NORTH CAROLINA SECURITY GUARD AGENCY LICENSE

The license. Security Guard and Patrol license (G.S. 74C-3(a)(6)), issued to the individual qualifying agent or sole proprietor; any firm, association or corporation (every business form except a sole proprietorship owned and operated by an individual licensee) must ALSO hold a Company Business License (14B NCAC 16.0205) naming its qualifying agent. Related licenses: Special Limited Guard and Patrol (Chapter 74D alarm licensees providing armed alarm responders only,.0301(d)) and Proprietary Security Organization license (in-house employers of armed guards, G.S. 74C-13(d2)). [4]

Who needs it. Any person, firm, association or corporation that provides a security guard on a contractual basis for another person, firm, association, corporation, or unit of government (unit of government added by S.L. 2025-51, eff. 10/1/2025) for a fee and performs: prevention/detection of intrusion, entry, larceny, vandalism, abuse, fire or trespass on private property; prevention/observation/detection of unauthorized activity on public or private property; protection of patrons and authorized persons; crowd/traffic control to the extent needed to protect property; and (delayed expiration, now June 30, 2027) security services at State prison facilities. Exempt (G.S. 74C-3(b)) include a person who works regularly and exclusively as an employee of one employer (but armed in-house guards remain subject to G.S. 74C-13, and an in-house employer of armed guards must hold a Proprietary Security Organization license, G.S. 74C-13(d2)), and alarm businesses under Ch. 74D. [1]

Local licensing. Contract security company licensing is state-level under G.S. Ch. 74C through the PPSB. Neither the statute nor the rules create or refer to a county/city security-company license. Separate state license: since Oct. 1, 2025 an SGP company that remotely monitors access control, cameras or other imaging devices must also obtain a limited monitoring license under G.S. 74D-2(h) (Security Systems Licensing Board).

Your guards. Individual guards are registered by the employing company (individuals cannot apply themselves) through Permitium. Unarmed guards: G.S. 74C-11 registration card (expires one year after issuance), 16-hour basic unarmed course; probationary employment allowed for 20 consecutive calendar days with monthly reporting, then registration within 30 days. Armed guards: firearm registration permit under G.S. 74C-13 (expires one year), additional 20-hour armed course. Page: https://www.ncdps.gov/about-dps/boards-and-commissions/private-protective-services-board/registration [1]

Role

Qualifying Agent - an individual in a management position, licensed under Ch. 74C and registered with the Director. A business entity other than a sole proprietorship must employ a designated resident qualifying agent unless the Board approves otherwise (approval requires the entity to keep an N.C.-resident registered agent). If the QA stops serving: notify the Director within 10 working days and obtain a substitute within 90 days (Board may extend 30 days). [1]

Experience

One of: (1) three years of verifiable experience as a manager, supervisor, or administrator with a contract security company or proprietary security organization performing guard and patrol functions; (2) three years as manager/supervisor/administrator in security with a federal, state, county or municipal law enforcement agency performing guard and patrol functions; or (3) a military occupational specialty and two years of experience within the past five years in the U.S. Armed Forces as manager/supervisor/administrator performing guard and patrol functions. 1 year = 1,000 hours (3 years = 3,000 hours,.0204(a)). Degree credit (.0301(c)): associate minimum 400 hrs (+up to 100), bachelor's 800 hrs (+up to 200), graduate 1,200 hrs (+300). Formal classroom training: 1/2 hour per hour, max 200 hours (.0204(d)). Experience gained while contracting services without a valid license does not count (.0204(c)). Separate pathway for spouses of active-duty military (.0301(b)). Board policy eff. Feb. 19, 2021: up to 400 hours credit for honorably discharged veterans or currently serving members (2+ years, commander's letter). [4]

Age & background

At least 18; good moral character and temperate habits (convictions for illegal firearm/deadly weapon crimes, controlled substance/alcohol crimes, assault or violence, breaking or entering/burglary/larceny, or a history of addiction are prima facie evidence otherwise; 'conviction' includes guilty/no contest pleas); fingerprint-based State and FBI record check; statewide criminal history search from the Board-designated reporting service for each state of residence in the preceding 60 months; Equifax credit check within 30 days of application. [1]

