For the District of Columbia, Enterprise Security submits your application on your behalf. For Maryland and Virginia, you may submit directly to the state authority, or our team can do it for you.

Applicants must complete a 40-hour training course, fingerprinting, forms (Authorization to Release, Affidavit), and provide passport photos. A drug test and physical exam are also required.

In addition to the SPO unarmed requirements, you’ll need firearms training, firearms qualification scorecards, and to apply for a firearms endorsement.

You must complete basic unarmed security officer training, fingerprinting, and the required application forms.

You’ll need proof of current firearms training and qualification, along with standard documents (ID, photos, fingerprinting). Renewals require updated qualifications.

Applicants must complete Entry-Level Security Officer Training (01E). You will also complete fingerprinting, forms, and other required steps.

In addition to unarmed requirements, you must complete Firearms Training (07E) and Armed Security Officer courses (05E). Annual firearms re-qualification is required for renewals.

Renewals require retraining and re-submission of forms. Armed officers must also provide updated firearms qualification documentation.

Applicants complete a 12-hour initial training course, fingerprinting through CJIS or approved vendors, required forms, and a passport photo.

In addition to unarmed guard requirements, you must apply for and obtain a Handgun Permit, which requires firearms training and qualification.

Renewals generally require an 8-hour in-service training instead of the initial full course. Other requirements (forms, fingerprinting, updated documents) remain similar.

In DC, training costs vary by license type and provider:

• Security Officer (Unarmed): 16-hour course — about $150.

• Security Officer (Armed): 40-hour armed training (includes firearms qualification) — about $285.

• Special Police Officer (SPO – Unarmed): 40-hour SPO course — about $150.

• SPO (Armed): 40-hour SPO course ($150) plus firearms module ($285) and firearms range qualification ($37.50).

• Firearms Endorsement / Renewal: Firearms requalification — about $150.
  Applicants pay training providers directly at the time of enrollment.

Virginia DCJS training courses have specific designations and costs:

• Unarmed Security Officer: Entry-Level Security Officer (01E) — about $90.

• Armed Security Officer: Includes 01E plus Firearms Training (07E – about $200) and Armed Security Officer (05E – about $75).

• Annual Firearms Endorsement / Renewal: Firearms requalification (075E) — about $200.
  Training fees are paid directly to DCJS-approved providers.

Maryland requires initial or renewal training depending on license type:

• Security Guard (Unarmed): 12-hour initial course — about $150.

• Armed Guard: Unarmed guard training ($150) plus handgun permit/firearms training — about $285.

• Special Police Officer (SPO): SPO-specific training with employer sponsorship — about $150.

• Renewals (Guard/SPO/Handgun Permit): 8-hour in-service course — about $75.
  Applicants pay training providers directly at the time of enrollment.

Fingerprinting is mandatory in all three states:

• DC: MPD Civilian Fingerprint Section — about $35

• VA: DCJS-approved vendor LiveScan — about $50–$60

• MD: CJIS Walk-In or approved vendor — about $50–$65

For categories that require drug screening, a 6-panel drug test is usually needed.

Average cost: $40 (paid directly to the lab).

Some categories require a fitness-for-duty physical exam.

Typical cost: $60 (varies by provider).

Applicants must submit 2″×2″ passport-style photos.

Average cost: $10–$20 (can be done at pharmacies or photo centers).

Each state requires application fees that vary by license type. These fees are collected by Enterprise Security at the time of your submission and include the administrative and payment processing costs we incur on your behalf. We then remit the fees directly to the relevant state authority.

• District of Columbia (DC): Application fees typically range between $90–$150.

• Virginia (VA): Application and renewal fees range between $50–$150.

• Maryland (MD): Application fees range between $50–$80.

This all-inclusive approach ensures your application is processed smoothly without requiring multiple separate payments.

No. Only the application fees are paid directly to Enterprise Security. Costs for training, fingerprinting, drug tests, physical exams, and passport photos are paid separately and directly to the approved providers. Enterprise Security collects and processes the application fee (which includes our admin and processing costs) and remits it to the relevant state authority on your behalf.

Yes. Our online checkout uses the Stripe payment processor, which offers Pay Later options such as Klarna or Afterpay. Eligibility and payment plans are determined by Stripe and may vary based on your account. If approved, you can spread your application fee into smaller installments while your application continues to move forward.

Processing times vary by jurisdiction and demand. Once you submit everything (documents, training proof, fingerprints, fees), you typically receive approval within 60–90 days. Our team will monitor the status and notify you as soon as it’s finalized.
(Based on state processes like MD, which takes up to 90 days after acceptance.)

Yes—once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a reference number and access details to the state’s licensing portal (or ours when relevant). You can log in anytime to view progress, status updates, or pending items.

In DC, most license confirmations are delivered electronically—unless it’s a special ID, which may be mailed.

VA and MD generally issue electronic licenses you can download or print; physical cards may be available upon request in some cases.

We strongly recommend renewing at least 90 days before expiration. In Maryland, the applicant is responsible for starting the renewal process—no reminder is sent.

No. Application fees are non-refundable, even if you withdraw or fail to qualify. This aligns with most state practices to ensure administrative costs are covered.

Generally, no—you must be fully licensed before performing regulated duties. In Virginia, there’s a short grace period: unarmed guards can start working for up to 90 days if fingerprints are on file and they carry the employer-issued authorization.