South Carolina Security and Private Investigator License

Security and Private Investigator Licensing Information For South Carolina

South Carolina security and private investigator business licenses are attained through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Click below for information regarding a South Carolina security and private investigator license.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210

Phone: (803) 737-9000

Starting a security company in South Carolina can be a profitable venture, but it requires proper licensing and compliance with state regulations. Aspiring security business owners must obtain a security license from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) before operating in the state.

To obtain a security license in South Carolina, applicants must meet meet the following requirements:

• A non-refundable $350.00 annual license fee paid via cashier’s check, money order, or
company check made payable to SLED. Payment made in the incorrect amount will be
returned. No additional fee is required for the licensee’s unarmed security registration.
If a Security Weapons Permit is needed, an additional fee of $45.00 must be
submitted along with a complete and accurate Proof of Training for Firearms form.

• A completed, signed, and notarized application. If military service is indicated on the
application, please submit a copy of the DD Form 214.

• Two (2) complete sets of fingerprint cards.

• A recent digital photograph submitted in accordance with SLED Regulatory Services
credentialing requirements (instructions available on the SLED website).

• In accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 40-18-50(B), the applicant must post a $10,000 bond
with SLED, on an approved form, in favor of the State by a surety company licensed to
transact surety insurance business in this State (approved form and sample available on the
SLED website).

• A completed, signed, and notarized Judgment Statement Affidavit. The applicant may
submit a certified statement by the Clerk of Court in the applicant’s county of residence in
lieu of the affidavit.

• A completed, signed, and notarized Form PD/PS-9. If the company is not incorporated, the
applicant for licensing must have a financial interest in the company. A corporate head of
an incorporated business who does not wish to apply for a license may designate, in
writing, a corporate official to complete the license application.
• A completed Disclosure of Principal(s) form.

• In order to qualify as a contract security business licensee, the applicant must have two
years of experience as a suspervisor or administrator in industrial security with a licensed
security business, a security program approved by SLED, or as a sworn member of a
federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency.

• Completed, and signed SafeGuardSC Basic, Primary Plus, and/or Firearms Proof of
Training forms.

Once the applicant has met all the requirements, they can apply for a security license with SLED.

It’s important to note that different types of security services require different licenses in South Carolina.

In conclusion, obtaining a security license in South Carolina is a crucial step for anyone looking to start a security company in the state. It requires meeting certain requirements and complying with state regulations. By following these steps and providing quality security services, business owners can build a successful security company in South Carolina.