-APP-01) plus the notarized Affidavit and Release of Information (SGP-AFF-01).
- 4Submit in person with feesFile at DPS Headquarters in Jackson or a Highway Patrol district substation (Pearl, Greenwood, Batesville, New Albany, Starkville, Meridian, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Brookhaven); pay $132 (initial) or $82 (renewal).
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.