How to become a security guard in Washington, D.C.
Here's exactly what Washington, D.C. requires, and the official portal to apply. Finish it and you can start getting booked on XGuard.
DC Security Officer License
DC requires an employer/agency sponsor — you cannot self-petition.
- 1Get sponsored by a DC-licensed Security Agency
- 2Create an Access DC account and apply (govservices.dcra.dc.gov)
- 324-hr training, PSI exam ($69), fingerprints
- 4Finish 16 hrs on-the-job within 90 days
DC Special Police Officer (SPO) — armed track
DC has no separate 'armed guard' license. Armed work is performed as a Special Police Officer (SPO), licensed through DLCP with MPD final approval; requires firearms training and an employer/agency sponsor.
DC Security Agency License
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.