LOUISIANA SECURITY GUARD AGENCY LICENSE

The license. Company license (contract security company / private security business license) issued by the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners. The fee statute calls it an 'Initial company license'; the board's website calls it a 'security company license'. [1]

Who needs it. Any person engaging in the business of providing, or undertaking to provide, a security officer on a contractual basis for another person (contract security company); armored car/armed courier companies are also within 'private security business'. A license must be issued before soliciting or operating (R.S. 37:3276(G)); out-of-state companies must be licensed too. Exempt: proprietary (in-house) security for the employer's own affairs (R.S. 37:3298(A)); off-duty peace officers contracting directly as independent contractors (37:3298(B)); federal officers (37:3298(C)). Companies using security/detector canines must hold a company license (LAC 46:LIX.201.N; R.S. 37:3284.1). [2]

Local licensing. Licensing of contract security companies is exclusively state-level. R.S. 37:3297(A) (la-rs-37-3270-legis) preempts local regulation: "no governmental subdivision of this state shall enact any legislation, code, or ordinance or promulgate any rules or regulations relating to the licensing, training, or regulations of contract security companies other than the imposition of a bona fide business tax." R.S. 37:3297(B) supersedes any existing local licensing/training/regulation of licensees and registrants. Local governments may still require a general occupational (business-tax) license, and the board's application requires a "copy of occupational license from each city or parish in which that company or branch has security operations, if applicable" (LAC 46:LIX.201.D.2.i, lr-2026-10-lac46-lix-final-rule).

Your guards. Every security officer and security operations manager must hold a board registration card (two-year validity; initial $75 / renewal $65). Since Aug. 1, 2026 (Act 683), officers must complete 16 hours of S.O.S.T. training from a board-licensed instructor and pass an exam for each course before the first work assignment (4 hours for officers registered in comparable states and certain law enforcement officers). The company must ensure training is complete before first work assignment and verify current registration (LAC 46:LIX.201.I). Board guidance: officers must be W-2 employees, not 1099 contractors. [2]

Role

Qualifying agent - an owner or manager with authority to make executive decisions; the experience requirement applies to 'an applicant or qualifying agent'. [2]

Experience

Three years of consecutive experience as an employee, manager, or owner of a security company, OR three years of experience as a law enforcement officer with any federal, state, local, or U.S. military law enforcement agency (R.S. 37:3276(F)). [1]

Age & background

Good moral character; 'of legal age' (no numeric age stated in statute); U.S. citizen; meets suitability under R.S. 37:3276.1(A); not adjudged incompetent (unless restored); no habitual drunkenness or narcotics addiction/dependence (R.S. 37:3276(A)). Fingerprint-based state and FBI background checks. [1]

• Individual applicant must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience (rule eff. Oct. 20, 2026). [11]
• Qualifying agent must hold the supervisory position on a regular full-time basis (part-time only if requested in writing and board-approved) and may qualify only one company licensee. [11]
• Three letters of good moral character from reputable unrelated persons who have known the applicant/qualifying agent at least five years. [11]
• Fingerprints via LAPS (electronic) or two FBI cards for the applicant or qualifying agent and each officer, partner or shareholder (except public-company shareholders). Board web pages say the board has adopted IdentoGO LiveScan. [11]
• Corporations must be incorporated in Louisiana or hold a Secretary of State certificate of authority, with an agent for service of process. [1]
• Every person with more than 5% ownership/income/profit interest, every officer or director, and anyone able to exercise significant influence must meet all suitability requirements and qualifications for licensees (R.S. 37:3276.1(D)). [1]
• Suitability includes owing no delinquent state or local taxes, penalties or interest (R.S. 37:3276.1(B)(1)(e)). [1]
• In any partnership, corporation, or association whose primary activity is regulated services, at least one partner or corporate officer must be licensed as a business (R.S. 37:3294(B)). [1]
• General liability insurance of at least $500,000 (see insurance) and must pass the board's company examination (see exam). [1]

Exam

Company Owner Examination (board website term); fee schedules list it as 'Company Examination' / 'Company/instructor examination'. [19]

Who sits it

Those applying for an initial company license; those reinstating an inactive license after five years; and anyone applying as a new qualifying agent for an approved, licensed company (LAC 46:LIX.201.E.2). [11]

