Last Updated: January 21, 2026
What Disqualifies You From Being a Security Guard?
The most common disqualifying factors for security guards fall into a few major buckets:
- Serious criminal convictions like violent felonies, sexual offenses, major theft, and fraud.
- Certain misdemeanors involving violence, weapons, domestic violence, or recent drug offenses.
- Non‑criminal issues such as untreated mental health problems, substance abuse, immigration status problems, or dishonesty during the application.
- Failing required training, background checks, or drug screening for a security guard license or “guard card.”
- Prior license revocation, serious misconduct in past security jobs, or a pattern of unreliable behavior.
Security guard disqualifying factors exist to protect clients, the public, and other team members, and exact rules depend on state licensing boards and regulations.
Criminal convictions that disqualify security guards
Many states list specific criminal history categories that can lead to denial of a security guard license or guard card, especially when the offenses show risk to public safety or honesty.
Violent and weapons offenses
Violent crimes are among the strongest red flags for security work because guards are placed in positions of authority and may need to use force appropriately.
Commonly disqualifying violent and weapons offenses include:
- Homicide, murder, or manslaughter
- Aggravated assault or battery, especially with a weapon
- Robbery or armed robbery
- Domestic violence or repeated violent incidents
- Illegal possession of firearms or other weapons
- Brandishing, negligent discharge, or weapons offenses tied to threats
For many state licensing bodies, recent or serious violent felonies can mean automatic or long‑term ineligibility for a security guard registration.
Theft, fraud, and dishonesty offenses
Because security guards protect property and handle sensitive information, crimes involving dishonesty can be disqualifying even when they are non‑violent.
Disqualifying theft and dishonesty offenses often include:
- Burglary, larceny, or robbery is linked to theft
- Shoplifting or organized retail theft
- Embezzlement or financial fraud
- Identity theft or credit card fraud
- Forgery or falsifying documents
These offenses raise questions about whether you can be trusted with keys, access control, or incident reporting, so many licensing boards treat them very seriously.
Sexual offenses and offenses against minors
Sexual offenses and crimes against minors are usually the most restrictive category and are often permanently disqualifying.
This category typically includes:
- Rape or sexual assault
- Sexual offenses that require registration as a sex offender
- Indecent acts involving minors
- Exploitation, trafficking, or abuse of children
Because security guards work in schools, residential communities, and public spaces, many states do not allow licenses where these records exist, regardless of the time that has passed.
Drug trafficking and serious drug offenses
Security regulations usually distinguish between serious drug crimes and minor or older offenses.
Common drug‑related disqualifiers include:
- Drug trafficking or distribution
- Manufacturing controlled substances
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Repeated serious drug convictions in a short timeframe
Less serious or older drug possession charges may be reviewed case‑by‑case, especially if there is strong evidence of rehabilitation and sobriety.
Non‑criminal reasons you can be disqualified
Even if your criminal history is clear or minor, there are non‑criminal disqualifiers that can prevent you from being hired or licensed as a security guard.
Mental health, substance abuse, and fitness issues
Security work is stressful and often requires quick judgment, physical presence, and emotional control.
You may be disqualified or deferred if:
- You have untreated or unstable mental health conditions that impair judgment, awareness, or impulse control.
- There is a pattern of substance abuse, alcohol dependence, or repeated positive drug tests.
- You cannot meet basic physical requirements, such as standing or walking for long periods, responding to emergencies, or managing confrontations.
Many employers will consider applicants who are actively managing conditions with treatment and can show stable performance over time.
Dishonesty on applications and past misconduct
Application dishonesty is one of the fastest ways to be denied a guard card or removed from the hiring process.
Non‑criminal disqualifying conduct often includes:
- Failing to disclose required criminal history or license denials
- Providing false information about employment, training, or certifications
- Misrepresenting military service or using falsified documents
- A history of serious misconduct, policy violations, or terminations in prior security roles
Licensing boards and employers typically view honesty and transparency as essential to security guard eligibility.
Immigration status and legal eligibility to work
Most states require security guards to be legally authorized to work and, in many cases, to meet specific citizenship or residency standards.
