Armed Security Guard / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington Armed Security Guard License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides security services with authorization to carry a firearm.

What the Washington data shows for Armed Security Guards

Washington's path to armed security guard licensure runs through 66 hours of approved instruction with no mandatory state exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Washington folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Security Guard Training".

Upfront cost is $207, with renewal running $125 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 8-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, armed security guards should know: Not typically reciprocal.

Licensing Ease Score

C+
Licensing Ease Score
61/100
Armed Security Guard · Washington

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training B
66 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$207
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden D
$63/yr
$125 every 2 years
Continuing Education B+
4.0 hrs/yr
8 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Washington

Education / Training Hours
Security Guard Training
66 hours
Exam Requirement
Not Required
Initial License Fee
$207
Renewal Fee
$125
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
8 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Armed Security Guard All Washington licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Washington licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Armed Security Guard in Washington? ▼
Washington requires 66 education/training hours, and an initial fee of $207. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as an Armed Security Guard in Washington? ▼
Washington licenses armed security guards who complete its requirements (66 education hours). Verify the latest details with the Washington licensing board.
Can I transfer my Armed Security Guard license to Washington from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for armed security guards: Not typically reciprocal. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Washington licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Washington require a background check for Armed Security Guard licensing? ▼
Yes, Washington requires a criminal background check as part of the armed security guard licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Armed Security Guard in Washington? ▼
To stay licensed as an armed security guard in Washington, plan on 8 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $125.

Related Guides

What to do with this armed security guard license

Armed Security Guard in Washington, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in an armed security guard-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Washington's armed security guard requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Armed Security Guard in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state armed security guard license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Washington's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Washington overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Washington licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.