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State Overview
Tennessee's Private Protective Services system is one of the simpler state systems but received significant updates effective June 19, 2025, including fee increases and a new active shooter training mandate for armed guards in schools. Dallas's Law (effective January 2023) added specific requirements for guards at alcohol-serving venues. Full online training is permitted by the TN Department of Commerce.
Tennessee's security market is anchored by Nashville (major event security for entertainment venues, honky-tonks, and the growing healthcare sector), Memphis (logistics/distribution center security, medical center security), and Knoxville (university and technology corridor security). Nashville's explosive growth has driven significant demand for event security and hospitality security.
Key Facts
4 hours initial training, can be done fully online through DCI-approved providers
Dallas's Law (TCA 62-35-118, eff. Jan 1, 2023): guards at alcohol-serving establishments need first aid, CPR, de-escalation, and safe restraint training within 15 days
NEW (June 19, 2025): Active shooter training (minimum 8 hours) now mandatory for armed guards in schools
NEW (June 19, 2025): Fee increases, unarmed application $75 (was $50), renewal $70 (was $50); armed $100 application, $85 renewal
NEW (June 19, 2025): Status change between armed/unarmed now requires a full new application
Renewal: 2 hours every 2 years; Dallas's Law venues: 4 hours every 2 years
All applications through CORE portal at tn.gov
eLearning, initial
Full online permitted
eLearning, renewal
Training Hours
4 hrs initial
Renewal: 2 years
License Fee
$40 license
2-3 weeks
Governing Agency
TN Dept. of Commerce and Insurance - Private Protective Services
TCA Title 62, Chapter 35
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not applying Dallas's Law training to guards at venues with alcohol licenses (bars, restaurants, clubs)
Missing the 15-day Dallas's Law training window for new assignments at alcohol-serving venues
Not tracking the June 2025 rule changes, especially the new armed school training requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dallas's Law and does it apply to my security guards?
Dallas's Law (named after Dallas 'DJ' Barrett) applies to security guards who work at establishments that serve alcohol, bars, restaurants, clubs, entertainment venues with liquor licenses. If your guards work at such venues, they must complete first aid, CPR, de-escalation, and safe restraint training within 15 days of assignment. Renewal is 4 hours every 2 years.
I have armed guards working in schools, what changed in June 2025?
As of June 19, 2025, armed guards assigned to school campuses must complete a minimum of 8 hours of active shooter training in addition to standard requirements. This is a new mandate under Rule 0780-05-02.
Can Tennessee security guard training be done online?
Yes, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance explicitly permits online training for the basic 4-hour requirement and renewals. Defencify offers TN DCI-approved online training at defencifytraining.com. Armed firearms training must still be completed in person at a range.
Practical Tips
If your guards work at any alcohol-serving venue, Dallas's Law training is mandatory, verify all such assignments
The June 2025 fee increases are significant, update your budgets for new applications and renewals
Address changes must be reported within 10 days (June 2025 rule change)
Status changes between armed and unarmed now require a full new application, plan ahead for role changes
Recent Regulatory Changes
Rule 0780-05-02 fee increases effective June 19, 2025: unarmed guard application $50→$75, renewal $50→$70; armed guard application $75→$100, renewal $60→$85; duplicate credential $25; Dallas Law classification addition $25.
Rule 0780-05-02 amendments effective June 19, 2025: active shooter training (minimum 8 hours) mandated for armed guards in schools; de-escalation and safe restraint added as approved training classifications. Status change between armed/unarmed requires full new application. Address change notification required within 10 days. Companies must maintain guard rosters.
See the "Regulatory Changes" tab for full history →