How to become a security guard in New Hampshire
Here's exactly what New Hampshire requires, and the official portal to apply. Finish it and you can start getting booked on XGuard.
New Hampshire Security Guard License — Employee or Self-Employed Individual
mode:both — NH is one of the few states where an individual can be licensed directly and independently (self-employed), not only as an agency employee.
- 1Choose your license trackNH offers three tracks under RSA Ch.106-F: Agency (DSSP 258), Self-Employed Individual with no employees (DSSP 259), or Employee of a licensed agency (DSSP 247).
- 2If self-employed, secure your surety bondEvery individual licensee must maintain a 2-year, $50,000 surety bond (RSA 106-F:9) — there is no liability-insurance alternative.
- 3Gather references and submit background checkProvide 3 unrelated character references and complete fingerprinting/criminal background review.
- 4File in person with NH State PoliceDeliver the completed DSSP 259 (or 247) application in person to Permits and Licensing, Dept. of Safety, 33 Hazen Drive, Room 106, Concord, NH — forms are not accepted by mail. License valid 2 years.
New Hampshire Armed Guard Firearms Proficiency Certification (DSSP 158)
Separate from NH's permitless-carry law — this is a security-specific proficiency certification required under RSA 106-F:8.
- 1Hold an NH Individual or Employee security guard licenseFirearms proficiency certification is an add-on to an existing license under RSA Ch.106-F, not a standalone credential.
- 2Complete 4 hours of firearms instructionCovers firearms techniques and safety, laws on the use of deadly force, and the moral/ethical use of force.
- 3Pass the practical qualification courseAchieve a minimum 75% score on a practical pistol/revolver course; complete shotgun familiarization and/or rifle qualification if your employer issues those weapons.
- 4File Form DSSP 158 in personYour firearms instructor signs DSSP 158; deliver it in person to Permits and Licensing, Dept. of Safety, 33 Hazen Drive, Room 106, Concord, NH. Recertify annually.
New Hampshire Security Guard Agency License (DSSP 258)
This is NH's business/company license track — the route for a security firm rather than a self-employed individual (see the Individual DSSP 259 guard-track row for the sole-trader option).
- 1Confirm licensee eligibility under RSA 106-F:6Review disclosure questions (criminal background, mental illness, addictions, protective orders, prior license actions) — any 'yes' answer requires written explanation.
- 2Gather 3 character referencesList 3 people unrelated to you who can attest to your character, integrity, and reputation; the state sends them questionnaires.
- 3Secure the $50,000 surety bondRequired of every licensee under RSA 106-F:9, in addition to the standard application requirements.
- 4File Form DSSP 258 in personDeliver the completed application and $350 fee in person to Permits and Licensing, Dept. of Safety, 33 Hazen Drive, Room 106, Concord, NH. License valid 2 years.
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.