Ohio Security Guard Identification Card Information (Guard Card)

Sections

• Security Guard Identification Card (Unarmed Security Officer)
• Firearm-Bearer Endorsements (FAB; Armed Security Officer)
• Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
• Fingerprinting/Background Check

Information	Details
State Agency	Ohio Department of Public Safety, Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS)
Website	https://pisgs.ohio.gov/
Term of License	1-year. Registered by employer.
Pre-Assignment Training Required?	No. Training is at the discretion of the employer.
Total Training Required	No. Training is at the discretion of the employer.
Online Training Approved?	Yes.
Referesher Training Required?	No. Training is at the discretion of the employer.
Separate Firearms Training?	Yes. 20-hours.
Separate Baton Training?	No. Training is at the discretion of the employer.
Separate Pepper Spray Training?	No. Training is at the discretion of the employer.
Average Hourly Wage	$15.09
Average Annual Salary	$31,400

Security Guard Identification Card (Unarmed Security Officer)

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The employer must register all security guards and private investigation employees with the State.

The State conducts a background check of the employee (security guard). If no disqualifying convictions are found, the PISGS issues an identification card to the employee.

• NOTE: The actual license is issued by the State of Ohio, not the trainer.

Firearm-Bearer Endorsements (FAB; Armed Security Officer)

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A security guard or private investigator is permitted to carry a firearm while working IF he/she has completed the appropriate firearm training and has a PISGS registration card in hand with a firearm-bearer (FAB) endorsement that has not expired.

The applicant must complete a private security firearm training course (20-hours handgun and 5-hours in the use of other firearms) at an approved Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) training facility and receive a completion certificate.

The applicant must also pass an FBI background check.

Note: The initial private security firearm training course through OPOTC is good for 18 months; requalification is good for 12 months.

Individuals working for multiple companies can only carry a firearm while working for the company(ies) with whom the individuals have a current FAB.

Individuals are only allowed to carry the type of weapon that is listed on the FAB endorsement on the registration card.

• NOTE: A concealed-carry permit (CCW) does not authorize a security guard or private investigator to carry a firearm on duty. Instead, you must have a PISGS registration card with a current Firearm Bearer (FAB) notation, to lawfully carry a firearm in your role as a security guard or private investigator.

Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements

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The registration of an investigator or security guard employee expires annually on the anniversary date of its initial issuance.

Firearm-Bearer Endorsement (FAB) renewals must complete an OPOTC certified requalification course.

Fingerprinting/Background Check

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BCI and/or FBI fingerprinting/background check is required.

There are numerous WebCheck facilities around Ohio that will take electronic fingerprints (locations are available on the Attorney General's website). The reason for fingerprinting is "license for private investigator/security guard." Be sure to request your background check results be sent "Direct Copy" to PISGS, Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Registered employees are continuously monitored by the state's Rapback system, which notifies PISGS if a guard or investigator is arrested.

Information provided on this site is for educational purposes. It is not legal advice.