How to become a security guard in Washington

Get a Private Security Guard (unarmed) license — WA Department of Licensing

WA requires employment by (or ownership of) a licensed security guard company — this is not a fully independent individual license.

1. 1Line up employment or hold a company licenseYou must be employed by (or have an offer from) a licensed Private Security Guard Company, or hold your own company license.
2. 2Complete 8hr pre-assignment training.Required before you begin working.
3. 3Apply online via SecureAccess Washington (SAW)Faster than mailing; pay the $101 application fee, then submit fingerprints through IdentoGO once you get your application number.
4. 4Complete post-assignment training8hr post-assignment training, then 4hr refresher annually to keep the license current.

Upgrade to an Armed Private Security Guard license — WA Department of Licensing

1. 1Hold the unarmed base licenseThe armed license builds on the Private Security Guard (unarmed) license.
2. 2Complete CJTC firearms certificationPass a Criminal Justice Training Commission-certified firearms training course.
3. 3Register your firearm(s)Per RCW 18.170.050, armed guards must register the firearm(s) they carry on duty.
4. 4Apply and renew annuallySubmit the armed license application to DOL and renew every year.

License your own Private Security Guard Company (self-employed route) — WA Department of Licensing

This is WA's sole-trader route — a solo operator can hold their own Private Security Guard Company license instead of working for one.

1. 1Meet owner requirementsOwners, partners, and qualifying agents must be 21+, a US citizen or resident noncitizen, with 3 years of experience as a manager, supervisor, or administrator in the private security business.
2. 2File the Company/Qualifying Principal applicationApply online (faster) or by mail with the Private Security Guard Company/Qualifying Principal License Application form.
3. 3Provide proof of insuranceSubmit a Certificate of Liability Insurance meeting the ≥$25k/$25k CGL minimum (RCW 18.170.080).
4. 4Pass the background checkFingerprint-based review of all owners/qualifying agents.