How to Get Your Utah Security License: A 2025 Step-by-Step Guide

Key Takeaways

• Eligibility is Key: You must be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and meet the state's "good moral character" standards to qualify for a security license in Utah.
• Training is Mandatory: All applicants must complete a state-approved basic training course from a certified provider before applying. This is the foundation of your career.
• Background Checks are Non-Negotiable: You must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the FBI.
• Application is Digital: The entire application process, including document submission and fee payment, is handled online through Utah's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
• Statewide Validity: Once issued, your Utah security license is valid throughout the entire state, from Salt Lake County to Summit County and beyond.

The demand for skilled security professionals is on the rise across Utah's Wasatch Front. From the bustling city centers in Weber County down to the growing communities in Utah County, a career in security offers stability and a chance to make a real difference. But before you can begin, you need the right credentials.

This guide provides a clear, comprehensive roadmap to obtaining your Level 2 Unarmed Security License. A Level 2 license is your entry point into the industry, authorizing you to work as an unarmed guard. We’ll walk you through every requirement and action step, making the process simple and straightforward for aspiring guards in Salt Lake, Davis, Tooele, and surrounding counties. At Security Guard School, we're here to help you get started.

First, Do You Qualify? Utah's Eligibility Requirements

Before you invest time and money into training, it’s crucial to ensure you meet the baseline criteria set by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). You must be able to check all of the following boxes to proceed.

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Moral Character: The state requires applicants to have "good moral character." This generally means you cannot have any felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving theft, drugs, assault, or other offenses that question your integrity and trustworthiness. A deep understanding of security ethics is important here.
• Legal Status: You must be a U.S. Citizen or a legal resident with the proper authorization to work in the United States.

Your 3-Step Path to Getting Licensed

Getting your security guard certification in Utah is a structured process. By breaking it down into three manageable steps, you can navigate the path to licensure with confidence and clarity.

Step 1: Complete the State-Approved Unarmed Security Training

The first active step is to enroll in and complete the mandatory basic training course. This foundational education is required by the state to ensure all security officers have the necessary knowledge to perform their duties safely and effectively. This is different from the extensive requirements for a guard card in California, for example, so it's important to focus on Utah's specific needs.

Your training, which you can find in our Utah security guard training collection, will cover essential topics that are critical for success in the field. You’ll dive into the nature and role of private security, mastering subjects like legal authority and the specific legal responsibilities of private security. The curriculum also includes vital skills in documentation & report writing, emergency procedures, and effective communication and its importance.

You must choose a DOPL-approved training provider to receive a valid certificate of completion. ComConvenient courses are available for residents throughout major population centers like Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden, ensuring you can find training that fits your schedule.

Step 2: Pass the Fingerprint Background Check

Public safety is paramount, which is why a thorough background check is a non-negotiable part of the licensing process. This check is conducted through both the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the FBI to review your criminal history.

You will need to have your fingerprints taken at an approved live scan location. During this appointment, your prints are digitally captured and submitted directly to the relevant agencies. You must provide the receipt or proof of your fingerprinting submission with your final application packet, so be sure to keep all your paperwork organized. This step confirms your eligibility based on the "good moral character" clause.

Step 3: Submit Your Application to the DOPL

With your training certificate and fingerprinting complete, you're ready for the final step: submitting your official application to the DOPL. This is done entirely online. You will need to assemble a digital packet containing the following items:

• The completed application form.
• Your certificate of completion from a DOPL approved training course.
• Receipts and proof of your fingerprint submission.
• A recent passport-style photo that meets the specified guidelines.
• Payment for all applicable licensing fees.

Once you submit everything through the official DOPL portal, you can monitor its status online. Processing times can vary, but the department typically provides an estimated timeframe. This process ensures you have the guard card requirements covered from start to finish.

Keeping Your License Active: Renewal Requirements

Your Utah security license is valid for two years. To maintain your active status, you must renew it before it expires. The renewal process often involves completing a certain number of continuing education hours to stay current on best practices and any changes in state law.

Our Utah Guard License Renewal Bundle is designed to make this process seamless. Covering advanced topics like de-escalation of force, crisis intervention, and effective public relations, our renewal courses ensure you meet DOPL requirements and continue to grow as a professional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much does it cost to get a security license in Utah?

A: The total cost includes the training course fee, the fingerprinting fee, and the state's application/licensing fee. Costs can vary, but you should budget for approximately $150-$250 for the entire process.

Q: What's the difference between a Level 2 (Unarmed) and a Level 3 (Armed) license?

A: A Level 2 license is for unarmed security work, focusing on skills like observation and reporting through effective patrol techniques. A Level 3 license, for armed guards, requires additional, more intensive training in firearms proficiency and use-of-force laws. You must obtain your Level 2 license before you can apply for a Level 3.

Q: Is my Utah security license valid in all counties, like Summit County and Tooele County?

A: Yes. The security license is issued by the state of Utah and is valid for practice in every county, from Davis County to Utah County and everywhere in between.

Q: Can I work as a security guard while my application is being processed?

A: No. You must have your physical license in hand before you can legally begin working as a security guard in Utah.

Your Career in Security Starts Now

Following these steps—completing your training, passing the background check, and submitting your application—is your direct path to launching a rewarding career. The security industry in Utah needs dedicated, well-trained professionals to protect people and property. By getting licensed, you are not just starting a job; you are becoming a vital part of your community's safety.

Ready to take the first step toward a fulfilling career? Explore our full range of courses and enroll in our next DOPL-approved unarmed security training course today!