Can a felon be an armed security guard?

Generally no, because federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) prohibits felons from possessing firearms, and armed security requires carrying a firearm. The only way around this is having your firearm rights fully restored — through a full pardon that explicitly restores gun rights, a state rights restoration process, or in some cases an expungement that restores firearm rights. Even with restored rights, the state security licensing board may still deny an armed license based on the underlying conviction.

How long after a felony can I get a security guard license?

It varies by state. Some states have specific waiting periods — for example, 5 years after sentence completion for certain offenses, or 10 years for violent felonies. Other states have no fixed waiting period but consider recency as a factor. As a general guideline, unarmed security licenses become more achievable 3-5+ years after sentence completion for non-violent offenses, and 7-10+ years for violent offenses. Check your specific state's requirements.

Do security companies hire felons?

Many do, particularly for unarmed positions. Large contract security companies employ hundreds of thousands of guards and face high turnover, which makes them more willing to consider applicants with records. However, individual job assignments depend on client requirements — some clients (government buildings, schools, hospitals) have stricter background requirements than others (construction sites, warehouses, parking lots). Being honest about your record and being flexible about assignments improves your chances.

Can I be a security guard without a license?

In some states and for some types of security work, yes. Several states do not require licensing for in-house (proprietary) security — where a business employs its own security staff rather than using a contract security company. Some states also exempt certain low-risk security functions (like night watchmen or parking lot attendants) from licensing requirements. However, most states require licensing for contract security guards. Check your state's specific requirements.

What training do I need to become a security guard?

Training requirements vary by state. For unarmed security, most states require 8-40 hours of pre-assignment training covering legal authority, emergency procedures, report writing, and observation. Some states require additional on-the-job training (e.g., New York requires 24 hours of pre-assignment plus 16 hours of on-the-job training). Armed security requires additional firearms training (typically 40-80+ hours) plus annual firearms qualification. A few states have no state-mandated training requirements.

Can a felon work as a bouncer?

Bouncers (doormen) at bars and clubs may or may not be classified as security guards under state law. In states where bouncers are not classified as security guards, no security license is required and the hiring decision is up to the employer. In states where bouncers are classified as security guards, the same licensing requirements and background checks apply. Violent felonies receive more scrutiny for bouncer positions due to the confrontational nature of the work.

Can a Felon Be a Security Guard?

Last updated: 2026-04-01

It depends on the state, the type of felony, and whether the position requires carrying a firearm. Unarmed security guard licensing is accessible to many felons in most states, particularly for non-violent offenses that occurred several years ago. Armed security guard licensing is significantly harder because it requires the ability to legally possess a firearm — and federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) prohibits felons from possessing firearms. Most states evaluate unarmed security applications on a case-by-case basis and focus on the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and rehabilitation evidence. Some states have specific disqualifying offenses, while others use a broader moral character standard. The security industry is one of the larger employers of people with criminal records, and many companies will hire for unarmed positions.

You CAN likely get a security guard license if you...

✓Non-violent felony conviction with completed sentence and several years of clean record — unarmed security is accessible in most states
✓Drug possession conviction with completed treatment and rehabilitation evidence — most states allow unarmed security licensing
✓Property crime conviction (theft, burglary) with 5+ years since sentence completion — evaluated case-by-case
✓DUI/DWI felony with completed sentence and substance abuse treatment — generally not a barrier for unarmed security
✓Record has been expunged or pardoned — many states cannot consider expunged convictions for security licensing
✓State has adopted occupational licensing reform limiting criminal history barriers for unarmed security

You CANNOT get a security guard license if you...

✗Any felony conviction — for ARMED security positions
Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms. Armed security guard positions require lawful firearm possession. This creates an absolute bar for armed security unless your firearm rights have been restored through a full pardon, expungement that restores gun rights, or state-specific rights restoration process. (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) / State armed security acts)
✗Misdemeanor domestic violence conviction — for armed positions
The Lautenberg Amendment prohibits anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from possessing firearms, with no exception for security professionals. This bars armed security work even for misdemeanor-level domestic violence convictions. (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9) — Lautenberg Amendment)
✗Conviction for certain violent or sexual offenses (varies by state)
Many states have specific lists of disqualifying offenses for security guard licenses, even unarmed positions. Common permanently disqualifying offenses include murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, and robbery. The specific list varies significantly by state. (State private security licensing acts)
✗Active warrant or currently incarcerated/on parole (most states)
Most states require that you have no active warrants and that your sentence (including parole) be completed before issuing a security guard license. Some states allow licensing while on probation but not parole. (State private security licensing acts)

