NAICS Code for Security Guard Services

If you operate a security guard company or provide patrol and protection services and need your NAICS code, here is your answer right away.

The NAICS code for security guard services is 561612, classified under Security Guards and Patrol Services in the Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services sector.

Field	Details
NAICS Code	561612
Industry Title	Security Guards and Patrol Services
Sector	56 (Administrative and Support and Waste Management)
Industry Group	5616
Last Updated	2022 NAICS Edition

What Does NAICS Code 561612 Cover?

According to the official 2022 NAICS data, code 561612 covers establishments primarily engaged in providing guard and patrol services, such as bodyguard, guard dog, and parking security services.

In plain terms, this code applies to any business whose main activity is placing trained security personnel at client locations or providing mobile patrol coverage. This includes:

Security guard companies providing on-site guards for commercial and residential properties
Bodyguard and personal protection services
Security patrol services covering parking lots, events, and facilities
Guard dog handler and patrol services
Private police and protective guard services
Property protection services not involving armored vehicles or installed alarm systems

The important distinction here is personnel. Code 561612 is specifically for businesses that deploy people as the primary security service. Businesses that sell, install, or monitor electronic alarm systems use a different code, and businesses that transport valuables in armored vehicles fall under 561613 instead.

Does My Security Business Qualify for Code 561612?

Your business qualifies for NAICS code 561612 if:

You provide security guards, patrol officers, or bodyguards to clients on a contract basis
Your primary revenue comes from deploying trained security personnel rather than selling equipment or systems
You cover commercial properties, residential communities, events, parking facilities, or personal protection assignments
You operate as a licensed private security company employing or contracting security officers

Your business may not qualify if:

Your primary service is selling, installing, or monitoring electronic security alarm systems, which falls under a separate code within the 5616 industry group
Your primary service is picking up and transporting cash, receipts, or valuables in armored vehicles, which falls under 561613, Armored Car Services, instead
Your primary service is private investigation, background checks, or detective work, which falls under 561611, Investigation and Personal Background Check Services, instead
Security services are a secondary offering and your main revenue comes from a different business activity entirely

When your business sits between two codes, always classify based on whichever activity generates the most revenue.

Where Will You Need This Code?

Your NAICS code appears in more places than most business owners expect. Here is where code 561612 will be required:

SBA Loan Applications. The Small Business Administration requires your NAICS code on all loan applications. Lenders use it to assess your industry risk profile and determine eligibility for specific programs. Security guard companies with government contracts often qualify for SBA programs tied specifically to this code.

Federal Government Contracts. Security services are one of the most commonly contracted service categories in federal procurement. Every security contract listed on SAM.gov is tied to a NAICS code, and 561612 is the standard code used for guard and patrol service solicitations. Registering under the correct code is essential for any security company pursuing federal work.

Business Registration. Most state and local business registration portals ask for your NAICS code when you set up a new business entity for the first time. Most states also require a separate private security license alongside standard business registration.

Business Insurance. Insurance providers use your NAICS code to classify your business type, determine your risk category, and calculate your premium rates. Security companies typically require general liability, workers compensation, and professional liability coverage, all of which are priced with your NAICS classification in mind.

Tax Filings and Compliance. Federal and state tax agencies use NAICS codes to categorize businesses for statistical reporting and compliance monitoring purposes.

Business Bank Accounts. Many banks ask for your NAICS code when opening a business account or applying for a line of credit.

561612 in the NAICS Hierarchy

Every NAICS code sits inside a structured hierarchy. Here is exactly where 561612 fits:

Level	Code	Title
Sector	56	Administrative and Support and Waste Management
Subsector	561	Administrative and Support Services
Industry Group	5616	Investigation and Security Services
NAICS Industry	56161	Investigation, Guard, and Armored Car Services
National Industry	561612	Security Guards and Patrol Services

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