Michigan Security License

Security Licensing Information For Michigan

Licensing information is available from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Click below for information regarding a Michigan security license.

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

611 WEST OTTAWA
LANSING, MICHIGAN 48933

Phone: 517-241-0199

Starting a security company in Michigan requires obtaining a security license from the state’s regulatory agency. Michigan’s security industry is regulated by the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Unit, which oversees the licensing and regulation of security guard and private detective agencies. Before starting your own security company, you must ensure that you meet the state’s requirements and obtain the necessary licenses.

Here’s the current licensing requirements for the State of Michigan as of 2/23/23:

An applicant for a private security guard agency license must meet the following requirements:

• Be not less than 21 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Have not been convicted of a felony.
• In the last five years, have not had a misdemeanor conviction of any of the following:
  • Dishonesty or fraud.
  • Unauthorized divulging or selling of information or evidence.
  • Impersonation of a law enforcement officer or employee of the US, Michigan, or political subdivision of Michigan.
  • Illegally using, carrying, or possessing a dangerous weapon.
  • Two or more alcohol related offenses.
  • Controlled substances under the public health code 1978 PA 368.
  • Assault.
• Have not been dishonorably discharged from the US military.
• Have not been judged to be insane by a court, unless restored to sanity by a court order.
• Does not have any outstanding warrants for his/her arrest.
• Has a Michigan office location and a resident manager.
• Has posted a $25,000 surety bond with the Department or furnishes an insurance policy in the amount of $25,000 for property damages, $100,000 for injury or death of one person, and $200,000 for injuries to or deaths of more than one person.

In addition to the above requirements, one of the following Experience Requirements must be met:

• Was engaged in the private security guard or agency business on his or her own account in another state for a period of at least 3 years.
• Was engaged in the private security guard or agency business for a period of at least 4 years as an employee of the holder of a certificate of authority to conduct a private security guard or agency business and has experience reasonably equivalent to at least 4 years of full-time guard work in a supervisory capacity with rank above that of patrolman.
• Was employed in law enforcement as a certified police officer on a full-time basis at least 4 years for a city, county, or state government or for the United States government.
• While on active duty as a member of the armed forces, served as a military police officer or in an equivalent job classification for at least 2 years; was honorable character of service or under honorable conditions (general) character of service from the military service; and provides with his or her application an affidavit signed by a commanding officer, supervisor, or military superior with direct knowledge of the applicant’s service that he or she has, entry-level experience in or basic knowledge of each of the following:
  • Enforcing rules, regulations, and guidelines.
  • Providing security and physical protection.
  • Area and site security operations.
  • Overseeing prisoners and correctional facilities.
  • Reconnaissance and surveillance.

If you meet the requirments you’ll need to submit your license application. The application includes information about your personal and professional background, as well as your fingerprints for a criminal background check. You’ll also need to pay a licensing fee.

Once your license application is approved, you’ll receive your Michigan security license.

Starting a security company in Michigan can be a lucrative business opportunity, but it requires careful planning and compliance with state regulations. By understanding the licensing process you can ensure that your security company is legally compliant and ready to serve clients in the state.