MICHIGAN SECURITY GUARD AGENCY LICENSE

The license. Security Guard Agency license (statute: license to conduct business as a 'private security guard or agency' / 'private security guard business'). LARA issues three related license types: Security Guard Agency (entity formed at state level), Security Guard Sole Proprietor (unincorporated business with county DBA), and Security Guard Branch (each additional Michigan location). [12]

Who needs it. Any sole proprietorship, firm, company, partnership, LLC or corporation engaging in the business of private security guard, patrol service, or an agency furnishing those services, and anyone advertising its business as a private security guard agency; a license is required for each office and branch office. 'Private security guard' = an individual or employee of an employer who offers, for hire, to provide protection of property on the premises of another (MCL 338.1052(1)(g)). Proprietary (in-house) guards protecting their own employer's property and employees are not required to be licensed (MCL 338.1079(2)). Unlicensed operation is a felony (up to 4 years and/or $1,000.00) (MCL 338.1053(3)). Michigan issues NO individual security guard license. [1]

Local licensing. Licensing is state-level (LARA). MCL 338.1055: upon issuance of the state license 'the applicant shall not be required to obtain any other license from a municipality or political subdivision of this state.' Local officials nonetheless act as gatekeepers inside the state process: the application is not complete until the county prosecuting attorney AND the county sheriff (or, if the office is in a city, township or village, the chief of police) approve the applicant for the principal office; branch offices and branch managers must be similarly approved (MCL 338.1057(3); LARA approval forms). Entity formation with the Michigan Corporations Division (agency) or a county-clerk DBA (sole proprietor) is a prerequisite document, not a separate guard license. No municipal ordinance text was reviewed.

Your guards. Michigan has NO state-issued individual guard card/registration. The licensed agency vets its own employees: employees hired after June 21, 2002 must be at least 18, have a high school diploma/GED or equivalent, no felony, no 338.1060(1)(c) offense in the prior 5 years, not adjudged insane, no outstanding warrants (MCL 338.1067(2)). The licensee must submit fingerprints of all prospective direct-provider employees to the Michigan State Police for state and FBI checks before employing them; an MSP name check ($15) gives provisional clearance for up to 90 days pending fingerprint clearance (MCL 338.1068). Licensee files quarterly employee rosters with LARA (due Apr 15, Jul 15, Oct 15, Jan 15). R 28.4006 (eff. Nov 4, 2025): individuals providing licensed services must be employees of the licensed agency (on its payroll and roster), wear its uniform, be re-checked every 2 years at license renewal; personnel files kept at least 1 year after separation. [15]

Role

Qualifying Officer (QO) - the individual who is the sole or principal license holder of the applicant (MCL 338.1056(1)); statute also requires a business 'resident manager' to meet the qualifications (MCL 338.1056(2)). Under R 28.4005 (eff. Nov 4, 2025) the QO is responsible for daily operation and supervision and must keep regular hours at the licensed agency. [3]

Experience

Must meet ANY ONE of MCL 338.1056(1)(g): (i) at least 3 years in the private security guard or agency business on own account in another state; (ii) at least 4 years as an employee of a licensed guard agency with experience reasonably equivalent to at least 4 years of full-time guard work in a supervisory capacity with rank above that of patrolman; (iii) at least 4 years full-time as a certified police officer for a city, county, state or U.S. government; (iv) at least 2 years full-time in the guard/agency business (as employee, on own account, or as security administrator in private business) PLUS a baccalaureate degree or equivalent in police administration or industrial security from an accredited college or university; or (v) at least 2 years as a military police officer or equivalent in the armed forces, honorable or general separation (DD214/DD215), plus an affidavit from a commanding officer/supervisor/military superior attesting entry-level experience in or basic knowledge of: enforcing rules, regulations and guidelines; providing security and physical protection; area and site security operations; overseeing prisoners and correctional facilities; reconnaissance and surveillance. NOTE: LARA's License Requirements page omits route (iv); the statute controls. [1]

Age & background

At least 21 years of age (does not apply to the military-police route (g)(v)); high school education or equivalent; no felony conviction (license issued after March 28, 2001); no conviction in the preceding 5 years of an offense listed in MCL 338.1060(1)(c) (felony or misdemeanor involving dishonesty or fraud; unauthorized divulging/selling of information or evidence; impersonating a law enforcement officer or government employee; illegally using, carrying or possessing a dangerous weapon; two or more alcohol-related offenses; controlled substances; assault); if a veteran, separated with honorable or under-honorable-conditions (general) character of service; not adjudged insane (unless restored by court order); no outstanding arrest warrants. [1]

