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State Overview
Vermont regulates the security guard industry through VT Secretary of State - Board of Private Investigative and Security Services under a licensed - individual framework. Training requirements: Registered Employee: 8 hours (temporary), 40 hours (permanent); Licensed Guard: 40 hours + 2 years experience + state exam; Armed: +16 hours firearms. Fee structure: $60 unarmed; $120 armed. Online (eLearning) eligibility: initial training is partial, renewal is yes for state approval.
Vermont sits in the Northeast region, is classified Low priority for multi-state operators, with a licensed - individual regulatory posture.
Key Facts
Regulatory framework: Licensed - Individual
Licensing agency: VT Secretary of State - Board of Private Investigative and Security Services
Training: Registered Employee: 8 hours (temporary), 40 hours (permanent); Licensed Guard: 40 hours + 2 years experience + state exam; Armed: +16 hours firearms.
Fees: $60 unarmed; $120 armed.
Processing time: 3-4 weeks
Online training (initial): Partial; (renewal): Yes
Renewal cycle: Biennial (June 1 odd years)
eLearning, initial
Some modules online
eLearning, renewal
Training Hours
40 hrs; 56 hrs armed
Renewal: Biennial (June 1 odd years)
License Fee
$60 unarmed
3-4 weeks
Governing Agency
VT Secretary of State - Board of Private Investigative and Security Services
26 VSA Chapter 59
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating the 3-4 weeks processing window and starting work before approval is finalized.
Ignoring this restriction in operational planning: 8-hr temporary may be online.
Submitting an incomplete background-check packet or expired fingerprint cards, both of which restart the processing clock.
Missing the Biennial (June 1 odd years) renewal cycle and letting the license lapse, which forces a full re-application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours does Vermont require for unarmed security guards?
Registered Employee: 8 hours (temporary), 40 hours (permanent); Licensed Guard: 40 hours + 2 years experience + state exam; Armed: +16 hours firearms.
What does it cost to get a security guard license in Vermont?
$60 unarmed; $120 armed.
How long does Vermont take to process a guard license application?
3-4 weeks
Can I take Vermont guard training online?
Vermont treats online training as partial for initial coursework and yes for renewal. Confirm specific course approval directly with VT Secretary of State - Board of Private Investigative and Security Services.
How often do I renew a security guard license in Vermont?
License renewal cycle: Biennial (June 1 odd years).
Practical Tips
Plan for the published processing window: 3-4 weeks. Submit applications early to avoid coverage gaps.
Registered Employee vs Licensed Guard; Up to 10 practical hours may count toward 40-hour requirement (NOT toward 8-hour temporary)
Restriction to verify before hiring: 8-hr temporary may be online
Direct line for verification: 802-828-1505. Use it before relying on third-party summaries.
Most recent regulatory change (2026-04-20): No rule amendments to the 40-hr initial or 8-hr temporary credential structure identified for 2024-2026.
Recent Regulatory Changes
No rule amendments to the 40-hr initial or 8-hr temporary credential structure identified for 2024-2026. Biennial renewal June 1 odd years unchanged. Vermont OPR routes inquiries through web contact form only, no direct email published.
See the "Regulatory Changes" tab for full history →