Security guard management software for Washington security companies

Schedule guards across every Washington site, prove they were on post, record patrols and incidents, and keep copies of their DOL security guard license on file, in one platform.

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What software do Washington security companies use to manage guards?

Washington security companies use security guard management software to schedule guards, verify they were on site, record patrols and incidents, and report to clients. ForceVera does this in one platform: shifts published to guards' phones, a geofenced time clock, QR patrol checkpoints, incident and daily reports, dispatch and a client portal. Guards can upload a photo of their DOL security guard license so a copy sits on their profile.

Washington in numbers

How many security guards work in Washington?

Washington employed 25,800 security guards in May 2025, 7.26 for every 1,000 jobs in the state, at a mean wage of $24.41 an hour (US: $20.42). 416 security guard and patrol service locations employed 19,136 people in 2025.

25,800 guards2.0% of the 1,283,470 in the US (BLS, May 2025)
$24.41 an hourMean wage for security guards in Washington (BLS, May 2025)
416 guard company locationsSecurity guard and patrol service worksites, 2025 average (BLS QCEW)
2,017.9 property crimes per 100,000Reported to the FBI for 2025, with 292.2 violent crimes per 100,000 (FBI estimates for the US: 1,534.8 and 327.6)

Security guards in Seattle

ForceVera runs scheduling, a geofenced time clock, patrols and client reports for security companies in Seattle, and anywhere else in Washington. The metro area below is among the 20 with the most security guards in the US (BLS, May 2025).

Metro areaSecurity guardsPer 1,000 jobsMean wage
Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue17,0308.16$24.71
Licensing in Washington

Who licenses security guards in Washington

Regulator: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), Private Security Guard Program.

Unarmed security guard licenseAnyone who works on duty for a licensed private security guard company without carrying a firearm needs an unarmed security guard license from DOL. Applicants must be at least 18 and be employed by, or have a job offer from, a licensed private security guard company.
Training and background checkApplicants complete 8 hours of pre-assignment training from a licensed certified trainer, and the company certifies the training on the application. All security guards need a fingerprint-based background check, submitted after DOL issues an application number. DOL also publishes a list of post-assignment training topics.
Annual renewalLicenses must be renewed every year. Renewal can be done up to 120 days before the license expires. DOL says it may take up to 60 days to issue a license after it receives a complete application and fee.

Overtime for security guards in Washington

Washington's Minimum Wage Act requires overtime (RCW 49.46.130). The Department of Labor & Industries says most employees who work more than 40 hours in a 7-day workweek must be paid at least 1.5 times their regular hourly rate. Washington law does not require overtime for hours over 8 in a day, except on certain public works projects. L&I says only salaried employees who meet the executive, administrative and professional definitions are exempt.

Estimate the overtime in a schedule with our free security guard overtime calculator, or work out headcount with the 24/7 coverage calculator.

How ForceVera helps

Run your Washington guard operation in one platform

License photos on guard profilesForceVera stores photos of each guard's DOL security guard license on their profile. It does not verify licenses with DOL or track the yearly renewal date, so keep your own renewal calendar.
Workweek hoursWashington overtime is counted by the workweek. Timesheets show hours shift by shift and export to CSV or Excel, and client invoices apply a weekly overtime threshold only.
Schedules on every guard's phonePlan the week by site and guard, including recurring and overnight shifts, publish it to the guard app and send reminders before each shift.
Proof guards were on postGuards clock in and start breaks only inside the site's geofence with a PIN; leaving the site, going idle or clocking out off site is flagged.
Proof of patrolQR checkpoints scanned from the guard app, with missed and late tour alerts and time-stamped, located scans.
Reports clients trustIncident and daily activity reports with photos from the guard app, and branded daily reports emailed to clients.

ForceVera keeps records; it does not make a company compliant with state law. See all features or see pricing.

FAQ

Security companies in Washington: questions, answered

Who licenses security guards in Washington?

The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Anyone who works on duty for a licensed private security guard company without a firearm needs an unarmed security guard license.

What does a new unarmed guard need?

They must be at least 18 and be employed by, or have a job offer from, a licensed company. They also need 8 hours of pre-assignment training from a licensed certified trainer and a fingerprint-based background check.

How often is the license renewed?

Every year. Guards can renew up to 120 days before the license expires. DOL says temporary registration cards cannot be used for guards with expired licenses.

Do I need a license if I work security for myself?

Yes. DOL says anyone who works as a private security guard must be licensed, either as a security guard company principal or as a guard licensed under a company.

Does Washington require daily overtime?

No. L&I says Washington law does not require overtime for hours over 8 in a day, except on certain public works projects. Overtime is owed after 40 hours in a 7-day workweek.

Is this legal advice?

No. This page summarizes information published by Washington state agencies and official sources as of October 2026. Rules change and exceptions apply, so check the official sources or ask an employment lawyer.

Official sources

Checked October 2026. Licensing and wage rules change, so confirm them with the agency before you rely on them. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Other states: California · Texas · Florida · New York · Illinois · Pennsylvania · Maryland · Virginia · Arizona · Nevada · North Carolina · Ohio · all US states.

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