Georgia does not recognize New York security guard licenses, so you will need to get a new Georgia license from the start
New York and Georgia have separate licensing systems with different training requirements, exam standards, and regulatory bodies. Your New York license has no legal standing in Georgia. You cannot straightforward transfer it or have it recognized as equivalent. Instead, you must complete Georgia's full licensing process through the Georgia Secretary of State's office, which oversees private security licensing.
The good news is that some of your New York training may count toward Georgia's requirements, depending on what type of security work you did and what courses you completed. But you will still need to pass Georgia's exam and meet Georgia's specific rules before you can legally work as a security guard in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia requires you to complete a new process and exam through the Georgia Secretary of State's office; your New York license does not transfer.
- You must complete at least 20 hours of Georgia-approved training before taking the Georgia exam, though some New York training may count toward this requirement.
- Georgia's exam covers state-specific laws, use of force rules, and liability — topics that may differ from what you learned in New York.
- The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from the time you submit your process to receiving your Georgia license.
- You cannot legally work as a security guard in Georgia until your license is issued; working without one carries criminal penalties.
What Georgia requires before you can take the licensing exam
Georgia's Secretary of State requires all new security guard applicants to complete a minimum of 20 hours of approved training. This training must cover Georgia-specific topics: state laws governing private security, use of force and de-escalation, liability and civil rights, and emergency procedures. You can take this training through a Georgia-licensed security training school or through some community colleges and vocational programs that offer the course.
If you completed similar training in New York, contact the Georgia training provider before you enroll. Some schools will review your New York certificates and may waive part of the 20-hour requirement if the content overlaps. However, Georgia-specific law training is almost never waived, because the statutes and regulations differ significantly from New York's. Expect to complete at least 8 to 12 hours of new training even if you have prior experience.
You will also need to pass a background check. Georgia disqualifies applicants with felony convictions, certain misdemeanors (especially those involving violence or dishonesty), and active restraining orders. If you have a criminal history, contact the Georgia Secretary of State's office before paying for training to confirm whether you are disqualified.
how the process works for a Georgia security guard license
Start by contacting the Georgia Secretary of State's Regulatory Boards Division, which handles private security licensing. You can reach them by phone or through their website to request an process packet. The packet will include the process form, a list of approved training providers in your area, and instructions for submitting your paperwork.
Complete the process form and gather the required documents: a copy of your government-issued ID, proof of your 20 hours of Georgia-approved training (your training certificate), and proof that you passed the background check. Some applicants submit the background check authorization at the same time as the process; others complete it after the Secretary of State's office confirms the process is complete. Ask when you call which order they prefer.
Submit your process by mail or in person to the address listed in the packet. Include the process fee, which varies but is typically under $100. Keep a copy of everything you send and note the date you mailed it. The Secretary of State's office will send you a confirmation letter with a case number; this number is how you track your process status.
Taking and passing the Georgia security guard exam
Once the Secretary of State's office confirms your process is complete, you will receive a notice telling you that you are cleared to take the exam. The exam is administered by a third-party testing company, not the state directly. You will schedule your exam appointment through that company's website or by phone. Exam dates are usually available within two to four weeks of your clearance notice.
The Georgia exam covers state law (particularly the Private Security Regulation Act), use of force standards, liability and civil rights, emergency response, and customer service. It is typically 50 to 75 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass. The exam takes about one hour. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will pay the exam fee again.
Study materials are available through the testing company and through most Georgia training providers. Many schools include exam prep in their 20-hour course. If you studied security law in New York, you will need to focus on the differences: Georgia's use-of-force law is stricter in some ways, and Georgia has different rules about when a security guard can detain someone or search property.
Timeline from process to working in Georgia
The process typically takes four to eight weeks total, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly you complete each step and how busy the Secretary of State's office is. Here is what to expect:
| Step | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Enroll in and complete 20-hour training course | 1 to 3 weeks (depending on course schedule) |
| Submit process with training certificate | Same day or within 1 week |
| Secretary of State reviews process | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Receive clearance to test | Notification by mail or email |
| Schedule and take exam | 1 to 4 weeks (depending on testing center availability) |
| Receive license after passing exam | 1 to 2 weeks |
You cannot legally work as a security guard in Georgia until your license is issued and you have it in hand. Some employers will hire you conditionally and let you start training or shadowing before your license arrives, but you cannot perform security duties or be on a client's property in a security role until the license is official. Working without a license is a criminal offense in Georgia.
What happens to your New York license
Your New York license remains valid in New York and does not need to be surrendered or cancelled straightforward because you are moving to Georgia. If you plan to return to New York later, you can keep it active by renewing it on New York's schedule. However, if you are permanently relocating and will not need it, you can notify the New York Department of State that you are no longer working in the state, and they may close your file.
Some employers ask whether you hold licenses in other states as part of a background check. Being honest about your New York license and your new Georgia license is always the right approach. There is no penalty for holding licenses in multiple states as long as you are not working illegally in either one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Georgia while my process is being processed?
No. You cannot legally work as a security guard in Georgia without a Georgia license, even if your process is pending. Working without a license is a misdemeanor in Georgia. Some employers may let you work in non-security roles or information with training while you wait, but you cannot perform security duties or carry a weapon.
Do I need to retake the Georgia exam if I move back to New York later?
No. Your New York license is separate from your Georgia license. If you move back to New York, you can renew your New York license on its regular schedule. You do not need to take the New York exam again unless your license has expired and New York requires a new exam as part of renewal.
What if I fail the Georgia exam on my first try?
You can retake the exam. You will pay the exam fee again and schedule a new test date through the testing company. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, but you must pass before the Secretary of State will issue your license. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the material they missed the first time.
Will my New York training hours count toward Georgia's 20-hour requirement?
It depends on the content of your New York training and the Georgia training provider you choose. Contact a Georgia-approved training school and bring your New York training certificate. They can review it and tell you whether any hours will count. Georgia-specific law training is rarely waived, so expect to complete at least 8 to 12 new hours even with prior experience.
What if I have a criminal record?
Georgia disqualifies applicants with felony convictions and certain misdemeanors, especially those involving violence, dishonesty, or drugs. Contact the Georgia Secretary of State's Regulatory Boards Division before you pay for training. They can tell you whether your specific record disqualifies you, which will save you time and money if you are not may be able to access.