State license required

How to become a security guard in Hawaii

Last reviewed August 28, 2026 · Regulator: Hawaii Board of Private Detectives and Guards (DCCA)

Hawaii registers guards through the Board of Private Detectives and Guards. Applicants pass a written test and complete 8 hours of classroom instruction before starting work, plus 4 hours of supervised on-the-job training after hire.

At a glance

Credential	Training	Exam	Renewal
Security Guard Registration (Guard Card) $81–$151 depending on where you are in the 3-year licensing cycle	8 hours +4 hrs within 1 mo of hire	Yes	Every 3 years 4 hrs CE every 3 years

Steps to get started

Complete 8 hours of classroom instruction with a board-approved provider and pass the written test.
Complete the FBI fingerprint background check through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center.
Register with the Board of Private Detectives and Guards (fee depends on the cycle year).
Complete 4 hours of supervised on-the-job training, then 4 hours of continuing education before each 3-year renewal.

Security Guard Registration (Guard Card): Registrations renew by June 30 of the triennium cycle year (renewal $105).

Working armed in Hawaii

Hawaii's firearms laws make armed guard work rare; firearm carry requires separate county-level permitting outside the guard registration.

Sources

Hawaii Board of Private Detectives and Guards

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