Washington security guard license renewal runs through the Department of Licensing on a one-year cycle, and the renewal window opens 120 days before your expiration date. The base fee is $95, with an extra $10 if you hold an armed endorsement. You’ll also need to have completed your annual refresher training before you file.
When You Can Renew
Your license is valid for exactly one year from the date it was issued.1Washington State Legislature. Washington Code RCW 18.170.070 – License Requirements, Expiration, Renewal, Fees You can start the renewal process up to 120 days before that expiration date.2Washington State Department of Licensing. Renew Your License: Security Guards, Security Guard Company, or Trainer Filing early doesn’t shorten your next license period, so there’s no reason to wait.
If your expiration date passes without a completed renewal, your license enters expired status and you cannot work in any security capacity until it’s reinstated. A temporary registration card cannot be used while a guard’s license is expired, so there’s no workaround that lets you keep working in the meantime.2Washington State Department of Licensing. Renew Your License: Security Guards, Security Guard Company, or Trainer
What It Costs
The standard renewal fee for an unarmed private security guard license is $95. An armed endorsement adds $10, bringing the total to $105.3Washington State Department of Licensing. Fees: Security Guards You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check through the online portal, or by check or money order if you renew by mail.
Miss your expiration date and the total jumps to $110 for an individual guard license, which includes a $15 late penalty.3Washington State Department of Licensing. Fees: Security Guards That $15 penalty is waived if you’re submitting your renewal alongside a transfer or rehire application.4Cornell Law Institute. Washington Administrative Code 308-18-150 – Private Security Guard Company, Private Security Guard, and Armed Private Security Guard Fees The bigger cost of a late renewal is the lost work time while your license sits inactive.
Annual Training You Need Done First
Washington requires every security guard to complete at least four hours of refresher training each year after finishing initial post-assignment training. At least three of those four hours must cover emergency response topics such as site post orders or life safety procedures. No more than one hour can focus on customer service.5Washington State Legislature. Washington Code RCW 18.170.105 – Training Requirements
The training must be recorded and signed off by a department-certified trainer. The records need to include a description of what was covered, the trainer’s name and signature, and your name and signature.5Washington State Legislature. Washington Code RCW 18.170.105 – Training Requirements Your employer keeps those records, and the Department of Licensing can inspect them at any time.
Armed Endorsement Renewal
If you carry a firearm on duty, you need an armed endorsement on top of your base license. Getting that endorsement requires a firearms certificate from the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission.6Washington State Legislature. Washington Administrative Code 308-18-120 The endorsement adds $10 to the standard $95 renewal fee.3Washington State Department of Licensing. Fees: Security Guards
If your armed endorsement lapses, you lose the legal authority to carry a firearm while working, even if your base security guard license is still active. Continuing to carry on assignment with a lapsed endorsement creates legal exposure for both you and your employer.
How to Submit Your Renewal
The fastest route is online through the SecureAccess Washington (SAW) portal, which connects you to the Department of Licensing’s professional licensing system.7Washington State Department of Licensing. SecureAccess Washington Help After logging in, you’ll enter updated information, upload any required documents, authorize payment, and receive an immediate confirmation receipt. Save that receipt as proof of your pending renewal.
If you prefer to mail your renewal, send the completed application form, supporting documents, and a check or money order payable to the Department of Licensing to:
Private Security Guard Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 35001
Seattle, WA 98124-34012Washington State Department of Licensing. Renew Your License: Security Guards, Security Guard Company, or Trainer
For overnight delivery through FedEx, UPS, or USPS priority services, use the physical address: Security Guards Program, Department of Licensing, 1125 Washington Street, Olympia, WA 98501-2283.8Washington State Department of Licensing. Security Guard (Unarmed) Mailed applications take longer than online submissions. Once approved, your updated license is mailed to the address on file, and a digital copy may be available through your SAW account.
If Your License Has Already Expired
Once expired, you cannot perform any security guard duties until the license is renewed. The late renewal process is the same as a standard renewal with the $15 penalty added.3Washington State Department of Licensing. Fees: Security Guards
If your license has been expired for an extended period, you may need to submit a new application and complete training requirements from scratch rather than renewing late. The Department of Licensing does not publish a specific cutoff for this transition, so if your license has been expired for more than a few months, call the Private Security Guard Program at 360-664-6611 to confirm your options before paying any fees.
Why a Renewal Can Be Denied
Renewal isn’t automatic. Under RCW 18.170.170, the Department of Licensing can deny a renewal or take disciplinary action on several grounds. The most common include:
- Criminal convictions, including misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felonies. Washington defines “conviction” broadly here to include convictions that have been deferred or dismissed, and pleas of no contest.
- Acts involving dishonesty or moral turpitude related to security work, whether or not charged as a crime.
- Concealing or misrepresenting a material fact when applying for or renewing a license.
- Incompetence or negligence that results in injury or creates an unreasonable risk of harm.
- Refusing to participate in a department investigation or audit, or failing to comply with a department order.
- Helping someone work as a security guard without a valid license.
The conviction standard catches people off guard because deferred and dismissed convictions still count.9Washington State Legislature. Washington Code RCW 18.170.170 If you’ve had any legal trouble since your last renewal, disclose it. Concealment is its own separate ground for denial, and the department runs background checks that surface the information anyway.
Carrying Your License on Duty
Washington law requires every security guard to carry their license or pocket card while performing their duties.10Washington State Legislature. Washington Code Chapter 18.170 RCW – Security Guards – Section: RCW 18.170.150 If you can’t produce your credential when asked, you’re in violation regardless of whether your license is active in the system. Keep the physical card on you during every shift, and treat the SAW confirmation receipt as a backup while you wait for the renewed card to arrive.