How to Get a Tennessee Security Guard Card in 2026

If you want to work as a security officer in Tennessee, you need a state registration card, which most people call a "guard card." The process isn't complicated, but the steps have to happen in the right order, and armed and unarmed cards have different requirements.

This guide walks through what the State of Tennessee requires in 2026, based on the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the state law that governs private security. We're Crimson Security Service, a licensed Tennessee contract security company (#14376) and guard training school in Smyrna, so we'll also tell you how our classes fit in.

Who regulates security guards in Tennessee?

Security guards are regulated by the Private Protective Services program at TDCI. The program used to sit under a separate commission. Since July 1, 2021, it has been part of the Commissioner-run Detection Services Licensing Program. The rules come from the Private Protective Services Licensing and Regulatory Act, Tennessee Code Title 62, Chapter 35.

A quick note on terms: you may see letter classes such as "Class D" or "Class C" used for security licenses online. Tennessee uses two registrations instead: an unarmed security guard registration and an armed security guard registration. Those are the terms you'll see on TDCI's site and in this guide.

Keep in mind that Tennessee law defines a security guard as someone employed by a licensed contract security company or a proprietary security organization. Plan on working for a licensed company once you have your card.

Unarmed security guard requirements

To get an unarmed registration in Tennessee, you must:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
3. Pass the criminal history standard. A felony conviction, or a misdemeanor involving a weapon, shoplifting, assault or violence, drug distribution, or theft of property or services, can disqualify you unless you finished serving the sentence or court-ordered probation at least five years before you apply.
4. Complete a background check through IdentoGO. Fingerprints are taken through IdentoGO, using the state's Agency ORI number, TN920120Z.
5. Complete 4 hours of general training with a state-certified trainer and pass an exam. State law sets one hour each for orientation, legal powers and limitations of a security guard, emergency procedures, and general duties.

Once your application is complete and the fee is paid, the state allows unarmed applicants to work while the application is being processed. You must carry a copy of the complete application while on duty. If the application is denied, you have to stop working in that role.

Armed security guard requirements

Armed registration has everything above, plus more:

1. Be at least 21 years old.
2. Meet the same citizenship, criminal history and IdentoGO background requirements.
3. Complete the 4-hour general training.
4. Complete 8 additional classroom hours covering the legal limits on using a firearm, firearm handling, and safety and maintenance.
5. Complete 4 hours of marksmanship training and score at least 70% on a commissioner-approved silhouette target course, using an approved firearm.

That adds up to 16 hours of training for a new armed guard. One big difference from unarmed: armed guards must wait until they receive their registration card before working in an armed capacity. While the armed application is pending, you may work unarmed if your application is complete and paid.

New in 2026: Starting January 1, 2026, armed guards need the state's enhanced armed guard registration to use approved shotguns and rifles on duty.

Extra training for certain posts

Some assignments carry extra requirements:

• Batons, stun guns and chemical spray: at least 4 hours of training from a state-certified trainer for each device you carry.
• Bars, restaurants and venues that serve alcohol (Dallas' Law): within 15 days of assignment, guards must complete training in de-escalation, safe restraint, first aid and CPR, with refresher training at renewal.
• Schools: armed guards working at public, charter, private or church-related schools must complete 8 hours of active shooter training before they're posted there.

People with recent law enforcement or corrections in-service training (within one year of applying) may qualify for training exemptions under Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-35-118(d). TDCI asks you to submit proof with your application.

Step-by-step: how to get your card

1. Decide armed or unarmed. If you're under 21, start with unarmed. If you want armed posts later, you can upgrade.
2. Take the training from a state-certified trainer. Your trainer submits a certificate of completion to the state.
3. Schedule fingerprinting with IdentoGO at tn.state.identogo.com.
4. Apply online through TDCI's CORE system at core.tn.gov and pay the state fee. Check TDCI's site for current fees.
5. Work with your employer. A licensed company like Crimson will tell you what else the post requires, such as a drug test, site training, or Dallas' Law or device training.

Renewing your guard card

Tennessee guard registrations expire every two years.

• Unarmed renewal: 2 hours of refresher training before renewal. TDCI lists the renewal fee as $70.
• Armed renewal: 4 hours of refresher training plus firearms requalification at 70% or better. TDCI lists the renewal fee as $85.
• Grace period: 90 days, with a $20 late fee for each month. After that, you have to reinstate, which means repeating the initial documentation, training and IdentoGO background check.

Don't let it lapse. Put your expiration date on your calendar and book a renewal class a month or two ahead.

How Crimson's classes line up with the state requirements

Crimson Security Service runs guard training every month, with classroom training at our Smyrna office (660 Fitzhugh Blvd, Suite 100) and range qualification at an indoor range in Murfreesboro. Prices below are as posted on our site in October 2026.

• Initial Unarmed Guard (4 hours, $85): The state's 4-hour general training and exam
• Initial Armed Guard (16 hours, two days, $125): General training plus 8 hours of firearms classroom and 4 hours of marksmanship
• Unarmed Renewal (2 hours, $50): 2-hour unarmed refresher
• Armed Renewal (5 hours, $85): 4-hour armed refresher plus requalification
• CPR/AED Certification (4 hours, $90): CPR and AED skills

The Initial Unarmed class is the same as the first four hours of the Initial Armed course. Students certified unarmed by Crimson within the past six months can skip those first four hours when they come back for armed training. They're still responsible for that content on the exam.

Ready to start? See upcoming class dates, read about each course on our Training & Licensing page, or register and pay online. If you aren't sure which class you need, call us at 615-768-9529.

Once you're licensed, check our Employment page for current armed and unarmed openings in Middle Tennessee.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a guard card at 18?

Yes, an unarmed card. Armed registration requires age 21.

How long does the state take to issue a card?

Processing times vary. Unarmed applicants can work on a complete, paid application while it's processed. Armed applicants must wait for the card.

Do I need a handgun carry permit to be an armed guard?

Armed guard registration is a separate credential with its own training and qualification. Ask us about your situation before class.

This article is general information, current as of October 2026, and is not legal advice. Always check TDCI's Private Protective Services pages for the latest requirements and fees.

Sources

1. TDCI – Unarmed Security Guard: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/pps/license/get/unarmed-security-guard.html
2. TDCI – Armed Security Guard: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/pps/license/get/armed-security-guard.html
3. TDCI – Renewal, Reinstatement & Other Resources: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/pps/license/renewal.html
4. TDCI – Tennessee Private Protective Services (program overview): https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/pps.html
5. TDCI news – New training requirements starting Jan. 1, 2023 (Dallas' Law): https://www.tn.gov/commerce/news/2022/11/21/tdci-reminds-security-professionals-about-new-training-requirements-starting-jan-1-2023.html
6. Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-35-118 (training and examination): https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-62/chapter-35/section-62-35-118/
7. Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-35-122 (expiration, renewal, refresher training): https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-62/chapter-35/section-62-35-122/
8. TDCI – Certificate of Successful Completion of Guard Training (form): https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/pps/forms/SecurityGuardTrainingForm.pdf
9. IdentoGO Tennessee: https://tn.state.identogo.com/