Gray areas — it depends on your state and circumstances

Non-violent felonies for unarmed security

Most states allow unarmed security licensing for people with non-violent felonies, particularly if the conviction occurred 5+ years ago. Property crimes, drug offenses, DUI, and financial crimes are generally not automatic bars for unarmed positions. The board evaluates the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and rehabilitation. Since security guards are expected to be trustworthy, theft and dishonesty offenses receive more scrutiny than other non-violent crimes.

Violent felonies for unarmed security

Assault, battery, and other violent felonies (excluding murder, sexual assault, and other permanently disqualifying offenses) are reviewed case-by-case in many states. Some states have a waiting period (e.g., 10 years) after which violent felonies are no longer automatically disqualifying. The nature of the security position matters — a hospital security guard faces more scrutiny than a construction site watchman.

Firearm rights restored — armed security

If your firearm rights have been restored through a full pardon, rights restoration order, or state-specific process, you may be eligible for armed security licensing. However, the state security licensing board conducts its own evaluation, and restoration of firearm rights alone does not guarantee a license. You must also meet all other requirements including training and background check standards.

Federal security positions (TSA, government contracts)

Federal security positions — including TSA officers and security guards at federal buildings — have stricter requirements than private sector security. Felony convictions within the last 10 years are generally disqualifying for TSA positions, and federal contract security positions conduct thorough background investigations. These positions are significantly harder to obtain with any felony conviction.

In-house (proprietary) security vs. contract security

Some states distinguish between contract security companies (which require state licensing) and in-house/proprietary security (where a business employs its own security staff). In-house security may not require a state security guard license in some states, which means the licensing background check is not a factor — only the employer's hiring policies. This can be an alternative path into security work.

Security Guard Types — Unarmed vs. Armed

Type	Difficulty	Details
Unarmed Security Guard	Moderate — Accessible for Many Felons	Unarmed security guards monitor premises, control access, and report incidents without carrying firearms. Most states evaluate criminal history on a case-by-case basis for unarmed positions. Non-violent felonies, older convictions, and drug offenses are often not barriers. This is the most accessible entry point into security work for people with records.
Armed Security Guard	Very Difficult — Requires Firearm Rights	Armed security requires lawful firearm possession, which is prohibited for felons under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)). The only path is having firearm rights fully restored through a pardon, expungement, or state rights restoration process. Even then, the state security licensing board may still deny based on the underlying offense. Armed guards also need additional training (typically 40-80+ hours in firearms).
Corporate/Executive Protection	Difficult	Executive protection (bodyguard) work typically requires an armed security license plus additional training. Client background check requirements are also rigorous. This field is very difficult to enter with a felony conviction. Some unarmed executive protection work exists but is less common.
Loss Prevention / Retail Security	Moderate	Loss prevention officers work in retail settings to prevent shoplifting and internal theft. Some states require a security guard license; others do not. Because the role involves preventing theft, theft and fraud convictions face more scrutiny. However, many retail companies will hire for loss prevention with older, non-theft-related felonies. Some loss prevention roles are in-house and may not require state licensing.

How to Apply — Step by Step

Check your state's security guard licensing requirements

Visit your state's private security licensing board or regulatory agency website. Review criminal history policies, disqualifying offenses, and any waiting periods. Some states have detailed lists of disqualifying offenses; others use a broader standard. Determine whether your state requires licensing for the specific type of security work you want to do.

Determine unarmed vs. armed licensing path

If you have a felony conviction, focus on unarmed security initially. Armed security requires legal firearm possession, which is barred by federal law for felons. If your rights have been restored through a pardon or other process, you may pursue armed licensing. An attorney can help determine your firearm rights status.

Complete required security guard training

Most states require pre-assignment training (8-40 hours for unarmed, additional 40-80+ hours for armed). Training covers legal authority, emergency procedures, report writing, observation techniques, and (for armed) firearms proficiency. Training is typically offered by security companies, community colleges, or private training schools.

