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State Overview
Virginia regulates the security guard industry through Virginia DCJS - Licensure and Regulatory Affairs under a licensed - individual framework. Training requirements: Unarmed (01E): 18 hours (Orientation 2, Law 4, Security 2, Report Writing 4, Emergency 4, Confrontation 2); Armed: 50-53 hours (18 core + 8 arrest + 24 handgun + 3 shotgun); In-service: 4 hrs unarmed. Fee structure: $35 initial; $30 renewal. Online (eLearning) eligibility: initial training is partial, renewal is yes for state approval.
Virginia sits in the South region, is classified Tier 2 priority for multi-state operators, with a licensed - individual regulatory posture.
Key Facts
Regulatory framework: Licensed - Individual
Licensing agency: Virginia DCJS - Licensure and Regulatory Affairs
Training: Unarmed (01E): 18 hours (Orientation 2, Law 4, Security 2, Report Writing 4, Emergency 4, Confrontation 2); Armed: 50-53 hours (18 core + 8 arrest + 24 handgun .
Fees: $35 initial; $30 renewal.
Processing time: 3-5 weeks
Online training (initial): Partial; (renewal): Yes
Renewal cycle: 2 years (biennial); Armed firearms: 12 months
eLearning, initial
Some modules online
eLearning, renewal
Training Hours
18 hrs unarmed; 50-53 hrs armed
Renewal: 2 years (biennial); Armed firearms: 12 months
License Fee
$35 initial
3-5 weeks
Governing Agency
Virginia DCJS - Licensure and Regulatory Affairs
Code of Virginia Title 9.1, Article 4 (§9.1-138 to §9.1-150)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating the 3-5 weeks processing window and starting work before approval is finalized.
Ignoring this restriction in operational planning: DCJS approves select online providers for initial; firearms components in-person.
Submitting an incomplete background-check packet or expired fingerprint cards, both of which restart the processing clock.
Missing the 2 years (biennial); Armed firearms: 12 months renewal cycle and letting the license lapse, which forces a full re-application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours does Virginia require for unarmed security guards?
Unarmed (01E): 18 hours (Orientation 2, Law 4, Security 2, Report Writing 4, Emergency 4, Confrontation 2); Armed: 50-53 hours (18 core + 8 arrest + 24 handgun + 3 shotgun); In-service: 4 hrs unarmed, 6-8 armed.
What does it cost to get a security guard license in Virginia?
$35 initial; $30 renewal.
How long does Virginia take to process a guard license application?
3-5 weeks
Can I take Virginia guard training online?
Virginia treats online training as partial for initial coursework and yes for renewal. Confirm specific course approval directly with Virginia DCJS - Licensure and Regulatory Affairs.
How often do I renew a security guard license in Virginia?
License renewal cycle: 2 years (biennial); Armed firearms: 12 months.
Practical Tips
Plan for the published processing window: 3-5 weeks. Submit applications early to avoid coverage gaps.
Can work 90 days while completing training (with fingerprints submitted); Firearms endorsement annual renewal; DC metro market
Restriction to verify before hiring: DCJS approves select online providers for initial; firearms components in-person
Direct line for verification: (804) 786-4700. Use it before relying on third-party summaries.
Most recent regulatory change (2026-03-16): DCJS Lotus fingerprinting interface enhancement went live March 16, 2026.
Recent Regulatory Changes
DCJS Lotus fingerprinting interface enhancement went live March 16, 2026. New integration with Virginia State Police (VSP) for background check submissions. Note: VSP experiencing high processing volume resulting in background checks taking up to 60 business days. Applicants working under 90-day provisional period should factor extended background check timelines into planning.
DCJS online training provider list confirmed active with 20+ approved providers, all limited to in-service/renewal (01I Security Officer In-service) only. No DCJS-approved providers for initial entry-level (01E) online delivery. Online initial training remains not permitted. In-service (renewal) online fully available through 20+ approved providers.
See the "Regulatory Changes" tab for full history →