Armed Security Agencies-Companies & Guards

Any agency offering for hire, armed security guards, or any company that has private armed security guards, must be licensed with Louisville Metro. In addition, any person who works as an armed security guard, either for an agency, or a company, must be licensed.

For instructions on obtaining a license use the links below:

• Armed Security Agency/Company
• Armed Security Officer

To view Chapter 124 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances click here.

Armed Security Forms:

Armed Security Agency/Company Application

Armed Security Guard Application

Affidavit For Armed Security Guard Licensure

LMCO Chapter 124 Armed Security Officers

Agency Applications Instructions

QUALIFICATIONS:

In order to be eligible for an agency license, each of the persons identified below must meet the following qualifications:

1. If a corporation, the incorporators, Board of Directors, and officers.
    
2. If a sole proprietorship or partnership, the sole proprietor or each partner, whether limited or otherwise.
    
   1. Be citizens of the United States;
       
   2. Have attained the age of 21;
       
   3. Not have been dishonorably discharged from any branch of the United States military;
       
   4. Not have been convicted of or currently under indictment for any of the following:
       
      • a felony;
         
      • Illegally using, carrying, or possessing a deadly weapon as defined in KRS 500.080(4);
         
      • impersonation of a law enforcement officer or employee of the United States, or any political subdivision thereof;
         
      • the illegal use, sale, or possession of a controlled substance as defined in KRS Chapter 218A; or
         
      • any crime of moral turpitude.
         
   5. An applicant shall have satisfied this requirement if, in those instances where the foregoing offense was a misdemeanor, conviction occurred at least two years prior to application for the license; or, in those instances where the offense was a felony, the applicant has been granted a pardon or has had his/her civil rights restored and has been specifically authorized to possess a firearm by means of relief granted by the United States Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to the Federal Gun Control Act of 1960, as amended;
       
3. Has not been adjudged mentally incompetent by a federal court or court of any state or political subdivision, and if so adjudicated, such adjudication has been set aside for fraud or error;
    
4. Has not been hospitalized for psychiatric treatment or for drug or alcohol abuse treatment within the past two years, and if so hospitalized, will provide a written statement from a licensed and qualified physician or clinical psychologist verifying that he or she is mentally and emotionally fit for the duties of an armed security officer.
5. No agency or company shall employ armed security officers who are not licensed by the Director

MAKING APPLICATION

1. Submit an application
2. One (1) Statewide criminal history from any state in which the applicant(s) have lived for more than 5 years, 
3. One (1) Affidavit for Armed Security Guard Licensure for each owner, manager, and supervisor.
4. Provide evidence of insurance issued by an insurer authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, naming the proposed agency as insured in the amount of $100,000 for property damages, $1,000,000 for injury or death of one person, and $3,000,000 for injury or death of more than one person per incident arising out of the operation of such agency. An agency providing the Director with demonstrable proof that the agency has sufficient assets to indemnify itself against liability to the extent listed above shall be deemed to comply with this subsection.
5. Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Authorization from the Secretary of State.
6. Copy of Registration with Louisville/Jefferson County Revenue Commission
7. Agencies are required to pay a $100.00 licensing fee.

Agencies must renew their license every year. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, company, partnership, or corporation to employ an agency or armed security officer for security purposes if the armed security guard or agency is not in compliance with LMCO 124. Agencies and companies must notify this office of any changes in address, telephone number, management, or terminations of employment.
 

ARMED SECURITY GUARDS

Applicants must be associated with a registered agency or company. Individuals not associated with a company or agency cannot obtain an armed security guard license.

Qualifications:

• You must be a citizen of the United States;
• You must be at least 21 years old;
• You must not have been dishonorably discharged from any branch of the United States military;
• You must not have been convicted of or are currently under indictment for a felony.
• In those instances where the offense was a misdemeanor, the conviction must have occurred at least two years prior to application for the license.
• In those instances where the offense was a felony, you must have been granted a pardon or have had your civil rights restored and have been specifically authorized to possess a firearm by means of relief granted by the United States Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to the Federal Gun Control Act of 1960, as amended;
• Have not been adjudged mentally incompetent or currently under charge by a federal court or court of any state or political subdivision, and if so judged, such judgment has been set aside for fraud or error;
• Have not been hospitalized for psychiatric treatment or for drug or alcohol abuse treatment within the past two years, and if so hospitalized, will provide a written statement from a licensed and qualified physician or clinical psychologist verifying that he or she is mentally and emotionally fit for the duties of an armed security officer;

Successfully completed an approved training course containing the following:
 

1. Orientation (introduction to the course) and note taking;
2. Fire prevention and control:
3. Legal basis for security and rights of security officers, limitations (particularly with respect to the use of firearms);
4. Basic law pertaining to criminal justice and the Kentucky Penal Code;
5. Criminal law and security officer arrest, force, search, and seizure;
6. Report writing;
7. Crowd control;
8. First aid and special problems;
9. Defensive tactics, alternatives to the use of firearms; and
10. Firearms qualification

The course must provide for the administration of a written exam and for qualification on the firing range.

Application:

1. A completed and signed application
    
2. A completed and signed intent to hire from the company/agency.
    
3. A copy of your criminal record from :
   Click here for KYCOURTS.GOV
   Commonwealth of Kentucky
   Administrative Office of the Courts Pretrial Services Records Division
   100 Millcreek Park
   Frankfort KY 40601
   
   800-928-6381 or 502-573-1682
   
   And Statewide records check from any place in which you have lived within the last five (5) years.
4. Kentucky residents must hold a valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon ("CCDW") pursuant to KRS 237.110.  The applicant must provide proof from the Commonwealth of Kentucky that he or she has a valid CCDW, and shall continue to hold such license at all times licensed as an Armed Security Officer
5. Affidavit for armed security guard licensure (please contact our office for this form)

• Application Fee of $25.00.