How to become a security guard in Washington
Washington security guards are licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed security guard in Washington, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a security guard in Washington?
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or resident noncitizen
- Employed by or offered a job by a licensed private security guard company
- No conviction the director finds directly related to guard duties
- Fingerprint background check
Washington security guard license requirements
| State license | Yes. Unarmed security guards must hold a Department of Licensing license and work for (or have an offer from) a licensed private security guard company (RCW 18.170). |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Washington State Department of Licensing |
| License name | Private Security Guard License (unarmed) |
| Education or training | 8 hours of preassignment training (at least 4 in a classroom) with a multiple-choice test, then 8 hours of postassignment training (RCW 18.170.105, WAC 308-18-300/305). |
| Exam | Pass the multiple-choice test at the end of preassignment training before the license is issued. |
| License term | 1 year; at least 4 hours of annual refresher training |
How much does it cost?
| Unarmed private security guard license | $101 |
|---|---|
| Renewal | $95 |
| Late renewal | $110 |
| License print fee | $5 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a security guard in Washington
- Get a job offer from a licensed security guard company
- Complete 8 hours of preassignment training and pass the test
- Apply online through SecureAccess Washington, or by mail with form 690008 and the fee
- Use your application number to get fingerprinted (IdentoGO in Washington)
- Complete 8 hours of postassignment training
- Renew every year and complete 4 hours of annual refresher training
Apply on the official Washington site
How do you check a security guard's license in Washington?
- Search the name or license number on the official Washington security guard license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.