Security licensing · Tennessee
Tennessee security guard registration renewal: two-year terms, refresher hours, and a 90-day grace period
Tennessee security guard registrations must be renewed every two years through the state's CORE system. Unarmed guards complete a 2-hour refresher before renewing, and armed guards complete 4 hours and requalify on the firearms course.
Who issues the registration
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Private Protective Services, registers armed and unarmed security guards under Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 62, Chapter 35 (TDCI Private Protective Services). Renewals are submitted through the guard's CORE account at core.tn.gov (TDCI renewal page).
How long the registration lasts
TDCI states that registration must be renewed every two years (TDCI renewal page). The page does not give a filing window before expiration, so file early enough to finish the refresher and photo requirements.
How to renew
- Finish the refresher. Unarmed guards complete 2 hours of refresher training before renewal. Armed guards complete 4 hours.
- Requalify if armed. An armed guard must score at least 70% on a commissioner-approved silhouette target course.
- Renew in CORE. Submit the Renewal Application through your CORE account with a head-and-shoulder photo and the fee. TDCI links a step-by-step visual guide for armed and unarmed guards (TDCI renewal page).
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unarmed guard renewal | $70 |
| Armed guard renewal | $85 |
| Late fee, within the grace period | $20 per month late |
| Duplicate card, ordered in CORE | $25 |
All amounts come from the TDCI renewal page.
If the registration expires
TDCI allows a 90-day grace period with a $20 late fee for each month late. After the grace period the guard must reapply or reinstate. Reinstatement is done through CORE and requires all initial-license documentation, including training and an IdentoGO background check (TDCI renewal page). The page does not say whether a guard may work during the grace period, so confirm with TDCI at private.protective@tn.gov before scheduling that guard.
Armed registration
Armed work requires the armed registration card. An armed applicant may work unarmed while a complete application with the fee is processed, and must carry a copy of it. For renewal, armed guards need the 4-hour refresher, the 70% silhouette course, and the $85 fee (TDCI renewal page).
Extra training for certain posts
- Alcohol-serving locations. Guards working at these locations complete refresher training in de-escalation, safe restraint, first aid, and CPR within one year of renewal. TDCI lists this for both armed and unarmed guards.
- Schools. Armed guards at public, public charter, private, or church-related schools complete active shooter refresher training before renewal.
Checking a registration
TDCI links a license verification search at search.cloud.commerce.tn.gov from its Private Protective Services page (TDCI).
What to track for each Tennessee guard
- The expiration date two years out, with a reminder early enough to finish the 2-hour or 4-hour refresher.
- The 90-day grace period, after which the guard must reapply or reinstate.
- For armed guards, the requalification score and date.
- For guards at alcohol-serving locations or schools, the extra training dates.
Frequently asked questions
How often do Tennessee security guards renew?
Every two years (TDCI renewal page).
How many refresher hours does Tennessee require?
Two hours for unarmed guards and four hours for armed guards (TDCI renewal page).
What does a late renewal cost?
$20 for each month late within the 90-day grace period, on top of the renewal fee (TDCI renewal page).
Where do I renew?
In your CORE account at core.tn.gov (TDCI renewal page).
Rules change. This guide summarizes public sources and is not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the Tennessee Private Protective Services before acting on them.