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Powered by DefencifyAlways verify directly with your state licensing agency
State Overview
Ohio regulates the security guard industry through Ohio DPS - Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS) under a licensed - individual framework. Training requirements: Unarmed: 20 hours (employer recommended); FAB (Armed): 25 hours (20 OPOTC + 5 range); Initial firearms cert: 18 months; Annual requalification. Fee structure: Individual registration: $40 initial, $25 annual renewal ($40 if late); firearm endorsement +$10; company PISGS license: $200 ($375 reduced under HB 238, biennial renewal effective April 2025).
Ohio sits in the Midwest region, with a licensed - individual regulatory posture.
Key Facts
Company licenses renew biennially, due the first day of March every two years (Ohio Admin Code 4501:7-1-03, effective May 1, 2026; previously annual).
Company PISGS license fees (Ohio Admin Code 4501:7-1-17, effective May 1, 2026): $200 new license, $550 biennial renewal, $25 exam, $100 branch, $40 ID card.
Regulatory framework: Licensed - Individual
Licensing agency: Ohio DPS - Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS)
Training: Unarmed: 20 hours (employer recommended); FAB (Armed): 25 hours (20 OPOTC + 5 range); Initial firearms cert: 18 months; Annual requalification.
Fees: Individual registration: $40 initial, $25 annual renewal ($40 if late); firearm endorsement +$10; company PISGS license: $200 new, $550 biennial renewal (4501:7-1-17, effective May 1, 2026).
Processing time: Typically a few weeks after employer registration submission
Renewal cycle: Annual (employee registration)
Key restriction: Registration only; no training required.
eLearning, initial
No training mandate
eLearning, renewal
Training Hours
None (unarmed)
Renewal: Annual (employee registration)
License Fee
Individual registration: $40 initial, $2
Typically a few weeks after employer registration submission
Governing Agency
Ohio DPS - Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS)
ORC Chapter 4749
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating the Typically a few weeks after employer registration submission processing window and starting work before approval is finalized.
Ignoring this restriction in operational planning: Registration only; no training required.
Submitting an incomplete background-check packet or expired fingerprint cards, both of which restart the processing clock.
Missing the Annual (employee registration) renewal cycle and letting the license lapse, which forces a full re-application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours does Ohio require for unarmed security guards?
Unarmed: 20 hours (employer recommended); FAB (Armed): 25 hours (20 OPOTC + 5 range); Initial firearms cert: 18 months; Annual requalification.
What does it cost to get a security guard license in Ohio?
Individual registration: $40 initial, $25 annual renewal ($40 if late); firearm endorsement +$10; company PISGS license: $200 ($375 reduced under HB 238, biennial renewal effective April 2025).
How long does Ohio take to process a guard license application?
Typically a few weeks after employer registration submission
Can I take Ohio guard training online?
Ohio treats online training as n/a for initial coursework and n/a for renewal. Confirm specific course approval directly with Ohio DPS - Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS).
How often do I renew a security guard license in Ohio?
License renewal cycle: Annual (employee registration).
Practical Tips
Plan for the published processing window: Typically a few weeks after employer registration submission. Submit applications early to avoid coverage gaps.
License Classes: A (PI+Security), B (PI only), C (Security only); FAB endorsement; CCW does NOT qualify; Rapback monitoring
Restriction to verify before hiring: Registration only; no training required
Direct line for verification: 614-466-4130. Use it before relying on third-party summaries.
Most recent regulatory change (2024-04-24): Ohio HB 238 proposed converting company license to biennial renewal and reducing initial fee from $375 to $200.
Recent Regulatory Changes
Ohio company fee schedule (Admin Code 4501:7-1-17) effective May 1, 2026: $200 new license, $550 biennial renewal, $25 exam, $100 branch, $40 ID card.
Ohio Admin Code 4501:7-1-04: fingerprints submitted with a license application must be no more than 30 days old, tightened from one year. Effective May 1, 2026.
See the "Regulatory Changes" tab for full history →