Armed Security Guard

An armed security guard is an individual employed by a contract security company or a proprietary security organization to protect persons and/or property from criminal activities, and who at any time wears, carries, possesses, or has access to a firearm or facsimile of a firearm that may leave the impression that the person is armed.

A security guard who holds armed guard registration may work in an armed or unarmed post and is not required to hold an additional "unarmed" guard registration.

Effective January 1, 2026, armed guards must obtain the enhanced armed guard registration enhancement to use approved shotguns and rifles while providing security services.

Requirements

Licensing Requirements

1. Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

2. Be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien.

3. Conviction of the following crimes may disqualify an applicant, subject to the conditions stated in this section. If convicted in any jurisdiction of any of the crimes listed, you must have completed serving a sentence or court-ordered probation at least five (5) years prior to application.

a. Any felony, or

b. Any misdemeanor involving:

- Shooting a firearm or other weapon

- Shoplifting

- Assault and battery or other act of violence against persons or property

- Crimes involving the sale, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances, controlled substance analogues, drugs, or narcotics

- Theft of property

- Theft of services

4. Successful completion of a background check through IdentoGO. For information, including locations, scheduling, and guidance for out-of-state applicants, visit https://www.identogo.com. The Agency ORI # is TN920120Z.

Training Requirements

1. Four (4) hours of training covering orientation, legal powers and limitations of security guard, emergency procedures, and general duties.

2. Eight (8) additional classroom hours covering legal limitations on the use of a firearm, handling of a firearm, and safety and maintenance of firearms.

3. Four (4) hours of marksmanship training, with a minimum 70% score on a commissioner-approved silhouette target course.  Firearms used for qualification for armed guard registration must be approved firearms specified in Tenn. Rules & Regulations 0780-05-02-.15.

Additional Training Requirements

1. To carry a baton, a stun gun, or chemical spray, at least four (4) hours of training shall be completed through a state-certified trainer for each less-than-lethal device.

2. If working at a location that has on-premises consumption of alcohol, a security guard must complete training in de-escalation, safe restraint, first aid, and CPR within fifteen (15) days of assignment to the location.

3. If working at a public, public charter, private, or church-related school, you must complete eight (8) hours of active shooter training prior to providing security services in the school.

4. Applicants with training such as law enforcement or correctional officer in-service completed within 1 year of application are encouraged to review Tenn. Code Annotated 62-35-118(d) for additional information on potential training exemptions.  Evidence of training may be submitted along with an application for review.
 

Application & Fees

Complete the “Initial Armed Guard Registration Application” online at core.tn.gov. The fee for an initial application is $130. Armed guards must wait until they receive their registration card prior to working.
 

Downgrade to Unarmed Guard

Rule 0780-05-02-.23 (c) Changing Guard Status: 1. Individuals who wish to change registration status from an unarmed guard to an armed guard or from an armed guard to an unarmed guard are required to complete a new application and pay all applicable application and licensing fees.