West Virginia Security Guards Licensing Requirements

**West Virginia Unarmed Security Guards Licensing Requirements**

State Security Licensing Authorities: West Virginia

Eligibility Requirements for Licensing

Basic Requirements for All Licensees

Regardless of whether you intend to apply for an individual or firm license, as a private investigator or security guard, there nine basic requirements which apply to all applicants. For a firm, these basic requirements apply to all officers, member or partners, and all employees who will conduct business.

Be at least 18 years old or older.
Be a citizen of the United States, or an alien legally residing in the United States.
Be of good moral character.
Have not had a previous private investigator or security guard license revoked or denied in West Virginia or any other state.
Have not been declared incompetent by a court because of a mental defect or illness.
Do not suffer from narcotics addiction or dependence or habitual drunkenness.
Have not been convicted of a felony in this state or any other state or territory.
Have not been convicted of any of these crimes:
- Illegally using, carrying or possessing a pistol or other dangerous weapon;
- Making or possessing burglar’s instruments;
- Buying or receiving stolen property;
- Entering a building unlawfully;
- Aiding an inmate’s escape from prison;
- Possessing or distributing illicit drugs; or
- Any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or for which dishonesty of character is a necessary element.
Have never:
- Engaged in the private investigation or security guard business without a license;
- Transferred my license to an unlicensed person or subcontracted with an unlicensed person or firm to conduct investigations or security guard business;
- Employed anyone to conduct investigations or security guard business who was in violation of any of the prohibitions or requirements of law;
- Falsely represented that I am or any other person is licensed as an investigator or guard;
- Made any false report with respect to any matter relating to my employment;
- Divulged any information obtained from or for a client without express permission;
- Knowingly accepted employment to obtain information intended for illegal purposes; or
- Authorized another person to violate the law or rules.

Select the type of license you are seeking and review the eligibility requirements for that particular license:

Private Investigator & Security Guard Licensing

Any person or group of people who perform investigative or security guard functions in West Virginia are required to be licensed, unless one of the exemptions specified by law applies.

To understand whether licensing requirements apply, see exemptions under each license type.

Several types of licenses are issued, and the requirements are slightly different for each one.

To report problems related to either Private Investigators or Security Guards, please use the Complaint Form.

Private Investigator Licensing

Security Guard Licensing

Combined Licensing

Forms

Current Licensees

Search licensees by selecting the license type for private investigators or security guards.
Search the WV Code Chapter 30 Article 18.

Join the United Federation LEOS-PBA Law Enforcement Officers Security & Police Benefit Association the true authority of Law Enforcement, Protective Service Officers, Special Police Officers, Security Police Officers, Nuclear Security Officers, Security Officers, Security Guards and Security Professionals nationwide. Contact us today @ 1-800-516-0094 or visit our website @ www.LEOSPBA.org

Organizing: 1-800-516-0094
United Federation LEOS-PBA (202) 595-3510