License Information for Washington Security Guards

In the state of Washington people wishing to work as security guards need to obtain a license which is administered through the Washington State Department of Licensing. In order to qualify a person needs to be either hired or have an offer of employment from a security company in Washington. The necessary security guard training requirements will vary from company to company. WA state requirements include the license candidate to be a minimum of 18 years old, a US citizen, and to have no criminal convictions. If a person meets these requirements they may then apply for the proper security license with the WA State Department.

Once a person is hired by a security company they must gather the necessary items and print an application off the WA State Department website. Along with the application a prospective security guard needs to submit one set of fingerprints, $111 application fee and the completed application itself. The application itself is a 4 page form which needs to be completed. It is very straightforward, simply follow the instructions throughout the application. Keep in mind that it is the same application if you are applying for armed, unarmed, or even a business license for security. Therefore, if you are applying for an unarmed security guard license much of application will not pertain to you. The application can be found on the Washington State Department of Licensing website here: www.dol.wa.gov.

If you are wishing to meet the Washington State Department requirements for an armed security guard license you will first need to be licensed as an unarmed guard. Next, you need to reach the age of 21. Then, you need to obtain a firearms certificate which will be administered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission or the WSCJTC. For requirements of a firearms certificate and list of certified state firearms trainers you can visit the WSCJTC website at: https://fortress.wa.gov. The application fee for armed security guard license is an additional $10 on top of the $111 paid for the unarmed guard license. The list of requirements, fees and other instructions can also be found on the state department website at: www.dol.wa.gov.

Military Veteran Security Guards in WA

If you are a military veteran you may be eligible for a reduced fee rate for the security guard license processing. The state of Washington values the military service that people have given this country, and also ex-military often make great security guards (both armed and unarmed).

For more information on security guard training and licensing in the state of Washington, see the DOL WA Security Guard contact information below:

Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) – Security Guard Licensing

Contact information:
Phone: 360.664.6611
Fax: 360.570.7888
Email: security@dol.wa.gov

Mailing addresses:
Forms with payments:
Private Security Guard Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 35001
Seattle, WA 98124-3401

Mail with no payments:
Private Security Guard Licensing
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9649
Olympia, WA 98507-9649

Physical location:
405 Black Lake Blvd SW
Olympia, WA 98502
Map and directions

Office hours:
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you came here looking for information on becoming a security guard in Washington DC, not Washington state, see this page.