No statewide license — local rules may apply
How to become a security guard in Missouri
Last reviewed August 28, 2026
Missouri has no statewide guard license — regulation is handled locally in cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia, each with its own fees, training, and background-check rules.
Steps to get started
- Check the licensing rules for the city where you'll work — St. Louis, KC, Springfield, and Columbia all license guards.
- Complete that city's required training, fingerprinting, and background check.
- Track your city license's renewal date — most are annual.
Working armed in Missouri
Armed licensing is also local — St. Louis and Kansas City both license armed guards with firearms qualification requirements on top of state and federal firearms law.
Local rules to know
St. Louis (Private Security Section) and Kansas City (Board of Police Commissioners) run the largest local licensing programs. Columbia charges $35 unarmed / $45 armed plus a $17 records check.
Sources
tessura is an independent study and career tool, not affiliated with any state agency. Rules change — always confirm current requirements with the regulator before relying on them.
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