Administered by

No third-party testing vendor. The exam is created by the board (LAC 46:LIX.201.E.1) and administered by LSBPSE; the board reported implementing an unnamed online proctoring service for company owners and instructors (Dec. 2024 letter). [11]

Delivery

Board-administered; scheduled by the LSBPSE licensing team after the application and payment steps; online proctored per the board's Dec. 2024 letter. Statute R.S. 37:3278(A) (not amended by Act 683) still says the exam 'shall be written'; Act 683 changed R.S. 37:3274(A)(2) from 'Administer a written examination... at least twice each year' to 'Administer an examination for prospective licensees.' The rule's definition of 'Written' includes characters on a viewable screen, so a computer-based proctored exam is consistent with 'written'. [31]

Passing score

70 percent [11]

Retakes

An applicant who fails may reapply to take the exam twice within a six-month period; if still not passed, the application is referred to the board for action (LAC 46:LIX.201.E.4). Statute R.S. 37:3279(C): may be re-examined upon filing a reexamination application and paying the reexamination fee - but Act 309 repealed the separate reexamination fee; whether each retake costs the $60 company/instructor examination fee is not stated. [11]

Insurance

General liability insurance of at least $500,000 naming the State of Louisiana as additional insured, with a carrier-issued certificate (R.S. 37:3276(E)). Rule (LAC 46:LIX.201.D.2.j-l, eff. Oct. 20, 2026): ACORD certificate with coverage for hiring, training and retention; errors and omissions; care, custody and control; authorized less-lethal tools, impact weapons and restraint devices; firearms and canine teams when applicable; contractual liability exclusive of sole negligence; copy of entire policy on issuance/renewal. Workers' compensation as required by law (except owner-only sole proprietorship / partners-only partnership). Commercial auto insurance at state minimums if vehicles are used. [1]

Branch offices

Branch office registration is voluntary: a letter from the licensee naming the branch manager, branch address, email and phone, plus a list of active security officers to be registered with the branch; the board issues a branch license certificate with a branch number (LAC 46:LIX.201.K). Branch addresses must be on the application (201.D.2.c); 'branch office' and 'branch manager' defined in R.S. 37:3272(A)(5)-(6) as amended by Act 683; changes of branch manager must be reported within 10 calendar days (201.J). Fee: see fees conflict ($110 on fee page vs. none in statute/new rule). [11]

• Initial company license - $500.00 (non-refundable; effective August 1, 2025 per Acts 2025 No. 309) [1]
• Company license renewal - $410.00 (annual) [1]
• Company/instructor examination - $60.00 [1]
• Status change, transfer, or reinstatement - $30.00 [1]
• All R.S. 37:3286(A) fees are non-refundable. [2]
• Electronic payments subject to a 3% processing fee (board fee page). [20]
• Branch Office Fee $110.00 per the board's fee page, citing LAC 46:LIX §201 - CONFLICT: Act 309 §3(A) says the R.S. 37:3286(A) fees supersede and replace all LAC Part LIX administrative fees, and the Oct. 20, 2026 rule (§201.K) contains no branch fee. Statute controls; whether the board still collects $110 is unconfirmed. [20]
• Act 309 fees supersede all LAC 46:LIX administrative fees upon enactment (but do not displace administrative fees adopted after enactment under APA, R.S. 37:3286(D)). [7]
• Security officer registration (employees) - initial $75.00, renewal $65.00 (two-year registration) [1]

1. Confirm the applicant or qualifying agent meets experience and licensing qualifications. [15]
2. Register the business with the Louisiana Secretary of State (active, good standing; out-of-state corporations need a certificate of authority and registered agent). [15]
3. Email the Company & Instructor Licensing Team to verify eligibility; the application is then made available in the Licensing & Registration Portal (online portal applications only per LAC 46:LIX.201.D.1). Welcome Home Act endorsement applicants must email the board before applying. [15]
4. Complete the application and upload business, experience, insurance and ID documents (ID, SSN, digital passport-quality photo, three character letters, SOS filings, articles, occupational license, ACORD GL certificate, workers' comp, auto insurance, uniform/badge photos). Application is sworn by the individual, each partner, or at least two principal corporate officers. [15]
5. Complete fingerprinting/background checks (rule: LAPS or FBI cards; board site: IdentoGO LiveScan). [15]
6. Pay fees in the portal and take the Company Owner Examination when scheduled. [15]
7. Board review and decision; statute requires issuance or denial notice within 60 days after receipt of the application. Denied applicants may request a hearing within 30 days (R.S. 37:3279(A)(3)(b), 3279.1). No soliciting or operating before issuance. [1]

