Firearms permit / qualification

What it is

The firearms qualification that armed security jobs ask for: a state-approved firearms course plus a range qualification, recorded on a state card or permit (for example California's BSIS Firearms Permit, Florida's Class G license or Illinois's Firearm Control Card).

Who needs it

Anyone who carries a firearm in a regulated security or investigations job. Employers often list it separately from the guard card.

Requirements

A state-approved firearms course with a written exam and live-fire qualification. Rules match the armed guard credential in each state; see the armed guard state pages.

Typical cost and time

Cost

Check with Your state's private security regulator

Time

Check with Your state's private security regulator

Issuing body

Your state's private security regulator

Renewal

Periodic range requalification, from twice a year (California) to once a year (Florida, Illinois, Arizona).

State rules (Armed guard)

• ArizonaArmed security guard registration
• CaliforniaBSIS Firearms Permit (exposed firearm)
• FloridaClass "G" Statewide Firearm License
• GeorgiaArmed security license (Board-licensed)
• IllinoisFirearm Control Card (FCC)
• New YorkArmed security guard registration
• North CarolinaArmed guard registration (firearm registration permit)
• TexasCommissioned Security Officer license
• VirginiaArmed Security Officer/Courier registration with firearms endorsement

Other states: check with your state's regulator. We only list states we've verified against official sources.

Sources

1. www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/fire_fact
2. www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Private-Investigation-Licenses/Class-G-Statewide-Firearm-L
3. www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/022504470K35-40.htm

Last verified November 1, 2026. Where a field says "Check with", we couldn't confirm it from an official source.