Washington security guard license renewal: annual licenses, the 120-day window, and one-year cancellation

Who issues the license

The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) licenses private security guards and guard companies (DOL security guards). The governing law is chapter 18.170 RCW and chapter 308-18 WAC (RCW 18.170.070; WAC 308-18-160). Guards carry a license card and must show it on request. Armed guards carry the armed license card as well (RCW 18.170.070).

How long the license lasts

Under WAC 308-18-160, an individual guard license expires one year after issuance, and that anniversary is the renewal date. DOL's renewal page says "You must renew your license every year" (WAC 308-18-160; DOL renewal page).

How to renew

1. Start up to 120 days early. DOL accepts renewals up to 120 days before the license expires (DOL renewal page).
2. Renew online or by mail. Online renewal goes through a SecureAccess Washington account, and DOL says renewing and paying online gets the license faster. By mail, the guard sends the Security Guard Renewal Application (Form 690010), supporting documents, and a check or money order payable to the Department of Licensing to Private Security Guard Program, Department of Licensing, PO Box 35001, Seattle, WA 98124-3401 (DOL renewal page).
3. Answer the background questions. Have supporting documents ready to upload if any legal background question applies to you.

Fees

Amounts come from DOL's security guard fee page.

If the license expires

If DOL does not receive the renewal application by the renewal date, a late penalty fee applies. Accepting a late application does not waive the delinquency. A license whose renewal fee is not received within one year of expiration is cancelled, and the person can get a new license only by meeting the initial licensing requirements, including any required training and examination (WAC 308-18-160). DOL's renewal page also says temporary registration cards cannot be used by guards whose licenses have expired (DOL renewal page).

Temporary registration cards for new hires

A temporary registration card may be issued only after the employee completes preassignment training. It is valid for up to 60 days, the license application must be mailed within 3 business days after it is issued, and it does not allow the holder to carry firearms on duty (RCW 18.170.090).

Armed guards

DOL lists a $10 armed endorsement fee at initial licensing (DOL fees), and armed guards carry the armed license card (RCW 18.170.070). The DOL pages we read do not list armed training hours or a renewal requalification, so confirm them with DOL at security@dol.wa.gov or 360-664-6611.

What to track for each Washington guard

• The license expiration one year after issue, with a reminder when the 120-day renewal window opens.
• The date a temporary card was issued, so the license application is mailed within 3 business days and the card is replaced within its 60 days.
• The one-year cancellation date for any guard whose license lapsed.

Frequently asked questions

How often do Washington security guards renew?

Every year (DOL renewal page).

How much does it cost to renew a Washington guard license?

$95, or $110 for a late renewal (DOL fees).

How early can I renew?

Up to 120 days before the license expires (DOL renewal page).

What happens if I wait more than a year?

The license is cancelled, and the guard must meet the initial licensing requirements again (WAC 308-18-160).