• Prima facie disqualifying convictions / good moral character standard (G.S. 74C-8(d)(2)). [1]
• Evidence of high school graduation (diploma, G.E.D., or other proof) (.0201(d)). [4]
• Agency page general requirements: 18+, high school or equivalent, U.S. citizen or resident alien, good moral character. (Citizenship/resident-alien requirement appears only on the agency page, not in Ch. 74C or 14B NCAC 16 text reviewed.) [21]
• Equifax credit check run within 30 days of application submission (.0201(a)(6)). [4]
• Five character letters via the online process (rule.0201(a)(7)); statute G.S. 74C-8(b)(5) requires not less than three unrelated, disinterested references; agency page: no family members. [4]
• Mandatory personal meeting with a Board investigator, the Screening Committee, the Director, or designee before issuance, to discuss G.S. 74C and the rules; applicant signs an acknowledgment form (waivable in favor of alternative communication during a declared emergency restricting travel). This is not a scored exam. [4]
• Qualifying agent must hold a management position (manages divisions/subdivisions, directs one or more supervisors, authority to hire, reward, discipline or discharge); Board verifies by background investigation; directors/officers must also have good moral character (.0205(c)). [4]
• Residency: agency FAQ says the QA must be an N.C. resident if the licensee maintains an N.C. office; statute requires a 'designated resident qualifying agent' unless the Board approves otherwise; rule.0103 (definition of branch office): if an out-of-state firm opens an N.C. office, that office is deemed the principal place of business and must have a resident licensed qualifying agent. [27]
• A licensee may not serve as qualifying agent for more than one business entity without prior approval of the Director, subject to Board approval (G.S. 74C-8(c)(4)). [1]
• Law enforcement officers cannot be licensed as security guard and patrol licensees (G.S. 74C-21(a)); off-duty officers may be employed by a licensed SGP company. [1]
• Sworn court officials and holders of a company police commission (Ch. 74E) cannot be licensed (G.S. 74C-12(c)). [1]
• Military experience credit policy (Board vote Feb. 18, 2021; effective Feb. 19, 2021; not retroactive): up to 400 hours toward the SGP license for honorably discharged veterans/reservists who completed their initial contract term, or for members still serving 2+ years with a commanding officer's letter of good standing. [36]

Insurance

Liability insurance required before an SGP (or armored car / special limited guard and patrol) license is issued and maintained continuously: minimum $50,000 bodily injury/death of one person; $100,000 bodily injury/death of two or more persons; $20,000 property damage. Board approves form, execution and terms of the policy (74C-10(e1)); lapse results in suspension until a new certificate is filed. Proof at renewal: PPSB Financial Responsibility Liability Insurance Certificate or insurer certificate naming the company and licensee. [1]

Branch offices

Operator or manager of each branch office must be properly licensed or registered; branch office license (2-year term, $50 per year) posted conspicuously in the branch; addresses of branch offices filed in writing with the Board within 10 working days after establishing, closing or relocating; Director may issue a temporary branch office license pending Board approval. [1]

• Application fee: $150.00 non-refundable (rule.0202(a)(1)); statutory cap $150 (G.S. 74C-9(e)(1)). [4]
• License fee: $250.00 per year for a new or renewal license (2-year term = $500); statutory cap $250 per year of term. $100 to reissue a license in a new company name with the original expiration date (transfer). [4]
• Private Protective Services Education Fund contribution: $50.00 from each new license applicant (G.S. 74C-30), paid with the initial license fee. [1]
• Agency-published totals: $188 to apply; $550 to receive the license if approved (FAQ adds 'plus fees'); license valid two years. [22]
• Renewal: $500 plus fees (agency). [24]
• Late renewal fee: $100.00 in addition to the renewal fee (statute: payable within 90 days after expiration). [4]
• Branch office license: $50.00 per year of the license term. [4]
• Each license in addition to the basic license: $50.00 per year of term (rule); duplicate license $25.00 per year of term; temporary permit $100.00; special limited guard and patrol license $50.00. [4]
• Agency FAQ: $500 license fee for each additional company a licensee is licensed with. [28]
• SBI criminal record check actual cost (registration page shows $38 fingerprint fee), plus online vendor convenience fee and credit card transaction fee. [4]
• Statutory caps without a rule amount: correctable-error refiling fee up to $100; late fee for failing to replace a QA or pay the initial fee timely up to $100. [1]
• Employee registration fees (paid by the company): new unarmed guard $30 application + $38 fingerprint; new armed guard $45 + $38 (per agency registration page). [29]