• Five reference statements from reputable citizens who have known the applicant at least 5 years, can attest the applicant is honest, of good character and competent, and are not related or connected by blood or marriage. [1]
• Approval of the county prosecuting attorney and the county sheriff (or chief of police if the office is in a city, township or village) where the principal office is located; branch offices and branch managers similarly approved. [1]
• Two passport-quality photographs of the applicant (for an entity, of the resident manager; LARA asks for photos of the Qualifying Officer). [1]
• Physical office location in Michigan and a resident manager. [14]
• If a business doing or seeking to do business in Michigan applies, its resident manager must meet the applicable qualifications. [1]
• QO is responsible for daily operation and supervision of the agency and must maintain regular hours at the licensed agency; may also supervise the agency's branch licenses (R 28.4005, eff. Nov 4, 2025). [3]
• Department must be satisfied of the good character, competence and integrity of the individual applicant or, for an entity, of its individual members or officers (each member/officer completes the Entity Members form). [1]
• A change of Qualifying Officer cancels the license; a new application is required. On the QO's death the business may be carried on for 90 days. [23]

Insurance

Optional alternative to the bond: a policy from an insurer authorized in Michigan naming the licensee and the State as coinsureds: $25,000.00 property damage; $100,000.00 injury/death of 1 person; $200,000.00 injuries/deaths of more than 1 person, arising out of the licensed activity. No separate general-liability or workers' compensation amount is set by the Act or rules (R 28.4006(1) requires compliance with all applicable employment laws). [1]

Surety bond

Surety bond in the principal amount of $25,000.00, conditioned on the faithful and honest conduct of the business, approved by the department, payable for the benefit of the people of the state; a person injured by the willful, malicious and wrongful act of the licensee or its agents/employees may sue on the bond. A renewal surety bond is filed at each renewal (MCL 338.1075(1)). Insurance may be furnished in lieu of the bond. [1]

Branch offices

A separate license is required for each branch office (an 'alternative location' in Michigan). Requires an active Agency or Sole Proprietor license; filed in MiCLEAR as a 'Security Guard Agency Branch Application' from the active '3801' agency license, naming the Branch Manager; requires County Sheriff/City Chief of Police AND County Prosecuting Attorney approval for the branch location; fee $50 each; branch license posted conspicuously in the branch office and expires on the same date as the initial license. The QO may supervise branch licenses (R 28.4005). [1]

• Initial license fee: $200.00 individual or sole proprietorship; $300.00 entity (MCL 338.1059(3)). LARA fee page agrees ($300.00 Partnership/LLC/Corporation Application; $200.00 Sole Proprietor Application). [1]
• Initial license fee, individual/sole proprietor: $200.00. [1]
• Branch office license: $50.00 each (MCL 338.1059(5)); LARA also lists Branch Office Renewal $50.00, Branch Relicensure $50.00, Branch Reinstatement $100.00. [1]
• Biennial renewal fee: $100.00 sole proprietorship; $150.00 private security guard firm, company, partnership, LLC or corporation (MCL 338.1075(1)). LARA: Partnership/LLC/Corporation Renewal $150.00; Sole Proprietor Renewal $100.00; Branch $50 each. [1]
• Late renewal (within 30 days after expiration): required license fee plus $25.00 late renewal fee. LARA hub shows combined totals: Agency $175, Sole Proprietor $125, Branch $75. After 30 days the applicant must reapply (relicensure). [1]
• Relicensure (lapsed license, per LARA): Partnership/LLC/Corporation $300.00; Sole Proprietor $200.00; Branch $50.00 (consistent with statute treating lapse >30 days as a new application under section 7 at initial fees). [13]
• Reinstatement of a suspended license: $100.00. [1]
• Veterans: initial license fee and any initial application processing fee waived if the applicant is an individual who served in the armed forces and provides a DD214/DD215 or other satisfactory form showing honorable or general (under honorable conditions) separation. LARA offers an 'Armed Forces Fee Waiver' checkbox on the Security Guard Agency application. [1]
• Employee background checks (paid by licensee): Michigan State Police name check $15.00 per request; fingerprint-based state and FBI check at the fingerprint processing fee prescribed by MCL 28.273 plus FBI fees. [1]
• License reprint $0 if lost, stolen, or destroyed; license verification $0. [12]

