How to become a security guard in Rhode Island
Here's exactly what Rhode Island requires, and the official portal to apply. Finish it and you can start getting booked on XGuard.
Get registered as a Rhode Island security guard employee
Rhode Island distinguishes a business licence (for someone in business for themselves) from employee registration (filed by the employer) — a guard working for someone else does not apply directly.
- 1Get hired by a licensed businessGet hired by a private security guard business already licensed by the RI Attorney General under R.I.G.L. Ch. 5-5.1.
- 2Employer files your registrationYour employer registers you with the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) — individuals cannot self-register.
- 3Complete your background checkProvide fingerprints and identification for BCI's criminal background check as part of the registration.
- 4Want to work solo instead?Registration only covers you as an employee; to operate independently, see the Agency track for the business-license route (R.I.G.L. §5-5.1-8).
Get RI Attorney General armed security guard firearm permit
Rhode Island firearm law is strict (Ch. 11-47); the armed guard permit is separate from — and not satisfied by — a general CCW permit.
- 1Confirm employment-based good causeArmed status requires 'good cause,' which for guards means armed employment with a licensed RI security guard business.
- 2Submit identificationSubmit fingerprints, a photograph, and two forms of ID to the RI Attorney General's BCI.
- 3Pass the background checkPass a criminal background check, plus a check for restraining orders or mental-illness-related records.
- 4Qualify with a firearmComplete firearms qualification with a certified instructor — a standard Concealed Carry (CCW) permit does NOT qualify you to carry armed as a security guard.
License your own Rhode Island private security guard business
This is the sole-trader/self-employed route in Rhode Island — a person in business for themselves holds this business license rather than an employer-filed registration.
- 1Meet character requirementsHave good moral character with no felony convictions in your background.
- 2Submit to a background checkSubmit fingerprints for a criminal background check through the Attorney General's BCI.
- 3File your business license applicationApply for the private security guard business license under R.I.G.L. §5-5.1-8 with the Rhode Island Attorney General's office.
- 4Carry insurance and pay the feeCarry the required $300,000 commercial general liability insurance (endorsed for false arrest, libel, etc., per §5-5.1-22) and pay the $400 biennial fee.
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.