How to become a security guard in Wisconsin
Here's exactly what Wisconsin requires, and the official portal to apply. Finish it and you can start getting booked on XGuard.
Get a Private Security Permit (guard card) — WI Dept of Safety & Professional Services
WI's individual permit is valid only while sponsored by/employed by a licensed agency; in-house/proprietary company guards are exempt from needing this permit.
- 1Get sponsored by a licensed agencyA WI-licensed Security or Detective Agency must submit your application and take regulatory responsibility for you.
- 2Complete fingerprintingSchedule an appointment with Fieldprint (code "FPWISecurity") within 14 days of submitting your application.
- 3Apply and pay onlineFile through the LicensE system at license.wi.gov.
- 4Pass the background checkA felony conviction anywhere, without a pardon, results in automatic denial.
Add a Firearms Permit to your Private Security Permit — WI DSPS
A temporary permit cannot be used to carry a firearm — only the regular Firearms Permit, issued after a satisfactory background check, authorizes carry.
- 1Hold or apply for the base Private Security PermitThe Firearms Permit is an add-on credential, not stand-alone.
- 2Complete 36hr firearms trainingThrough a DSPS-certified training program (waiver of up to 30hr possible with recent prior carry authorization).
- 3Pass the background checkSame felony-conviction bar as the base permit applies.
- 4Apply onlineSubmit through LicensE (license.wi.gov); note a temporary permit does NOT authorize carrying a firearm — only the regular permit does.
License your own Private Detective/Security Agency (self-employed route) — WI DSPS
This is WI's sole-trader route into the security business — an individual can hold their own Private Detective/Security Agency license.
- 1Confirm who must be listedIndividual applicants, all partnership/LLC members, or all corporate officers must be listed on the application.
- 2File the Agency License application (Form 456)Submit to DSPS with the required supporting documents.
- 3Provide a Certificate of Liability InsuranceMust show the required $100,000 coverage through an authorized insurer.
- 4Pass the criminal background checkDSPS runs a state and federal records search; a felony conviction without a pardon results in denial, no exceptions.
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.