Renewal

Annual. Statute R.S. 37:3287(A): license expires annually on the date of issuance unless renewed by paying the renewal fee at least 30 days before expiration; board sends notice at least 60 days in advance; a lapsed license requires applying again for initial licensure; licensee may request a hearing within 30 days of a notice of intent to refuse renewal (37:3287(C) as amended by Act 683). Rule (LAC 46:LIX.201.F.2, G, eff. Oct. 20, 2026): licenses expire on the last day of the month one year after issuance; renewal via the portal before expiration with current ACORD GL certificate, workers' comp certificate, commercial auto insurance, SOS good-standing filing, and occupational license if applicable. Renewal fee $410. [1]

Disqualifiers & waivers

Ineligible (R.S. 37:3276.1(A)): conviction in any jurisdiction of a crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2(B); or any other felony within 10 years before application, or less than 10 years since completion of sentence, deferred adjudication, probation or parole, unless a full pardon or similar relief has been granted. Arrests/charges may be considered even if dismissed or resulting in acquittal (37:3276.1(B)(2)). Board may refuse/suspend/revoke for felony conviction or plea and other good cause (R.S. 37:3289). Waiver route: proof of pardon on request (LAC 46:LIX.601.A.1); applications must list convictions and any governor's pardon or Art. 893/894 set-aside, with charging documents for set-asides (LAC 46:LIX.201.D.3.l). [1]

• 2025-08-01Fee schedule rewritten: initial company license $500, renewal $410, company/instructor exam $60, status change/transfer/reinstatement $30; separate application, reexamination and replacement fees repealed; statutory fees supersede all LAC Part LIX administrative fees; board must post a full fee schedule online. Acts 2025, No. 309 (HB 157); R.S. 37:3286 [8]
• 2025-08-01Definitions amended ('applicant', 'qualifying agent'; 'licensure' added) and R.S. 37:3276.2 criminal-history provisions revised. Acts 2025, No. 150 (HB 152); R.S. 37:3272, 3276.2 [10]
• 2026-08-01HB 921 overhaul: Act renamed 'Louisiana Private Security Licensing and Regulatory Act'; board restructured; board must 'Administer an examination' ('written' and 'at least twice each year' removed from R.S. 37:3274(A)(2); R.S. 37:3278 unchanged and still says 'written'); 16 hours S.O.S.T. before first work assignment; new hearing/appeal procedure R.S. 37:3279.1; renewal-refusal hearing window 15->30 days; canine programs (R.S. 37:3284.1); probation added as a sanction; written warning/corrective action plan option for first-time non-willful violations; branch office/branch manager definitions; LLCs included in 'person'. Acts 2026, No. 683 (HB 921) [4]
• 2026-08-01Armed security officers added as 'authorized persons' entitled to civil-liability limitation for justified use of force with a firearm, only if the perpetrator was wielding a dangerous weapon. Acts 2026, No. 613 (HB 71); R.S. 9:2793.12 [6]
• 2026-10-20Comprehensive rewrite of LAC 46:LIX Chs. 1-10: §201 reorganized (HS diploma/GED; portal-only applications; LAPS fingerprints; workers' comp and commercial auto insurance; expanded GL coverage incl. less-lethal and canine); exam 'created by the board', 70% to pass, required also for reinstating an inactive license after five years; §203 repealed (incl. prior out-of-state no-exam provision); company licenses expire last day of month one year after issuance; branch office fee no longer in rule; temporary licenses for out-of-state companies in declared emergencies; canine operations require company license; new §815 requires company license number on advertising/marketing materials. LR 52:1822 and LR 52:1835 (October 20, 2026); LAC 46:LIX [11]
• upon final publication (unknown)PENDING (not final as of 2026-11-09): proposed amendments to §301 (security officer registration) and §505 (firearms) and repeal of §603; effective only upon publication of a final rule. Does not change company licensure §201. Notice of Intent, LR 52:1440 (August 2026) [12]

