Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NH Board of Public Safety
Security Guards Licensing in New Hampshire
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for security guards in New Hampshire, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Security Guards in New Hampshire
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be a resident of the United States
- 2
Must be at least 18 years of age
- 3
File a surety bond for $50,000
- 4
Complete all forms that have been filed in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, and present in person to the Permits and Licensing Unit
- 5
Two sets of fingerprints required of applicants for armed security guard
- 6
Annual firearms qualification is required for armed security guards
- 7
Provide documentation of qualifications
- 8
Submit application in person
- 9
Must be a resident of the United States - Must be at least 18 years of age - File a surety bond for $50,000 - Complete all forms that have been filed in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, and present in person to the Permits and
- 10
Experience: No experience required.
- 11
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 12
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 13
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 14
- Provide documentation of qualifications.
- 15
- Submit application in person.
- 16
Examination: Not required.
- 17
Continuing Education: Armed security guards are required to meet minimum requirements in the use of firearms at least once per year including four hours of instruction in firearm techniques and safety.
- 18
The Commissioner of Safety may adopt, pursuant to RSA 541-A, certain initial and continuing education requirements for licensed security guards, private investigators, and bail recovery agents, including but not limited to the statutory and case laws on the use of force, the laws of arrest by non-law enforcement personnel, and other issues relative to their respective occupations after consultation with the advisory board, and may certify individuals or entitites including professional associations and employees of agencies deemed qualified to provide such training or education to licensees.
- 19
- Private Individual (biennial license): $150.
Exam and processing details
- Not required
Continuing education and program notes
- Armed security guards are required to meet minimum requirements in the use of firearms at least once per year including four hours of instruction in firearm techniques and safety.
- The Commissioner of Safety may adopt, pursuant to RSA 541-A, certain initial and continuing education requirements for licensed security guards, private investigators, and bail recovery agents, including but not limited to the statutory and case laws on the use of force, the laws of arrest by non-law enforcement personnel, and other issues relative to their respective occupations after consultation with the advisory board, and may certify individuals or entitites including professional associations and employees of agencies deemed qualified to provide such training or education to licensees.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Private Individual (biennial license) | $150 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Permits and Licensing Unit • New Hampshire State Police
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$44,510 median (16% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#6 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be at least 18 years of age; Must be a resident of the United States - Must be at least 18 years of age - File a surety bond for $50,000 - Complete all forms that hav...).
- 2. Complete required education or training (Continuing Education: Armed security guards are required to meet minimum requirements in the use of firearms at least once per year inclu...).
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required Not required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Submit application in person; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Private Individual (biennial license): $150).
- 7. Submit the application to Permits and Licensing Unit~New Hampshire State Police and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New Hampshire
With a median salary of $44,510, Security Guardss in New Hampshire earn 16% above the national median of $38,370. New Hampshire ranks #6 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,490Median annual salary
$44,510Hourly estimate
$21.4016% above national median
Difference: +$6,140
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSecurity Guards Salary Ranking
#6 of 50 statesfor Security Guards median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $48,620 |
| #2 | Washington | $48,010 |
| #3 | Colorado | $46,080 |
| #4 | Minnesota | $46,020 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $44,950 |
Nearby States Comparison
Security Guards licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $44,510 | Varies by state board | No exam required | 18 years |
| Maine | $41,400 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $42,800 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $44,950 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maine | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Vermont | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Permits and Licensing Unit • New Hampshire State Police
33 Hazen Drive, Room 106, Concord, NH, 03305
Phone: 6032283873
Related Careers in New Hampshire
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $61,420 | Specific course required | 1 month |
| Firefighter | $57,030 | Specific course required | 18 years |
| Police Officer | $67,620 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $83,110 | Degree required | 21 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Security Guards in New Hampshire?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Security Guardss in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Security Guardss.
What is the typical Security Guards salary in New Hampshire?
The median annual salary for Security Guardss in New Hampshire is $44,510. Salaries range from $35,430 (10th percentile) to $63,190 (90th percentile).
How does the Security Guards salary in New Hampshire compare to the national average?
Security Guardss in New Hampshire earn 16% above the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $44,510.
How many Security Guardss work in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire employs approximately 2,630 Security Guardss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Security Guards license to New Hampshire from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Security Guardss in New Hampshire?
The licensing agency is Permits and Licensing Unit / New Hampshire State Police. Review agency details at https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/nhsp/jib/permitslicensing/index.html.
How often do you renew a Security Guards license in New Hampshire?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.