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State Overview
Montana regulates the security guard industry through Montana DLI - Private Security Program under a licensed - individual framework. Training requirements: Pre-employment: Employer-provided; Annual CE: 8 hours; Armed: 16 hours (CFI or POST instructor). Fee structure: Initial application: $80; armed endorsement: $50; renewal: $80; late renewal: $160; background check fingerprint: $27.25. Online (eLearning) eligibility: initial training is unlikely, renewal is partial for state approval.
Montana sits in the West region, is classified Low priority for multi-state operators, with a licensed - individual regulatory posture.
Key Facts
Discipline: Statutory unprofessional-conduct grounds for discipline are standardized under 37-1-410 MCA as applied to Private Security Program licensees (HB 435, effective October 1, 2025).
Regulatory framework: Licensed - Individual
Licensing agency: Montana DLI - Private Security Program
Training: Pre-employment: Employer-provided; Annual CE: 8 hours; Armed: 16 hours (CFI or POST instructor).
Fees: Initial application: $80; armed endorsement: $50; renewal: $80; late renewal: $160; background check fingerprint: $27.25.
Processing time: ~30 days for complete applications; non-routine Board review may extend several months
Online training (initial): Unlikely; (renewal): Partial
Renewal cycle: Annual
eLearning, initial
Verify with agency
eLearning, renewal
Training Hours
16 hrs initial + 8/yr
Renewal: Annual
License Fee
Initial application: $80
~30 days for complete applications; non-routine Board review may extend several months
Governing Agency
Montana DLI - Private Security Program
MCA Title 37, Chapter 60
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating the ~30 days for complete applications; non-routine Board review may extend several months processing window and starting work before approval is finalized.
Ignoring this restriction in operational planning: Employer-provided; no online approval found.
Using a non-approved online course when Montana 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 Montana require for unarmed security guards?
Pre-employment: Employer-provided; Annual CE: 8 hours; Armed: 16 hours (CFI or POST instructor).
What does it cost to get a security guard license in Montana?
Initial application: $80; armed endorsement: $50; renewal: $80; late renewal: $160; background check fingerprint: $27.25.
How long does Montana take to process a guard license application?
~30 days for complete applications; non-routine Board review may extend several months
Can I take Montana guard training online?
Montana treats online training as unlikely for initial coursework and partial for renewal. Confirm specific course approval directly with Montana DLI - Private Security Program.
How often do I renew a security guard license in Montana?
License renewal cycle: Annual.
Practical Tips
Plan for the published processing window: ~30 days for complete applications; non-routine Board review may extend several months. Submit applications early to avoid coverage gaps.
Photo ID must be worn/carried while working; Effective July 2024
Restriction to verify before hiring: Employer-provided; no online approval found
Direct line for verification: 406-444-6880. Use it before relying on third-party summaries.
Most recent regulatory change (2025-01-01): HB 276 (2025 session): Licensees must maintain current mailing addresses and update within 30 days of any address change.
Recent Regulatory Changes
HB 435 standardized the statutory unprofessional-conduct grounds for discipline (37-1-410 MCA) applied to Private Security Program licensees. Effective October 1, 2025.
A private security guard no longer must be employed by a licensed security firm; the guard definition was broadened under SB 198 (Ch. 170, L. 2025), codified at 37-60-101 MCA.
See the "Regulatory Changes" tab for full history →