Start a Security Company

Ohio Security License

Ohio security licensing at a glance

Last verified October 15, 2026. Every fact below is taken from the state's own agency, statute or rule — the sources are linked under each one.

Regulator

Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio Homeland Security - Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS)

publicsafety.ohio.govcodes.ohio.gov

Company licence

Class C license (security guard provider - security services only). Class A covers both private investigation and security; Class B is private investigation only. Each provider application is filed with a Qualifying Agent Application.

codes.ohio.gov/section-4749.03dam.assets.ohio.govcodes.ohio.gov/rule-4501:7-1-06

Qualifying manager

Qualifying agent must have worked in security services for a continuous period of at least two years immediately preceding application (OAC: at least 4,000 working hours of security services work in the 24 months before application for Class C), or equivalent experience as determined by the director; AND pass an examination on ORC Chapter 4749 devised by the director (up to 3 attempts within 90 days of eligibility notice).

codes.ohio.gov/section-4749.03codes.ohio.gov/rule-4501:7-1-06codes.ohio.gov/rule-4501:7-1-07dam.assets.ohio.gov

Fees

Qualifying agent examination: $25. License issuance: $200 (refundable if denied). Biennial license renewal: $550. Employee (guard) registration card: $40; annual registration renewal: $25. Firearm bearer notation: $15. Fee rule OAC 4501:7-1-17 effective May 1, 2026.

codes.ohio.gov/4501$7-1-17_20260501lsc.ohio.govcodes.ohio.gov/section-4749.03

Insurance or bond

Comprehensive general liability insurance of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, and $100,000 for property damage (or equivalent guarantee approved by the director). Certificate holder: Department of Public Safety Private Investigator Security Guard Services. No bond required.

codes.ohio.gov/section-4749.03dam.assets.ohio.govcodes.ohio.gov/rule-4501:7-1-05

Guard training

Armed: at least 20 hours of handgun training at an Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission-approved school, then firearms requalification on a range within the 12 months preceding renewal (requalification certificate valid 12 months). Unarmed: no state-mandated hours found in ORC 4749 or OAC 4501:7-1.

codes.ohio.gov/section-4749.10codes.ohio.gov/rule-4501:7-1-22

Guard registration

Licensee must register each security guard employee with ODPS: $40 registration card, $25 annual renewal; firearm bearer notation $15 for armed guards.

codes.ohio.gov/section-4749.06codes.ohio.gov/4501$7-1-17_20260501lsc.ohio.gov

Renewal

Provider license: two years (licenses issued on/after the April 9, 2025 amendment expire two years after initial issue; older licenses expire March 1 on a two-year cycle). Employee registration: annual, on the anniversary of issue.

codes.ohio.gov/section-4749.03codes.ohio.gov/4501$7-1-17_20260501codes.ohio.gov/section-4749.06

Statute

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4749 (esp. 4749.03, 4749.06, 4749.10); Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4501:7-1 (formerly 4501:5-1).

codes.ohio.gov/chapter-4749codes.ohio.gov/chapter-4501:7-1

Official forms

Provider and Qualifying Agent applications are filed through the PISGS online database (OAC 4501:7-1-04). ODPS application packet listing Provider Application (PSU 0006), Qualifying Agent Application (PSU 0007), Employee Registration (PSU 0015), Firearm Bearer Notation (PSU 0016): https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/publicsafety.ohio.gov/PSU0004.pdf (dated 2014; fee figures in it are superseded). License lookup: https://services.dps.ohio.gov/PISGS/Pages/public/ProviderSearch.aspx

codes.ohio.govdam.assets.ohio.gov

Requirements change. Confirm anything you are about to act on with the agency itself before you apply, hire or train.

Ohio security and private investigator business licenses are attained through Ohio Homeland Security. Click below for information regarding an Ohio security and private investigator license.

Ohio Private Investigator Security Guard Services

1970 W. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43223

Phone: 614-387-6171

Starting a security company in Ohio requires a valid Ohio security license. Obtaining this license can be a complex and lengthy process, but it is an essential step in establishing a successful security business in the state.

Any person in the business of providing private investigation and/or security services must be licensed. Private investigation and security services providers in Ohio are required by law to obtain a license from Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS). Until approved by PISGS, a company cannot work, advertise, or solicit business in Ohio.

To obtain a license, a company must have a Qualifying Agent (QA) who meets minimum requirements for professional experience. The QA also must undergo a criminal background check and pass an exam. The initial licensing fee is $405.00 ($375.00 for license application + $30.00 for QA application). All licensed providers must carry comprehensive general liability insurance at all times.

To begin, it is important to research the different types of security licenses available in Ohio. Depending on the type of security services you intend to offer, you may need to obtain multiple licenses.

There are three types of licenses:

  • Class A – Private Investigation & Security Services
  • Class B – Private Investigation
  • Class C – Security Services

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for approval from the PISGS division. This process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your application and the current workload of the division.

Once you have received your Ohio security license, you can begin offering your security services to clients. It is important to note that your license will need to be renewed periodically.

Overall, obtaining an Ohio security license is a critical step in establishing a successful security company in the state. By understanding the requirements and taking the necessary steps to obtain your license, you can ensure that your business is operating legally and effectively.

The paperwork you need next

A licence lets you operate in Ohio. Winning and keeping clients takes documents — a contract your client will sign, procedures your officers follow, and a handbook your employees acknowledge. Each is available on its own: