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State Overview
Mississippi regulates the security guard industry through MS DPS, Firearms Permit Unit under a armed guards only framework. Training requirements: None for unarmed; Armed: DPS-approved training. Fee structure: Armed permit: $100 + $32 fingerprint = $132 initial; $50 + $32 = $82 renewal; duplicate $15; late fee $15 if <6 months expired. Online (eLearning) eligibility: initial training is unlikely for state approval.
Mississippi sits in the South region, is classified Low priority for multi-state operators, with a armed guards only regulatory posture.
Key Facts
Regulatory framework: Armed Guards Only
Licensing agency: MS DPS, Firearms Permit Unit
Training: None for unarmed; Armed: DPS-approved training.
Fees: Armed permit: $100 + $32 fingerprint = $132 initial; $50 + $32 = $82 renewal; duplicate $15; late fee $15 if <6 months expired.
Processing time: Not specified; in-person submission at DPS HQ Jackson or MHP District Substations
Online training (initial): Unlikely; (renewal): Unknown
Renewal cycle: 4 years (armed permit) - $132
eLearning, initial
Verify with agency
eLearning, renewal
Training Hours
None (unarmed)
Renewal: 4 years (armed permit) - $132
License Fee
Armed permit: $100 + $32 fingerprint = $
Not specified; in-person submission at DPS HQ Jackson or MHP District Substations
Governing Agency
MS DPS, Firearms Permit Unit
MS Code Section 97-37-7 (armed only)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating the Not specified; in-person submission at DPS HQ Jackson or MHP District Substations processing window and starting work before approval is finalized.
Ignoring this restriction in operational planning: Armed guards only need firearms permit.
Using a non-approved online course when Mississippi requires in-person or partial-classroom training.
Submitting an incomplete background-check packet or expired fingerprint cards, both of which restart the processing clock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours does Mississippi require for unarmed security guards?
None for unarmed; Armed: DPS-approved training.
What does it cost to get a security guard license in Mississippi?
Armed permit: $100 + $32 fingerprint = $132 initial; $50 + $32 = $82 renewal; duplicate $15; late fee $15 if <6 months expired.
How long does Mississippi take to process a guard license application?
Not specified; in-person submission at DPS HQ Jackson or MHP District Substations
Can I take Mississippi guard training online?
Mississippi treats online training as unlikely for initial coursework and n/a for renewal. Confirm specific course approval directly with MS DPS, Firearms Permit Unit.
How often do I renew a security guard license in Mississippi?
License renewal cycle: 4 years (armed permit) - $132.
Practical Tips
Plan for the published processing window: Not specified; in-person submission at DPS HQ Jackson or MHP District Substations. Submit applications early to avoid coverage gaps.
Unarmed guards have NO state regulation; Armed require Security Guard Gun Permit; Biloxi has local rules
Restriction to verify before hiring: Armed guards only need firearms permit
Direct line for verification: 601-987-1593. Use it before relying on third-party summaries.
Most recent regulatory change (2024-01-01): No enacted changes.
Recent Regulatory Changes
No enacted changes. Bills to expand regulation beyond armed-only have been introduced in prior sessions but none passed. State continues to regulate only armed guards.
See the "Regulatory Changes" tab for full history →