1. Form the business: entity formed with the Michigan Corporations Division (Agency license), or a Certificate of Doing Business As from the County Clerk (Sole Proprietor license); establish a physical office in Michigan. [18]
2. Complete a 'Security Guard Agency Application' (or Sole Proprietor application) online through MiCLEAR, identifying the Qualifying Officer (full name, phone, email) who meets MCL 338.1056. [18]
3. Upload required documents: five reference statements (MCL 338.1057(1)); two passport-quality photos of the QO (MCL 338.1058(2)); surety bond or certificate of insurance (MCL 338.1059(4)); proof entity is active (Articles); Entity Members form; County Sheriff/Chief of Police AND County Prosecuting Attorney approval form (MCL 338.1057(3)); all outstanding employee rosters; military affidavit if using the MP experience route. [18]
4. Pay the application fee: $300 agency ($200 sole proprietor; $50 per branch). [12]
5. LARA investigates qualifications; if the applicant was never denied or had a license suspended/revoked, LARA may issue a nonrenewable temporary license valid up to 120 days. LARA must issue or deny within 180 days after a completed application (MCL 338.1059(8)). [1]
6. After licensure: post the license certificate conspicuously; obtain Department approval of uniforms, insignia, shoulder patches (not less than 3 x 5 inches), badges and employee ID card forms before use; fingerprint/name-check employees; file quarterly employee rosters. [1]

Renewal

License valid 2 years (MCL 338.1059(2)); LARA: expires every 2 years at the end of the month of issuance of the initial license. Renewal in MiCLEAR requires proof entity is active, a renewal surety bond or certificate of insurance, all outstanding quarterly employee rosters (a renewal will not be processed unless rosters were received for each quarter of the preceding 2-year period, MCL 338.1067(3)), and the renewal fee ($150 agency / $100 sole proprietor / $50 per branch); no fines/fees may be owed (MCL 338.1060(2)). 30-day late-renewal window (+$25); per MCL 338.1075(3) a person who fails to renew on or before expiration shall not engage in regulated activities (LARA labels the status 'lapsed-in late renewal'). No continuing-education requirement found in the Act or rules. R 28.4006(2) (eff. Nov 4, 2025): employer must conduct a criminal background check of employees every 2 years upon license renewal. [19]

Disqualifiers & waivers

Disqualifiers for the licensee/QO (MCL 338.1056(1)): any felony conviction (licenses issued after March 28, 2001); within 5 years, conviction of an MCL 338.1060(1)(c) felony or misdemeanor (dishonesty/fraud, unauthorized divulging of information, impersonating law enforcement, illegal dangerous-weapon use/possession, two or more alcohol offenses, controlled substances, assault); for veterans, separation other than honorable or under honorable conditions (general) (LARA's License Requirements page paraphrases this as 'not dishonorably discharged'; the statute controls and is stricter); adjudged insane (unless restored); outstanding arrest warrant. Revocation grounds (MCL 338.1060(1)): false application statements, violation of the Act, such convictions while licensed, knowingly submitting false employee names/fingerprints/identifying information. No statutory waiver, rehabilitation, or pre-application determination procedure for the felony bar was found in the Act or rules. Veterans: initial fee waiver; the MP-experience route waives the age-21 requirement. [1]

• 2025-11-04New LARA administrative rules (ruleset 2023-80 LR) R 28.4001-R 28.4006: definitions of employee, employer, qualifying officer; uniform required for employees (at least last name + agency patches visible on outermost garment, except alarm monitoring); badges must show licensed agency name and may not be star-shaped; prohibited words in agency names (police, sheriff, deputy, peace officer, officer, marshal, Michigan, United States/U.S., homeland/national security, etc.) and advertising only under the licensed name; QO responsible for daily operation/supervision and must keep regular hours; employer must conduct employee criminal background checks every 2 years upon license renewal and keep personnel files at least 1 year after separation; individuals providing licensed services must be employees of the licensed agency (limits subcontracting/1099 guards). Mich Admin Code R 28.4001-R 28.4006; 2025 MR 22 [3]
• 2025-11-04Same rules, background-check provision: employer must conduct a criminal background check of employees every 2 years upon renewal of a license (LARA spotlight calls this the most notable change). Mich Admin Code R 28.4006(2) [3]
• 2026-10-052026 PA 107 (HB 4301) re-enacted MCL 257.698(7) (Michigan Vehicle Code): a private motor vehicle of a security guard agency licensed under 1968 PA 330 may display flashing, rotating or oscillating amber lights, which must not be activated on a public highway while the vehicle is in motion. The introduced bill's markup shows this provision already existed; PA 107 made only wording changes. No change to agency licensing. 2026 PA 107; MCL 257.698(7) [9]
• n/aNo amendment to 1968 PA 330 itself in the 2025-2026 session: Legislature search for bills by PA 330 of 1968 returns 0 results; phrase searches found no bill amending MCL 338.1051-338.1092. The MCL compilation is complete through PA 114 of 2026 (rendered Oct 21, 2026). No already-enacted change taking effect later in 2027 was found. Michigan Legislature search, 2025-2026 session [6]