Disqualifiers related to legal status can include:
- Lacking valid work authorization or required immigration documentation
- Certain immigration‑related violations that conflict with state licensing rules
- Inability to pass identity verification or I‑9 documentation checks
Exact requirements vary by jurisdiction, so applicants should verify the rules with the relevant state licensing authority.
Training, licensing, and guard card issues
Security guard licenses (often called guard cards) usually have mandatory training and background check requirements.
You can be disqualified if you:
- Fail to complete required pre‑licensing training hours or exams.
- Do not submit fingerprints or background check information.
- Previously had a security license suspended or revoked for misconduct.
- Ignore renewal requirements or continuing education mandates.
State agencies similar to California’s BSIS review these factors when issuing or renewing security guard registrations.
Common Disqualifiers vs. Usually Acceptable Records
The table below gives a simplified view of records that often cause problems versus records that are often still acceptable, depending on state rules and rehabilitation.
Violent crimes
- Common disqualifiers (often denied or long wait): Recent or serious violent felonies (robbery, aggravated assault, homicide, severe domestic violence).
- Usually acceptable (case‑by‑case or often allowed): Old, minor assault without weapons where there is strong, documented rehabilitation.
Theft, fraud, dishonesty
- Common disqualifiers (often denied or long wait): Burglary, embezzlement, major fraud, identity theft, repeated shoplifting.
- Usually acceptable (case‑by‑case or often allowed): Single, older property misdemeanor with clean record since.
Sexual offenses and offenses against minors
- Common disqualifiers (often denied or long wait): Any registered sex offense or serious crime involving a minor.
- Usually acceptable (case‑by‑case or often allowed): Very rarely acceptable; most states treat these as permanent bars.
Drug offenses
- Common disqualifiers (often denied or long wait): Drug trafficking, manufacturing, or repeated serious drug felonies.
- Usually acceptable (case‑by‑case or often allowed): Older low‑level possession with proof of treatment and sobriety.
Driving and DUI
- Common disqualifiers (often denied or long wait): Multiple recent DUIs when driving is a core duty or indicates ongoing misuse.
- Usually acceptable (case‑by‑case or often allowed): Single older DUI with no repeats and evidence of changed behavior.
Non‑criminal issues
- Common disqualifiers (often denied or long wait): Application dishonesty, license revocation, chronic policy violations.
- Usually acceptable (case‑by‑case or often allowed): Resolved work gaps or minor performance issues explained with references.
Exact treatment of each category depends on state law, the nature of duties (armed vs. unarmed), and the employer’s risk standards.
How background checks for security guards work
What shows up on a security guard background check?
Security guard background checks typically combine multiple data sources to assess license eligibility and hiring risk.
Common elements include:
- State and federal criminal history via fingerprint‑based checks (often DOJ and FBI).
- Verification of identity, work authorization, and sometimes credit or civil records.
- Past security licenses and any suspensions, revocations, or disciplinary actions.
- Employment history and references to confirm reliability and job performance.
For higher‑risk or federal contract roles, look‑back periods can extend 10–15 years or more, while some states limit how far back certain misdemeanors can be reported.
Background check checklist for aspiring security guards
To prepare for a security guard background check and license application, focus on:
- Age and identity: Confirm you meet the minimum age (often 18 or 21) and have a valid ID and work authorization.
- Education and training: Complete required security training or guard card courses in your state.
- Criminal history review: Obtain your own record where possible, understand any charges, and gather court documents.
- Drug screening: Be ready for pre‑employment and sometimes ongoing drug tests, especially for armed or high‑risk posts.
- Mental and physical fitness: Ensure you can meet basic post requirements and, where needed, provide documentation of stable treatment and fitness.
Doing this preparation before applying helps reduce surprises and shows professionalism to licensing boards and employers.
Can you qualify again after a conviction?
Timeframes and rehabilitation
Many states consider both the type of offense and how much time has passed when reviewing security guard license applications.
Typical patterns include:
- Some offenses (especially serious violent or sexual crimes) are effectively permanent bars.
- Other felonies or serious misdemeanors may create defined “look‑back” or waiting periods (for example, seven years from conviction or release) before you can reapply.
- Licensing boards may look at clean behavior since the offense, completion of probation or parole, and any treatment or counseling.