Submit your license application with full disclosure

Apply for your state security guard license with complete disclosure of your criminal history. Include certified court documents, personal statement, and rehabilitation evidence. Do not omit any convictions — background checks will reveal them, and nondisclosure can result in permanent denial.

Pass the background check

The state will conduct a criminal background check (typically fingerprint-based). If your record triggers a review, the board may request additional information, schedule a hearing, or make a determination based on written materials. Processing times vary from a few days to several weeks depending on the state.

Apply to security companies or in-house security positions

Once licensed, apply to security companies and in-house security departments. Large contract security companies (Allied Universal, Securitas, GardaWorld) employ hundreds of thousands of guards and may be more willing to hire people with records, depending on the position and client requirements. Be upfront about your record — many positions are available for people with non-violent, older convictions.

Take Action — Direct Links

Find your state security guard licensing board
ASIS International — the leading professional organization for security professionals, with links to state licensing information and training resources
Bureau of Labor Statistics — Security Guards
Job outlook, median pay, and entry requirements for security guards — helpful for understanding the career path
Allied Universal — Careers
One of the largest security companies in the U.S. — search for open unarmed security positions in your area
Collateral Consequences Resource Center — Restoration of Rights
State-by-state guide to restoring civil rights including firearm rights — essential for pursuing armed security licensing
18 U.S.C. § 922(g) — Federal firearms prohibitions
Full text of the federal law prohibiting felons from possessing firearms — the primary barrier to armed security work

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a felon be a security guard?: For unarmed security, yes in many states — particularly for non-violent felonies that occurred several years ago. Most states review criminal history on a case-by-case basis for unarmed security licenses. For armed security, the answer is generally no — federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms, and armed security requires lawful firearm carry. The only exception is if your firearm rights have been fully restored through a pardon or other legal process.
Can a felon be an armed security guard?: Generally no, because federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) prohibits felons from possessing firearms, and armed security requires carrying a firearm. The only way around this is having your firearm rights fully restored — through a full pardon that explicitly restores gun rights, a state rights restoration process, or in some cases an expungement that restores firearm rights. Even with restored rights, the state security licensing board may still deny an armed license based on the underlying conviction.
How long after a felony can I get a security guard license?: It varies by state. Some states have specific waiting periods — for example, 5 years after sentence completion for certain offenses, or 10 years for violent felonies. Other states have no fixed waiting period but consider recency as a factor. As a general guideline, unarmed security licenses become more achievable 3-5+ years after sentence completion for non-violent offenses, and 7-10+ years for violent offenses. Check your specific state's requirements.
Do security companies hire felons?: Many do, particularly for unarmed positions. Large contract security companies employ hundreds of thousands of guards and face high turnover, which makes them more willing to consider applicants with records. However, individual job assignments depend on client requirements — some clients (government buildings, schools, hospitals) have stricter background requirements than others (construction sites, warehouses, parking lots). Being honest about your record and being flexible about assignments improves your chances.
Can I be a security guard without a license?: In some states and for some types of security work, yes. Several states do not require licensing for in-house (proprietary) security — where a business employs its own security staff rather than using a contract security company. Some states also exempt certain low-risk security functions (like night watchmen or parking lot attendants) from licensing requirements. However, most states require licensing for contract security guards. Check your state's specific requirements.
What training do I need to become a security guard?: Training requirements vary by state. For unarmed security, most states require 8-40 hours of pre-assignment training covering legal authority, emergency procedures, report writing, and observation. Some states require additional on-the-job training (e.g., New York requires 24 hours of pre-assignment plus 16 hours of on-the-job training). Armed security requires additional firearms training (typically 40-80+ hours) plus annual firearms qualification. A few states have no state-mandated training requirements.
Can a felon work as a bouncer?: Bouncers (doormen) at bars and clubs may or may not be classified as security guards under state law. In states where bouncers are not classified as security guards, no security license is required and the hiring decision is up to the employer. In states where bouncers are classified as security guards, the same licensing requirements and background checks apply. Violent felonies receive more scrutiny for bouncer positions due to the confrontational nature of the work.

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Security guard licensing varies by state. Contact your state's private security regulatory agency for advice about your specific situation.