• MCL 338.1051 to 338.1092 (1968 PA 330, as amended; last amended as to guard-agency sections by 2014 PA 128, eff. Aug. 20, 2014) — Private Security Business and Security Alarm Act [1]
• Mich Admin Code R 28.4001 to R 28.4006 (R 28.4007 rescinded); ruleset 2023-80 LR, 2025 MR 22, eff. Nov. 4, 2025 — Private Security Guard and Security Alarm Agencies - General Rules (LARA CSCL) [3]

1. Private Security Business and Security Alarm Act, 1968 PA 330, MCL 338.1051-338.1092 (all sections, legislature.mi.gov HTML) · retrieved 2026-11-09
2. Private Security Business and Security Alarm Act - official 'Download Statute' PDF (rendered Oct 21, 2026; MCL complete through PA 114 of 2026). Body identical to v-mcl-act-330.txt · retrieved 2026-11-09
3. Mich Admin Code R 28.4001-R 28.4007, Private Security Guard and Security Alarm Agencies - General Rules (2025 MR 22, eff. Nov 4, 2025) · retrieved 2026-11-09
4. ARS - MI Admin Code listing for LARA CSCL · retrieved 2026-11-09
5. LARA Spotlight - New Rules under the Private Security Business and Security Alarm Act (ruleset 2023-80 LR), effective November 2025 · retrieved 2026-11-09
6. Michigan Legislature search: 2025-2026 House/Senate bills by Public Act 330 of 1968 (0 results) · retrieved 2026-11-09
7. Michigan Legislature full-text search, 2025-2026 session, 'private security business and security alarm act' (11 results; none amends 1968 PA 330) · retrieved 2026-11-09
8. Michigan Legislature full-text phrase searches, 2025-2026 session: "security guard agency", "338.1051", "private security guard" · retrieved 2026-11-09
9. Public Act 107 of 2026 (Enrolled HB 4301), amending MCL 257.2 and 257.698 · retrieved 2026-11-09
10. HB 4301 of 2025 as introduced (became 2026 PA 107), with struck/new text markup · retrieved 2026-11-09
11. HB 4843 of 2025 as introduced (pending) - amends MCL 750.224a electrical-weapon exceptions · retrieved 2026-11-09
12. LARA CSCL - Private Security Guard Agencies hub (license types, fees, forms) · retrieved 2026-11-09
13. LARA CSCL - Private Security Guards: Licensing Fees · retrieved 2026-11-09
14. LARA CSCL - Private Security Guards: License Requirements · retrieved 2026-11-09
15. LARA CSCL - Licensing Requirements of the Private Security Business and Security Alarm Act · retrieved 2026-11-09
16. LARA CSCL - Employee Requirements of the Private Security Business and Security Alarm Act · retrieved 2026-11-09
17. LARA CSCL - Security Guard Agency License hub · retrieved 2026-11-09
18. LARA CSCL - Security Guard Agency Initial License · retrieved 2026-11-09
19. LARA CSCL - Security Guard Agency License Renewal · retrieved 2026-11-09
20. LARA CSCL - Security Guard Agency Relicensure · retrieved 2026-11-09
21. LARA CSCL - Security Guard Agency Reinstatement · retrieved 2026-11-09
22. LARA CSCL - Security Guard Agency Veterans (fee waiver) · retrieved 2026-11-09
23. LARA CSCL - Security Guard Agency Qualifying Officer · retrieved 2026-11-09
24. LARA CSCL - Employee Roster · retrieved 2026-11-09
25. LARA CSCL - Employee Background Checks · retrieved 2026-11-09
26. LARA CSCL - Employee ID Card · retrieved 2026-11-09
27. LARA CSCL - Uniform, Badge or Shield · retrieved 2026-11-09
28. LARA CSCL - Address Change · retrieved 2026-11-09
29. LARA CSCL - Legal Name Change · retrieved 2026-11-09
30. LARA CSCL - License Reprint · retrieved 2026-11-09
31. LARA CSCL - Security Guard Branch License hub · retrieved 2026-11-09
32. LARA CSCL - Security Guard Branch Initial License · retrieved 2026-11-09
33. LARA CSCL - Security Guard Sole Proprietor Initial License · retrieved 2026-11-09
34. LARA CSCL - Information for Veterans (Security Guard / Security Alarm) · retrieved 2026-11-09
35. LARA form: County Sheriff or Chief of Police AND Prosecuting Attorney Approval Form (Agency) · retrieved 2026-11-09
36. LARA form: County Sheriff or Chief of Police AND Prosecuting Attorney Approval Form (Branch) · retrieved 2026-11-09
37. LARA form: Reference Statement · retrieved 2026-11-09
38. LARA form: Security Guard Agency Entity Members · retrieved 2026-11-09
39. LARA form: Security Guard Employee Rosters · 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.