1. Review the minimum experience, education and training requirements; read G.S. 74C and 14B NCAC 16. [22]
2. Obtain a CRC online criminal record check covering the preceding 5 years (no more than 60 days old) and provide at least five non-family character references through it. [22]
3. Gather digital headshot, notarized PPSB Release of Records, NCSBI Authority for Release of Information (fingerprints), proof of education, and (unless a sole proprietorship) the Application for Company Business License; veterans: DD214/NGB-22 or commander's letter. [22]
4. Submit the online application through Permitium and pay the application fee. [22]
5. Mail the FD-258 fingerprint card with a copy of the Permitium payment receipt (Live Scan permitted,.0201(a)(1)). [28]
6. Submit all required/requested documents within 60 days of the Board's receipt of the application or staff request, or the application is void (.0114). [4]
7. Background investigation, Equifax credit check, and mandatory personal meeting with a Board representative; Director forwards application and recommendation to the Board; Director may issue a temporary license after the background investigation pending Board approval. [1]
8. After Board approval: pay initial license fee and Education Fund contribution within 90 days of notice of pending approval (Board may extend 30 days; agency FAQ says 60 days) and file certificate of liability insurance; license then issued. [1]
9. Company business license issued to the entity after background check of directors/officers and the QA's management position; display conspicuously at the principal N.C. place of business. [4]
10. Advertising must include the licensee's name and license number (.0116, eff. Sept. 1, 2025). [4]
11. Processing time: agency Apply page says typically 2-4 months; agency FAQ says typically 3-4 months. [22]

Renewal

Two-year term (G.S. 74C-9(b)). Renew online via the Permitium licensee dashboard; rule.0203(b): application not less than 30 days before expiration; statute: renewal finalized before expiration and never more than three months after expiration (late renewal within 90 days with $100 late fee). Renewal requires photo, CRC criminal record search covering the prior 24 months (agency: completed within last 90 days), proof of liability insurance, fee ($500 plus fees), and 12 hours of Board-approved CE per two-year period (rule.1202: max 6 hours online; Board meeting attendance = 2 hours each, max 4 per year/8 per period). Pending deniable criminal charge defers renewal (.0203(c)). Re-issue of an expired license: rule.0203(d) allows within two years of expiration (if license held at least two years); agency FAQ says up to three years - rule controls. [4]

Disqualifiers & waivers

Prima facie lack of good moral character (G.S. 74C-8(d)(2)): convictions involving illegal firearm/deadly weapon use, controlled substances/alcohol, assault or violence, breaking or entering, burglary, larceny, or a history of addiction. Board may deny/suspend/revoke on the 32 grounds in G.S. 74C-12(a) after Ch. 150B compliance; appeal within 60 days of the Board's decision. Licensee must report in writing within 30 days specified charges/arrests/convictions (74C-12(d)) and must report criminal charges against itself or its employees/registrants by the first business day (rule.0110). Civil penalty up to $2,000 per violation in lieu of suspension/revocation (74C-17(c)); unlicensed practice is a Class 1 misdemeanor (74C-17(b)). NO general criminal-history waiver/predetermination: since Oct. 1, 2025 G.S. 93B-8.1 (occupational boards' use of criminal history, predetermination petitions) expressly does not apply to the PPSB (S.L. 2025-51, s. 3(c)). The published Criminal History Evaluation Chart applies to registrants (guards), not licensees. [3]

