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Powered by DefencifyAlways verify directly with your state licensing agency
Regulatory IntelligenceLoading Copilot
Powered by DefencifyAlways verify directly with your state licensing agency
State Overview
Colorado has no statewide security guard licensing, regulation exists only at the municipal level. Denver requires 16 hours of initial training through city-approved providers, while Colorado Springs requires 8 hours. Guards working in multiple cities may face different requirements for each jurisdiction.
Colorado's security market is centered in Denver metro, with significant demand in healthcare (UCHealth, SCL Health), cannabis security, tech campuses, and ski resort security in mountain communities. The Boulder/Denver tech corridor has created strong demand for corporate campus security.
Key Facts
No Colorado state license, only city/municipal licensing in Denver, Colorado Springs, and some other municipalities
Denver: 16 hours initial training required through Denver Business Licensing approved providers
Colorado Springs: 8 hours initial training required
Guards must confirm which municipality they'll work in before starting training
HB25-1262 (proposed statewide licensing) was killed in committee in April 2025, no state law imminent
Defencify's courses are accepted for Denver licensing requirements
eLearning, initial
Full online permitted
eLearning, renewal
Training Hours
Varies (Denver: 16 hrs)
Renewal: Varies by municipality
License Fee
Denver: $50 security guard license
1-2 weeks (municipal)
Governing Agency
None (municipal regulation only)
N/A
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating the 1-2 weeks (municipal) processing window and starting work before approval is finalized.
Ignoring this restriction in operational planning: No statewide license; municipal requirements vary.
Submitting an incomplete background-check packet or expired fingerprint cards, both of which restart the processing clock.
Missing the Varies by municipality renewal cycle and letting the license lapse, which forces a full re-application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a state license to work as a security guard in Colorado?
No. Colorado has no statewide security guard license. However, if you'll work in Denver, you need a Denver city security guard license (16 hours training required). Colorado Springs requires 8 hours. Check with the specific city where you'll work.
I'll be working security at events in both Denver and Colorado Springs, do I need two licenses?
Technically yes, each municipality has its own licensing program. Denver's 16-hour training is stricter, so completing Denver's requirements and holding a Denver license generally demonstrates compliance that most CS employers will also accept. Always confirm with your employer.
Can I do the Denver guard training online?
Yes, Denver permits online training through approved providers including Defencify. The Denver Business Licensing office maintains an approved provider list.
Practical Tips
Always confirm the specific city/municipality where you'll work, requirements vary significantly
Denver's 16-hour requirement is the most common in Colorado; if you complete Denver training, you're typically prepared for any Colorado municipality
Statewide licensing has been proposed multiple times (most recently HB25-1262) but has not passed, monitor Colorado legislature for updates
Recent Regulatory Changes
HB25-1262 (proposed state-level security officer licensing board with an Aug 1, 2026 effective date) postponed indefinitely by House Finance Committee on a 13-0 vote. Bill status: Lost. Denver and Colorado Springs city-level requirements unchanged.
See the "Regulatory Changes" tab for full history →