Evidence of rehabilitation—steady work, training, community involvement, and no new offenses—can be crucial for applicants with records.
Can you become a security guard again after a conviction?
In many jurisdictions, you might be able to qualify again after certain convictions if you meet waiting periods and show strong rehabilitation.
Helpful steps often include:
- Completing required security training and any recommended counseling or programs.
- Obtaining letters of recommendation from employers, supervisors, or community leaders.
- Applying for remedies like expungement, record sealing, or certificates of rehabilitation, where available.
- Being fully transparent on all license and job applications about your history and progress.
The key is to check your specific state’s licensing authority and, when needed, consult legal counsel regarding options for restoring eligibility.
Q&A: common applicant questions
Can you be a security guard with a felony?
Whether you can work as a security guard with a felony depends on the type of felony, how long ago it occurred, and your state’s licensing regulations.
Violent felonies, major theft or fraud, and sexual offenses are more likely to result in denial than non‑violent, older felonies with clear evidence of rehabilitation.
What criminal charges disqualify you from being a security guard?
Criminal charges that often disqualify you from becoming a security guard include violent crimes, serious theft and fraud, sexual offenses, major drug trafficking, and weapons violations.
In addition, repeated relevant misdemeanors or recent domestic violence can also cause denials for many state licenses and employers.
Do misdemeanors disqualify you from being a security guard?
Some misdemeanors can disqualify you, especially those related to violence, weapons, domestic abuse, theft, or serious recent drug use.
Less serious or older misdemeanors may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis, with more weight given to your conduct since the offense.
What shows up on a security guard background check?
Security guard background checks usually include state and federal criminal records, identity and work authorization checks, prior license history, and sometimes driving or credit records.
Employers may also verify past jobs and references to look for patterns of reliability, attendance, and professionalism.
Can you become a security guard again after a conviction?
In some states, you can regain eligibility after waiting periods, expungement, or demonstrating rehabilitation, especially for less serious offenses.
Appeal processes or reapplication options may exist if your initial guard card or license was denied based on past convictions.
Extra FAQs applicants often ask.
Can I be a security guard with a DUI?
A single, older DUI may not automatically disqualify you, particularly for unarmed roles where driving is not central to the job.
Multiple recent DUIs or alcohol‑related incidents, however, can raise concerns about judgment and reliability, especially for driving or armed positions.
Does expungement remove disqualifying offenses for security guards?
In many states, expunged or sealed records are not weighed the same way as open convictions, though licensing agencies sometimes still see certain records when evaluating public safety.
Expungement and certificates of rehabilitation can significantly improve your chances, but you should confirm how your state’s security licensing board treats these remedies.
Can I work unarmed if I’m disqualified from armed security?
Some applicants who cannot qualify for armed roles due to weapons or specific violent offenses may still be eligible for certain unarmed positions, depending on state law and employer policy.
Other offenses are disqualifying for both armed and unarmed work, so checking with your licensing authority is essential.
What to do if you’re disqualified
If you discover that something in your background may disqualify you, there are still steps you can take to improve your eligibility over time.
Helpful actions typically include:
- Seek legal advice: Talk to an attorney about expungement, record sealing, or certificates of rehabilitation in your state.
- Complete all court requirements: Finish probation, pay fines, and obtain proof that all obligations are satisfied.
- Invest in training: Complete recognized security training programs or related safety courses to show commitment and professionalism.
- Document rehabilitation: Keep records of employment, volunteer work, treatment, and positive references that demonstrate change.
- Reapply when allowed: If there is a waiting period, mark the date you can reapply with your licensing board and submit a complete, honest application.
Being transparent, prepared, and proactive gives you the best chance to move from disqualified to eligible in the future.
Dahlcore’s experience and disclaimer
Dahlcore actively hires, trains, and manages security officers, so guidance on disqualifying factors reflects practical considerations from real‑world security operations and background checks.
However, regulations and disqualifiers for security guard licenses and guard cards vary by state, so applicants should always confirm requirements with their state licensing authority or local regulatory board.
For personalized guidance about your situation, contact Dahlcore’s recruiting or training team or review your state’s official security guard licensing resources to understand exactly what disqualifies you from being a security guard where you live.
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