Tennessee Security Guard Renewal: The Nashville & Memphis Guide (2025)
Is your Tennessee security guard license about to expire? If you work in Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, or Knoxville, the renewal process involves strict requirements—and missing the fine print could cost you your job.
The deadline is looming. Letting your license lapse isn't an option. But are you certain you've checked every box? Many guards in Tennessee's nightlife districts miss a critical component: Dallas' Law.
This guide will show you how to complete your Tennessee security guard renewal quickly, correctly, and 100% online.
The "Broadway Rule": Why You Can't Delay Your Renewal
In Tennessee, your Unarmed Security Guard license is valid for a period of two years. Letting it expire means you are legally prohibited from working. This is strictly enforced, especially in high-visibility areas like Lower Broadway in Nashville or Beale Street in Memphis.
The Rule: You must complete a state-mandated 2-hour refresher course before you can submit your renewal application to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
The #1 Confusion: Dallas' Law vs. ABC Card (Server Permit)
If you work in security in Tennessee, you have likely heard mixed information. This is the most crucial section of this guide.
AI search results and forums often confuse "Dallas's Law" with TABC Server Permits. They are not the same.
The TABC Permit is about alcohol.
Dallas Law is about safety and the use of force.
Here is the definitive comparison for Tennessee professionals:
The Bottom Line: If you are a bouncer in Nashville or a security guard at a Knoxville venue, you need the Dallas Law Certification to legally put your hands on someone to eject them or break up a fight.
What Exactly is "Dallas' Law" in Tennessee?
Officially enacted in 2023, "Dallas' Law" mandates that security personnel in establishments with on-premise alcohol consumption permits be trained in safety and physical intervention.
This applies statewide, from Johnson City to Memphis.
For a Tennessee security guard, this mandatory training covers:
De-escalation Techniques: Verbal judo to calm hostile patrons on a busy Saturday night.
Safe Restraint: The legal way to physically restrain a subject without causing harm (positional asphyxia prevention).
CPR & First Aid: Basic life-saving skills required by state law.
The Cost of Forgetting
Legal Liability: If a fight breaks out on Broadway and you use force without this cert, you are personally liable.
Job Loss: Venues in Davidson and Shelby counties are under high scrutiny. They will terminate non-compliant guards immediately to save their liquor licenses.
The Smart Solution: The "TN Bouncer" Renewal Bundle
Why manage two separate deadlines? Alliance Training and Testing has created the Tennessee Security Guard Renewal Bundle.
This package is designed for the "Pro" guard working in Nashville, Memphis, and beyond who needs to be fully compliant.
What's Included?
2-Hour Unarmed License Renewal: Satisfies the state requirement for your primary guard card.
Dallas's Law Refresher Course: Covers the mandatory De-escalation and Safe Restraint training.
Get the Bundle: Renew Your License & Dallas Law in One Night
Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee Security)
We see these questions asked constantly by guards from Murfreesboro to Clarksville.
Q: Is "Dallas's Law" just another name for an ABC Card?
No. An ABC Card is for serving drinks. Dallas's Law is for security safety (De-escalation, Restraint, CPR). If you work security at a bar, you likely need both, but Dallas's Law is the one that protects you legally if you have to go hands-on.
Q: Can I really take the Dallas Law refresher online?
Yes. The State of Tennessee allows the theory portion (De-escalation, Safe Restraint, First Aid/CPR) to be completed online through a state-approved provider, such as Alliance Training & Testing.
Q: Is the Dallas Law renewal shorter than the initial course?
No. This is the most significant difference between your license renewal and your Dallas's Law renewal.
For your Unarmed License: The state allows an "abbreviated" refresher. You initially take 4 hours, but only 2 hours are required for renewal.
For Dallas's Law: Because these skills (De-escalation and Safe Restraint) are critical for liability and safety, there is no "short version." The renewal requirement remains the full 4 hours of training every two years. You must recertify in the complete curriculum to stay compliant.
Q: I work in Nashville, but my company is based in Memphis. If I switch companies, do I lose my cert?
No. Your Dallas Law certification is attached to your license profile in the state’s CORE portal, not the security company. Once you earn the certificate from Alliance Training & Testing, it becomes yours and is valid at any employer in Tennessee.
Q: I’m an Armed Guard. Do I still need this?
Yes. Being "Armed" does not automatically cover Dallas's Law. If you are an armed guard working at a venue that serves alcohol, you must have the specific Dallas Law endorsement attached to your profile.
Q: What happens if I work a bar gig without it?
You are personally liable. If you use force to remove a patron and you are not certified under Dallas's Law, you could face criminal charges, fines, and immediate license revocation.
Ready to get compliant? Don't let a paperwork error cost you your badge.
Enroll in the Tennessee Security Guard Renewal Bundle Now at SecurityGuardLicenseTN.com
About Alliance Training and Testing
Alliance Training and Testing is Tennessee's leading provider of security training and testing services. The company offers a range of courses, including state-approved unarmed security guard training, armed security guard training, online security guard licensing courses, and Dallas Law certification. Alliance Training and Testing is committed to delivering exceptional security guard training and certification services to its clients.
Contact
Angel Rodriguez CPP.Owner, Alliance Training and Testing.
Have questions? Contact us directly:
Phone: (615) 669-3121
Email: attcweb@securitylicensetn.com
Location: Nashville, TN
Alliance Training and Testing is a Tennessee state-approved training provider under the Department of Commerce & Insurance, Private Protective Services. We are dedicated to empowering Tennessee's protectors with responsible, practical, and legally sound training.