• 2025-10-01S.L. 2025-51 Part II: G.S. 74C-3(a)(6) SGP definition now covers contracts with a 'unit of government'; G.S. 74C-11 probationary/registration duties now run to 'security guard and patrol company or armored car company'; 74C-12(a)(1) adds false information in an 'audit'; 74C-12(a)(27) badge prohibition extended to all licensees/registrants; 74C-13 definitions and firearm-permit provisions reworded (proprietary security organizations employing armed guards are licensed and renew every two years, 74C-13(d2)). S.L. 2025-51, s. 2(a)-(h) [8]
• 2025-10-01S.L. 2025-51 Part I: new G.S. 74D-2(h) - an SGP company licensed under Ch. 74C that remotely monitors access control, cameras, analytic capturing devices or other imaging devices must obtain a separate limited monitoring license (Security Systems Licensing Board); it may use the same qualifying agent, who must complete a Board-approved central station monitoring operator course. G.S. 74D-2(h), enacted by S.L. 2025-51, s. 1(a), (d) [8]
• 2025-10-01S.L. 2025-51 Part III: G.S. 93B-8.1(d) amended so 93B-8.1 (use of criminal history records by occupational boards) no longer applies to the PPSB; G.S. 15A-151(a)(10) lets the PPSB obtain records expunged for licensure purposes only; G.S. 14-415.12(a)(4)d. adds the PPSB/Secretary of Public Safety firearms course (G.S. 74C-13) as an approved concealed handgun permit course. S.L. 2025-51, s. 3(a)-(e) [8]
• 2025-10-01 (applications received on or after)S.L. 2025-61: new G.S. 93B-15.3 - State agency licensing boards (PPSB is listed, G.S. 93B-1(3)h.3.) must license an applicant who establishes N.C. residence and has held a substantially equivalent license in GA, SC, TN, VA or WV for at least one year, subject to conditions. Conflicts with the PPSB FAQ statement that a license cannot be obtained by reciprocity; statute controls. S.L. 2025-61 (H.B. 763), s. 1(a), s. 2 [10]
• 2025-07-09 (act approved July 9, 2025; effective when it became law)S.L. 2025-70 s. 22: extends expiration of G.S. 74C-3(a)(6)e. (contract security services at State prison facilities within the SGP definition) from June 30, 2025 to June 30, 2027. S.L. 2025-70, s. 22 (amending S.L. 2020-3, s. 4.15(c)) [11]
• 2025-10-06 (became law without Governor's signature)S.L. 2025-94 s. 27: G.S. 93B-14 - occupational licensing boards must verify the authenticity of applicants' social security numbers. S.L. 2025-94, s. 27 (H.B. 926) [13]
• 2025-09-01Rules: new 14B NCAC 16.0116 (advertising must include licensee name and license number) and.0117 (declaratory rulings);.0103 (definitions) and.0105 (prohibited acts) amended. 14B NCAC 16 .0103, .0105, .0116, .0117 [4]
• 2026-04-01 (also 2025-09-01)Rule 14B NCAC 16.1203 (CE course accreditation) amended (content of change not isolated). 14B NCAC 16 .1203 [4]
• 2026-05-01Rules 14B NCAC 16.0203 (renewal/re-issue) and.0205 (company business license) amended; substance of the May 2026 amendments not identified (no NC Register redline located). 14B NCAC 16 .0203, .0205 [4]
• 2026-07-07 (effective when it became law; approved July 7, 2026)S.L. 2026-41 s. 20.2(b): G.S. 74C-8.1(a) - fingerprint-based criminal record checks for PPSB applicants provided by the State Bureau of Investigation instead of the Department of Public Safety (technical; codified Ch. 74C PDF retrieved 2026-11-09 not yet updated). S.L. 2026-41, s. 20.2(b), (z) (S.B. 257) [14]
• 2026-07-07 (remainder effective when it became law; (a)(12) retroactive to 2025-10-01)S.L. 2026-48 s. 69: G.S. 93B-15.3 rewritten (now 'applies to the licensure of individuals'; adds Ch. 58 insurance licensees to exclusions); neighboring-state recognition still applies to PPSB individual licenses. S.L. 2026-48, s. 69 (S.B. 857) [15]
• 2026-07-07 (act effective when it became law)S.L. 2026-50 s. 3.1(e): G.S. 74C-30(d) - Education Fund moneys deposited with the North Carolina Investment Authority (technical). S.L. 2026-50, s. 3.1(e), s. 8.1 (H.B. 1126) [16]
• 2026-10-01 (permit applications submitted on or after)S.L. 2026-59 s. 23: G.S. 14-415.12(a)(4) rewritten to add N.C. Concealed Carry Association and U.S. LawShield courses; the PPSB/G.S. 74C-13 firearms course (sub-subdivision d., added by S.L. 2025-51) is retained as an approved concealed handgun permit course. S.L. 2026-59, s. 23 (S.B. 445) [17]
• 2026-12-01 (proposed)PROPOSED (adoption/RRC approval not confirmed): amend 14B NCAC 16.0301 so all three SGP experience pathways must be 'verifiable'; amend.0705/.1305 to require a 12-month online criminal history search for guard registration transfers and extend the transfer filing deadline from 10 to 30 days. Hearing Aug. 25, 2026; comments closed Oct. 2, 2026. 14B NCAC 16 .0301, .0705, .1305 (Notice of Text) [6]
• 2027-06-30LATER IN 2027 (already enacted): G.S. 74C-3(a)(6)e. (security services at State prison facilities within the SGP definition) expires June 30, 2027 unless extended again. S.L. 2020-3, s. 4.15(c), as amended by S.L. 2025-70, s. 22 [11]

