How to Get a Security Guard, Unarmed License in California
California requires a security guard, unarmed license to offer professional services. State fees are $104, which is above the $92 national average.
Last verified: 2022-03-01 · Source: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3
Quick Facts
- License Required
- Yes
- Licensing Fees
- $104(above the $92 national average)
- Exams Required
- 1
- Minimum Age
- 18 years old
What This Means for Your Home Security Guard, Unarmed Business
California makes it possible to run a home security guard, unarmed business, but there's a licensing path to follow first. California is one of 34 states that require licensing.
At $104, the licensing cost is close to the $92 national average. The real investment is time, not money.
Once licensed, California offers advantages: no sales tax on services, reducing complexity. Plus, LLC formation is just $70. Your total non-training startup can be under $1,000.
Important detail: Even though you're working from home, you'll still need a shop license from the California licensing board. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation and safety standards. This is separate from your personal security guard, unarmed license and is something many first-time home-based security guard, unarmeds overlook.
How to Start Your Home Security Guard, Unarmed Business
Follow these steps to legally launch your business in California. Most people complete this within 2-4 weeks.
Complete Security Guard, Unarmed Training
Enroll in a California-approved security guard, unarmed school.
Tip: You must apply for your exams within a set timeframe after completing your education — don't wait.
Pass the Required Exam ($104)
Once you've finished training, register for the required exam through the California licensing board.
Form Your California LLC ($70 state fee)
Register your business with the California Secretary of State. An LLC protects your personal assets if something goes wrong — a client injury, a lawsuit, or unpaid bills. It also makes you look more professional to clients and helps with taxes.
Fast track: Services like ZenBusiness can form your California LLC online for $0 + the $70 state filing fee. They handle the paperwork and registered agent service.
Get a Home Occupation Permit & Shop License
You need two things to legally operate from home:
- Home occupation permit — from your county clerk or zoning office. This confirms your neighborhood allows a business from your home. Fees vary by county ($25-$100 typically).
- Shop license — from the California licensing board. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation standards, including proper ventilation, sanitary station setup, and waste disposal.
Get Business Insurance
General liability insurance protects you if a client has an allergic reaction, slips in your home, or claims damage. Most policies for home-based security guard, unarmeds cost $15-$40/month. It's not legally required in California, but going without it is a real risk when you're working with clients in your home.
Register for State & Federal Taxes
California does not charge sales tax on personal services. So you won't need to collect sales tax from clients. However, you still need to:
- Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free, takes 5 minutes online
- Register with the California Department of Revenue for state income tax
- If you sell products (shampoo, styling products), you will need to collect California's 7.25% sales tax on those product sales
Book Your First Clients
You're legal and ready. Start building your client base:
- Set up an online booking system (Square Appointments, Booksy, or Vagaro are popular with home-based security guard, unarmeds)
- Create a Google Business Profile so local clients can find you
- Post your work on Instagram — before-and-afters are the #1 way home security guard, unarmeds attract clients
- Ask early clients for Google reviews — reviews are critical for home-based businesses without storefront visibility
Total Estimated Startup Costs
| Exam fees + license | $104 |
| California LLC formation | $70 |
| Home occupation permit | $25 - $100 |
| Business insurance (first year) | $180 - $480 |
| Total (excluding training/school) | $379 - $754 |
* School tuition varies widely. Some community colleges offer programs under $5,000. The apprenticeship path avoids tuition entirely.
Security Guard, Unarmed Earning Potential in California
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2024), here's what security guards earn in California. There are approximately 185,510 employed in the state.
Median Hourly
$21.12
Median Annual
$43,930
Entry Level
$17.39/hr
Top Earners
$28.52/hr
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $17.39 | $36,171 |
| 25th | $18.03 | $37,502 |
| 50th (median) | $21.12 | $43,930 |
| 75th | $22.73 | $47,278 |
| 90th (top earners) | $28.52 | $59,322 |
Note for home-based operators: BLS wage data reflects employed (W-2) workers. Self-employed security guard, unarmeds working from home often charge 20-40% more since they set their own rates and don't pay salon/shop rent. At the median rate, working 30 hours/week would gross roughly $42,831/year as an independent operator.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
California Business Setup Costs & Details
Here's what you need to know about setting up any home business in California — beyond the security guard, unarmed license itself.
Compare Security Guard, Unarmed Requirements in Nearby States
See how California's requirements compare to neighboring states.
| State | License? | Fees | Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| California(you) | Yes | $104 | 1 days |
| Arizona | Yes | $72 | 1 days |
| Hawaii | Yes | $131 | 1 days |
| Nevada | Yes | $85 | — |
| Oregon | Yes | $106 | 2 days |
| Washington | Yes | $99 | 3 days |
Key takeaway: All of California's neighbors require a security guard, unarmed license. If cost is your main concern, Arizona has the lowest fees at $72.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a security guard, unarmed license in California?
What exams do I need to pass for a California security guard, unarmed license?
Can I run a security guard, unarmed business from my home in California?
Do I need to collect sales tax as a security guard, unarmed in California?
How much does an LLC cost in California?
More Security Guard, Unarmed Resources for California
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Pricing Calculator
Figure out how much to charge clients
Startup Cost Calculator
Personalized budget for your home business
Sources & Disclaimer
Data Sources
- License data: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3 (2022). Independently verified dataset covering licensing requirements across all 50 states + DC.
- LLC and tax data: California Secretary of State and California Department of Revenue.
Disclaimer: This guide was last verified 2022-03-01. Licensing laws and fees change — always confirm current requirements directly with the California licensing board before making business decisions. This site provides general information for educational purposes and is not legal advice.