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Powered by DefencifyAlways verify directly with your state licensing agency
State Overview
Georgia's security guard system is unique: unarmed guards require 24 hours of board-certified training but do NOT need individual state registration. Only armed guards must register with the GBPDSA. This makes Georgia simpler for unarmed deployments but still requires strict training compliance.
Georgia's security market is anchored by Atlanta metro, which has one of the fastest-growing security sectors in the Southeast. Major demand from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport security contracts, the film/entertainment industry (Georgia is a major film production hub), healthcare, and a rapidly growing tech campus sector.
Key Facts
IMPORTANT: Unarmed guards need 24-hour training but NO individual state registration, employer compliance is the key
Armed guards MUST register with GBPDSA, this is a hard requirement
Training must be completed through GBPDSA-approved providers and instructors
8-hour CE renewal required every 2 years for armed registered guards
Written exam (80% passing) and range qualification (80% passing) required for armed guards
GBPDSA transitioned to GOALS (Georgia Online Application Licensing System) in April 2024, paper applications no longer accepted
Online training is fully permitted through GBPDSA-approved providers
eLearning, initial
Full online permitted
eLearning, renewal
Training Hours
24 hrs unarmed; 39 hrs armed
Renewal: 2 years (armed registration only)
License Fee
No fee for unarmed (no registration requ
2-4 weeks (armed)
Governing Agency
GA Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies
O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 38
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Confusing 'no individual registration required' with 'no training required', the 24-hour training is mandatory
Attempting to submit paper applications after the April 2024 GOALS transition
Overlooking the GBPDSA company license requirement, you cannot operate as a security company without it
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my unarmed guard in Georgia need a state license?
No, unarmed security officers in Georgia do NOT need individual state registration. However, they must complete 24 hours of GBPDSA-approved training. The training requirement is enforced but the individual registration is not required for unarmed work.
My security company is expanding to Georgia, what do I need to do?
Your company needs a Georgia company license from GBPDSA. Unarmed employees need 24 hours of approved training but no individual registration. Armed employees need individual GBPDSA registration. All applications now go through the GOALS online portal.
Can Georgia guard training be completed online?
Yes, GBPDSA-approved providers can offer online training. Defencify offers GBPDSA-approved training that meets the 24-hour requirement for unarmed guards.
Practical Tips
GOALS portal (goals.sos.ga.gov) is now mandatory, paper applications are rejected
Unarmed training compliance is still monitored by GBPDSA even without individual registration, employers can face penalties for untrained staff
The 24-hour unarmed requirement is often misunderstood, it's real and enforceable even without a personal license
Recent Regulatory Changes
GOALS (Georgia Online Automated Licensing System) portal now mandatory for all applications, paper applications no longer accepted. All new and renewal applications must be submitted online through GOALS. Office relocated to 3920 Arkwright Rd Suite 195, Macon, GA 31210.
Correction of non-substantive typographical error in Rule 509-4-.01 (Weapons). No substantive change to security guard requirements.
See the "Regulatory Changes" tab for full history →