Career Guide
How to become a security guard in Washington State.
Washington calls it a private security guard license — it's what every Public Safety Officer at Skagit Safety Services holds. Here's the process, step by step, from the state's own rules.
Reviewed by Bert Markley, Director of Training (30+ years in private security) · Last checked October 2026. Rules change — confirm with the Washington Department of Licensing before you apply.
The 5 steps
Meet the basic requirements
You must be at least 18, be a U.S. citizen or resident noncitizen, and be employed by (or have a job offer from) a licensed private security company. A criminal conviction can disqualify you if the Department of Licensing decides it relates to security work.
Complete 8 hours of pre-assignment training
Washington requires at least 8 hours of pre-assignment training — at least 4 of them in a classroom — taught by a DOL-certified trainer. It covers basic principles, report writing, safety and accident prevention, emergency response, and your legal powers and limits.
Apply to the Department of Licensing
Apply online through SecureAccess Washington (faster) or by mail with the Private Security Guard Initial License Application and fee. You need an application number before you can submit fingerprints.
Get fingerprinted for the background check
In Washington, schedule fingerprinting with IdentoGO. Out of state, use your local law enforcement agency. DOL says licenses can take up to 60 days after it receives a complete application and fee — but once your training is done and your application is in, your employer can issue a temporary registration card so you can start work (valid up to 60 days, no firearms).
Finish post-assignment and yearly training
New guards must complete at least 8 hours of initial post-assignment training by a set deadline (June 30 or December 31 of the year after your license is first issued, depending on when it was issued), then at least 4 hours of refresher training every year after that.
Why the job offer comes first
In Washington you can't get a security guard license on your own — you apply through a licensed security company that has hired you or offered you a job. That's why the best place to start is an application. See our openings for Public Safety Officers; if you don't hold a license yet, apply anyway.
License questions
How long does it take to get a security guard license in Washington?
Training takes about a day (8 hours). After that, DOL says it can take up to 60 days to issue the license once it has your complete application and fee, so apply and get fingerprinted right away.
Can I start working before my license arrives?
Yes, on a temporary registration card. A licensed security company can issue one after you complete pre-assignment training and submit a full license application. It is valid for up to 60 days, only for that company, and does not allow carrying a firearm (RCW 18.170.090).
Do I need a job before I can get licensed?
Yes. Washington requires you to be employed by, or have an employment offer from, a licensed private security company when you apply.
Do veterans get any credit?
DOL says veterans and military personnel may be able to apply military training toward the requirements, and some veterans may qualify for partial fee reimbursement. Contact DOL to confirm what applies to you.
Is an armed security license different?
Yes. Armed security guards have a separate license with additional requirements, including firearms training and certification. See the DOL armed security guard page.
Sources
- Washington DOL — Get your license: Security guards (unarmed)
- Washington DOL — Frequently asked questions: Security guards
- Washington DOL — Get your license: Security guards (armed)
- RCW 18.170.030 — Security guard license requirements
- RCW 18.170.105 — Training requirements
- RCW 18.170.090 — Temporary registration cards
General information, not legal advice. The Washington Department of Licensing has the final say: security@dol.wa.gov, 360-664-6611.