• La. R.S. 37:3270-3299 (Title 37, Chapter 47), as amended by Acts 2025 Nos. 150 and 309 and Acts 2026 No. 683 — Louisiana Private Security Licensing and Regulatory Act (renamed by Act 683; formerly 'Private Security Regulatory and Licensing Law') - official legislature section pages (not yet updated for Act 683 as of 2026-11-09) [1]
• La. R.S. 37:3270 et seq. - LSBPSE compilation effective August 1, 2026 — Board convenience compilation incorporating Act 683 (incl. new R.S. 37:3279.1 and 37:3284.1); not an official text [2]
• Acts 2026, No. 683 (HB 921), eff. Aug. 1, 2026 — Amends R.S. 37:3270-3293 (selected subsections); enacts R.S. 37:3272(21)-(25), 3273(I), 3274(A)(12), 3279.1, 3284.1 [3]
• Acts 2025, No. 309 (HB 157), eff. Aug. 1, 2025 — Fee schedule, R.S. 37:3286; supersedes LAC 46:LIX administrative fees [7]
• Acts 2025, No. 150 (HB 152), eff. Aug. 1, 2025 — Definitions and criminal history record information, R.S. 37:3272 and 3276.2 [9]
• Acts 2026, No. 613 (HB 71), eff. Aug. 1, 2026; R.S. 9:2793.12 — Civil-liability limitation for armed security officers' justified use of force [5]
• La. R.S. 37:51-59 (Acts 2024, No. 253) — Welcome Home Act - occupational licensure by endorsement for Louisiana residents (general law; applies to LSBPSE company licensing per board) [43]
• LAC 46:LIX, Chapters 1-9 (amended LR 52:1822, October 20, 2026) and Chapter 10 (LR 52:1835) — Professional and Occupational Standards, Part LIX. Private Security Examiners - official final rule text as published in the Louisiana Register; company licensure at §201 [11]
• LAC 46:LIX (board-hosted copy of new rules effective October 20, 2026) — New Agency Rules 2026 (board convenience copy) [13]
• LAC 46:LIX (prior text, in force until October 20, 2026) — Prior rules (superseded; historical reference only) [14]
• LAC 46:LIX.301, 505, 603 - Notice of Intent, LR 52:1440 (August 2026) — PENDING proposed amendments (security officer registration, firearms; repeal of §603) - not final as of 2026-11-09 [12]

