Hawaii Unarmed Security Guards Licensing Requirements

State Security Licensing Authorities: Hawaii

Hawaii Security Guard Licensing Requirements

Hawaii has complicated and stringent standards. Obtaining a security guard license in Hawaii requires previous experience, cash up front, studying for exams and gathering lots of necessary paperwork. It’s nearly as time-consuming and strict as becoming a police officer. Here’s what you need to know.

• Graduate from high school or get a GED. Bring proof with you when you apply. Hawaii requires this and that you be at least 18 years old.
• Have at least four verifiable years of experience as a security guard. To get your license and command more money, you must first work under a licensed guard or guard agency, as a guard for a private employer, as a police officer or as a guard for any government entity. Many people get experience in other states first.
• Fill out the 17-page security guard application, available in the Resources section. There is a deadline every two months for this application. Call 808-586-3000 and request that application forms be mailed, if you prefer.
• Get a fingerprint check through the FBI.
• Get criminal abstracts from every county where you have lived during the past decade.
• Pay the $50 application fee, plus other miscellaneous license and fingerprint fees that vary depending on the time of year you make your application and how you submit the fingerprints.
• Be in good physical and mental health and have no criminal convictions.
• Take and pass a test administered by the Board of Private Detectives and Guards, after your application is reviewed and approved.

State Information and Applications

• Board of Private Detectives and Guards Hawaii FAQs
• Application Exams and Deadlines
• Application Forms & Publications