• N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 74C, Article 1 (G.S. 74C-1 to 74C-23) and Article 2 (G.S. 74C-30, Education Fund) — Private Protective Services Act - definitions (74C-3), license requirements and qualifying agent (74C-8), background checks (74C-8.1), term/fees/branch offices (74C-9), liability insurance (74C-10), guard registration (74C-11), discipline (74C-12), firearms/armed guards (74C-13), enforcement (74C-17), reciprocity (74C-18), law enforcement officers (74C-21), CE (74C-22), change of ownership (74C-23) [1]
• N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 93B (93B-1(3)h.3., 93B-8.1(d), 93B-15.3) — Occupational Licensing Boards - PPSB listed as a State agency licensing board; PPSB exempt from 93B-8.1 criminal-history rules since 10/1/2025; neighboring-state licensure recognition [3]
• S.L. 2025-51 (S.B. 710), Part I s. 1(a) (new G.S. 74D-2(h)), Part II s. 2 (Ch. 74C amendments), Part III s. 3 (background checks; 93B-8.1 exemption) — Session law amending Chapters 74C and 74D, eff. Oct. 1, 2025 [8]
• S.L. 2025-61 (H.B. 763), enacting G.S. 93B-15.3; as rewritten by S.L. 2026-48, s. 69 — Licensure recognition for individuals licensed in neighboring states [10]
• S.L. 2026-41 (S.B. 257), s. 20.2(b) amending G.S. 74C-8.1(a) — Fingerprint record checks provided by the State Bureau of Investigation (not yet reflected in codified Ch. 74C PDF) [14]
• 14B NCAC 16 (Sections.0100-.1700); key rules.0102,.0103,.0110,.0116,.0201-.0205,.0301,.0700/.0800 (guard registration, armed permits),.1201-.1206 (CE) — Private Protective Services Board rules (OAH full-chapter PDF) [4]

1. N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 74C - Private Protective Services (official NCGA PDF) · retrieved 2026-11-09
2. N.C. Gen. Stat. · retrieved 2026-11-09
3. N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 93B - Occupational Licensing Boards (official NCGA PDF) · retrieved 2026-11-09
4. 14B NCAC 16 - Private Protective Services Board rules (OAH full-chapter PDF) · retrieved 2026-11-09
5. v-ncac-14b-16 · retrieved 2026-11-09
6. PPSB Notice of Text and Hearing - proposed 14B NCAC 16.0301,.0705,.1305 (proposed eff. Dec. 1, 2026) · retrieved 2026-11-09
7. v-ppsb-rule-notice-2026 · retrieved 2026-11-09
8. N.C. Session Law 2025-51 (S.B. 710) · retrieved 2026-11-09
9. N.C. · retrieved 2026-11-09
10. N.C. Session Law 2025-61 (H.B. 763) - G.S. 93B-15.3 · retrieved 2026-11-09
11. N.C. Session Law 2025-70 (S.B. 429) · retrieved 2026-11-09
12. N.C. · retrieved 2026-11-09
13. N.C. Session Law 2025-94 (H.B. 926) - excerpt, s. 27 · retrieved 2026-11-09
14. N.C. Session Law 2026-41 (S.B. 257) - excerpt, s. 20.2(b),(z) · retrieved 2026-11-09
15. N.C. Session Law 2026-48 (S.B. 857) - excerpt, s. 69 · retrieved 2026-11-09
16. N.C. Session Law 2026-50 (H.B. 1126) · retrieved 2026-11-09
17. N.C. Session Law 2026-59 (S.B. 445) · retrieved 2026-11-09
18. PPSB home page and Licenses landing page · retrieved 2026-11-09
19. PPSB - Licensees & Qualifying Agents landing page · retrieved 2026-11-09
20. PPSB - License Types & Requirements · retrieved 2026-11-09
21. PPSB - License Types & Requirements · retrieved 2026-11-09
22. PPSB - Apply for a License · retrieved 2026-11-09
23. PPSB - Apply for a License · retrieved 2026-11-09
24. PPSB - License Renewal · retrieved 2026-11-09
25. PPSB - License Renewal · retrieved 2026-11-09
26. PPSB - Continuing Education · retrieved 2026-11-09
27. PPSB - Frequently Asked Questions · retrieved 2026-11-09
28. PPSB - Frequently Asked Questions · retrieved 2026-11-09
29. PPSB - Employee Registration · retrieved 2026-11-09
30. PPSB - Employee Registration · retrieved 2026-11-09
31. PPSB - Documents & Forms index · retrieved 2026-11-09
32. PPSB - Statutes, Rules, Policies & Memos index · retrieved 2026-11-09
33. PPSB - Statutes, Rules, Policies & Memos · retrieved 2026-11-09
34. PPSB Application for a Company Business License (R. 5/2015) · retrieved 2026-11-09
35. PPSB Application for a Company Business License · retrieved 2026-11-09
36. PPSB Memorandum for Record (Feb. 23, 2021) - experience hours policy for SGP/PI applicants · retrieved 2026-11-09
37. PPS Registration Procedures manual (Rev. Oct. 2024) · retrieved 2026-11-09
38. PPS criminal history evaluation chart (registrants) · retrieved 2026-11-09
39. PPSB memo (Jan. 23, 2026) - use of probationary or out-of-state security guards · retrieved 2026-11-09
40. PPSB Military License Portability Fact Sheet · 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.