1. La. R.S. 37:3270-3299, Louisiana State Legislature (section pages) · retrieved 2026-11-09
2. LSBPSE compilation: Statutes R.S. 37:3270 et seq. effective August 1, 2026 · retrieved 2026-11-09
3. Acts 2026, No. 683 (HB 921) enrolled act · retrieved 2026-11-09
4. Resume Digest, Act 683 (HB 921) 2026 RS · retrieved 2026-11-09
5. Acts 2026, No. 613 (HB 71) enrolled act · retrieved 2026-11-09
6. Resume Digest, Act 613 (HB 71) 2026 RS · retrieved 2026-11-09
7. Acts 2025, No. 309 (HB 157) enrolled act · retrieved 2026-11-09
8. Resume Digest, Act 309 (HB 157) 2025 RS · retrieved 2026-11-09
9. Acts 2025, No. 150 (HB 152) enrolled act · retrieved 2026-11-09
10. Resume Digest, Act 150 (HB 152) 2025 RS · retrieved 2026-11-09
11. Louisiana Register Oct. 20, 2026 - Final Rules LAC 46:LIX Chs. 1-9 (LR 52:1822) and Ch. 10 (LR 52:1835) · retrieved 2026-11-09
12. Louisiana Register Aug. 2026 - Notice of Intent LAC 46:LIX.301, 505, 603 (LR 52:1440) · retrieved 2026-11-09
13. LSBPSE-hosted New Agency Rules 2026 (LAC 46:LIX) effective Oct. 20, 2026 · retrieved 2026-11-09
14. LSBPSE-hosted prior LAC 46:LIX (superseded Oct. 20, 2026) · retrieved 2026-11-09
15. LSBPSE: Become a Licensed Security Company · retrieved 2026-11-09
16. LSBPSE: Company Licensing Requirements · retrieved 2026-11-09
17. LSBPSE: Out-of-State Company Licensing Requirements · retrieved 2026-11-09
18. LSBPSE: Renew or Update an Existing License · retrieved 2026-11-09
19. LSBPSE: Company Licensing FAQs · retrieved 2026-11-09
20. LSBPSE: Fee Schedule (effective Aug. 1, 2025) · retrieved 2026-11-09
21. LSBPSE: Rules, Statutes & Legislative Updates · retrieved 2026-11-09
22. LSBPSE: New Rules Effective October 20, 2026 - Key Changes · retrieved 2026-11-09
23. LSBPSE: Forms & Resources · retrieved 2026-11-09
24. LSBPSE: Security Officer Registration · retrieved 2026-11-09
25. LSBPSE: Employee Classification Requirements · retrieved 2026-11-09
26. LSBPSE: FAQs - Instructors · retrieved 2026-11-09
27. LSBPSE letter: Changes Under HB 921 (July 1, 2026) · retrieved 2026-11-09
28. LSBPSE memo: New Private Security Laws Now in Effect (Aug. 3, 2026; OCR) · retrieved 2026-11-09
29. LSBPSE letter: Upcoming Changes to Security Officer Training (July 20, 2026; OCR) · retrieved 2026-11-09
30. LSBPSE letter: Updates to Applications and Agency Website (July 28, 2026; OCR) · retrieved 2026-11-09
31. LSBPSE year-end letter (Dec. 30, 2024) · retrieved 2026-11-09
32. LSBPSE letter: Exciting Developments Ahead (Dec. 29, 2023) · retrieved 2026-11-09
33. LSBPSE letter: Fee Schedule Revisions (June 19, 2025) · retrieved 2026-11-09
34. LSBPSE letter on HB 71 (Apr. 15, 2026) · retrieved 2026-11-09
35. LSBPSE-hosted copy: Crimes of Violence, La. R.S. 14:2(B) · retrieved 2026-11-09
36. La. R.S. 37:3270-3299 (Chapter 47) - Louisiana State Legislature, section-by-section · retrieved 2026-11-09
37. LSBPSE compilation: R.S. 37:3270 et seq. effective August 1, 2026 (incorporates Act 683) · retrieved 2026-11-09
38. Acts 2026, No. 683 (HB 921) enrolled act · retrieved 2026-11-09
39. Resume Digest, Act 683 (HB 921) 2026 RS · retrieved 2026-11-09
40. Acts 2025, No. 309 (HB 157) - fees · retrieved 2026-11-09
41. Resume Digest, Act 309 (HB 157) 2025 RS · retrieved 2026-11-09
42. Resume Digest, Act 150 (HB 152) 2025 RS · retrieved 2026-11-09
43. Acts 2024, No. 253 (SB 60) - Welcome Home Act, R.S. 37:51-59 · retrieved 2026-11-09
44. Louisiana Register Oct. 2026 - Final Rules, LAC 46:LIX Chapters 1-9 (LR 52:1822) and Chapter 10 (LR 52:1835) · retrieved 2026-11-09
45. LSBPSE: Become a Licensed Security Company · retrieved 2026-11-09
46. LSBPSE: Company Licensing Requirements · retrieved 2026-11-09
47. LSBPSE: Company Licensing FAQs · retrieved 2026-11-09
48. LSBPSE: Fee Schedule (effective August 1, 2025) · retrieved 2026-11-09
49. LSBPSE: Out-of-State Company Licensing Requirements · retrieved 2026-11-09
50. LSBPSE: Renew or Update an Existing License · retrieved 2026-11-09
51. LSBPSE: New Rules Effective October 20, 2026 - Key Changes · retrieved 2026-11-09
52. LSBPSE: Rules, Statutes & Legislative Updates · retrieved 2026-11-09
53. LSBPSE: Security Officer Registration · retrieved 2026-11-09
54. LSBPSE: Forms & Resources · retrieved 2026-11-09
55. LSBPSE letter: New Laws Now in Effect (Aug. 3, 2026) · retrieved 2026-11-09
56. LSBPSE: Licensing and Registration Overview · retrieved 2026-11-09
57. LSBPSE: Welcome Home Act - Licensure by Endorsement · retrieved 2026-11-09
58. LSBPSE letter to Governor re Welcome Home Act (Feb. 26, 2025) · retrieved 2026-11-09
59. LSBPSE year-end letter (Dec. 30, 2024) - online proctoring · retrieved 2026-11-09

Compiled from the primary government sources above, retrieved on the dates shown. This page is a research summary, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the issuing authority before you file.