How to become a security guard in New Hampshire

Every New Hampshire credential

All 6 individual credentials this regulator issues to security workers, from the entry-level card to specialty and instructor registrations. Rows marked ◇ are drafted from the regulator’s pages and await our reviewer’s sign-off.

Steps to get started

1. Get hired by a licensed security agency (in-house unarmed guards are exempt).
2. Fill out form DSSP 247 and list 3 unrelated references.
3. Deliver it in person to Permits and Licensing, 33 Hazen Drive, Room 106, Concord, with photo ID and the $40 in fees, which your agency pays.
4. For armed work, book fingerprints at (603) 223-3873 and pass the firearms course with a certified instructor.
5. Renew every 2 years at least 15 days before expiry; armed guards requalify every year.

Security Guard License: Form DSSP 247, delivered in person to Permits and Licensing, 33 Hazen Drive, Room 106, Concord (not by mail), with a government photo ID and 3 unrelated references. Valid 2 years; renew on DSSP 157 at least 15 days before expiry. Report a change of agency in person within 10 business days, and any arrest or protective order within 1 business day (RSA 106-F:9). Unarmed in-house guards of a non-security business are exempt (RSA 106-F:4, IV).

Private Investigator License (employee of a licensed agency): Same statute (RSA 106-F), same form (DSSP 247 employee / DSSP 259 individual) and same Permits & Licensing Unit as security guards. No one may become an employee of a private investigative agency without first obtaining this license from the commissioner. Age 18, US resident, criminal record check; ID card issued by the department (Saf-C 2207). Valid 2 years.

Qualified Firearms Instructor (RSA 106-F:8 II): Only 'qualified firearms instructors' may certify the annual DSSP 158 proficiency for armed guards/PIs/bail agents. RSA 106-F:8 II says individuals 'shall be considered for firearms instructor certification' if they completed a Police Standards & Training Council instructor school (or another state's POST-accredited school), the FBI instructor school, Smith & Wesson / Sig Sauer / Ruger instructor schools, the NRA police firearms instructor course, or a commissioner-approved equivalent. No fee, form, term or renewal is published by NHSP; treat as a status the department recognizes rather than a card.

Security Guard Individual License (self-employed / one-person service): RSA 106-F distinguishes the $5 'employee' license (a guard working for a licensed agency, already modeled as nh-security-guard) from the 'individual' license (form DSSP 259) for a person doing business as a security guard on their own. Individual licensees must file a $50,000 surety bond (+$50,000 for each additional license type), give 3 references, be 18+ and a US resident, and apply in person at Permits & Licensing, 33 Hazen Drive Room 106, Concord. Valid 2 years; renew on DSSP 157 at least 15 days before expiry. No training hours are mandated for unarmed licensees.

Working armed in New Hampshire

New Hampshire allows permitless concealed carry, but the State Police application states that a pistol permit does not allow carrying a firearm while working as a guard. Armed guards need the armed license: an FBI fingerprint check ($26.50) and, at licensure and every year, a pistol or revolver course passed at 75% or better plus 4 hours on firearms safety, deadly-force law and ethics (RSA 106-F:8). Neither RSA 106-F nor the Saf-C 2200 rules set a minimum age for security guards.

Armed Security Guard License: Requires an FBI fingerprint check (appointment at (603) 223-3873) and, at licensure and at least once a year, a practical or tactical pistol or revolver course at 75% or better plus 4 hours on firearms safety, deadly-force law and ethics, certified by a qualified instructor on DSSP 158 (RSA 106-F:8). The State Police application states that a pistol permit does not allow carrying a firearm while working as a guard. No minimum age is set in RSA 106-F or Saf-C 2200 for guards.

Armed Private Investigator License: Armed PIs are subject to the identical RSA 106-F:8 firearms proficiency regime as armed guards: FBI fingerprint check before approval; upon licensure and at least once a year, a practical/tactical pistol or revolver course at 75%+, shotgun/rifle familiarization if issued, and 4 hours of instruction on firearms safety, deadly-force law and ethical use of force, certified by a qualified firearms instructor on form DSSP 158. Armed applicants must call (603) 223-3873 for a fingerprint appointment.

Keep your New Hampshire credential alive

The free wallet computes your renewal deadline from New Hampshire's rules and reminds you at 60, 30, and 7 days. Exam prep for New Hampshire follows.