Texas Security Guard License: How-To

Direct answer (50 words): To get a security guard license in Texas, complete DPS‑approved Level II training, create a Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) account, submit your application, fees, and fingerprints, and affiliate with a licensed employer. Armed (Level III) roles require a 30‑hour course and handgun proficiency. Licenses renew on a two‑year cycle.

Requirements last verified: 2026-09-29

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Regulatory Services Division – Private Security Program. See DPS overview and TOPS portal instructions: Licensing & Registration and Individual License FAQ.
Application platform	Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) for all original and renewal individual registrations/commissions. DPS TOPS.
Fees (individual)	Noncommissioned security officer (original/renewal): $37 total ($30 registration + $5 pocket card + $2 subscription). Commissioned security officer (armed) or Personal Protection Officer: $57 total ($50 license + $5 pocket card + $2 subscription). FBI fingerprint check fee to DPS: $28.25; vendor processing (IdentoGO) paid separately. DPS Fee Schedule; vendor background on provider: IdentoGO Texas.
Training	Level II course required for all noncommissioned, commissioned, and PPO applicants (curriculum set by 37 TAC 35.141). DPS Training page. Commissioned (Level III) requires a basic course of at least 30 hours, including 10–15 hours in‑person handgun/self‑defense plus range proficiency. Occ. Code §1702.1675.
Exam/proficiency	Commissioned applicants must pass a handgun proficiency examination (written on §1702.1675(g)(1)–(4) topics + live‑fire). Occ. Code §1702.1685.
Minimum age	At least 18 years old for a security officer commission; PPO must be 21. Occ. Code §1702.113, §1702.204(a).
Employment/affiliation	You must be employed by a licensed guard company or a registered internal security department; employer letter and employment update are part of the individual application. Limited pre‑licensure work is allowed after fingerprints if DPS cannot post results within 48 hours (never armed). Occ. Code §1702.222; §1702.2215(f); DPS note: Working Prior to Licensure.
Background check & fingerprints	Electronic fingerprints via DPS‑approved vendor are mandatory for new applicants; DPS verifies receipt before application is considered complete. DPS FAQ; Occ. Code §1702.2215(d).
Insurance/bond	No insurance required for an individual guard registration; the employing company must maintain general liability insurance on file with DPS. Occ. Code §1702.123–§1702.124.
Renewal	Individual registrations/commissions expire no later than the second anniversary of issuance (two‑year cycle). Commissioned officers need a 6‑hour CE course and must re‑qualify on handgun proficiency within 90 days before renewal. Occ. Code §1702.301(b), §1702.309.

How to get a security guard license in Texas (step‑by‑step)

1. Confirm your role and employer. Decide whether you’ll work unarmed (Noncommissioned) or armed (Commissioned). Secure employment with a DPS‑licensed guard company or a registered security department. §1702.222.
2. Complete required training. Take the DPS‑approved Level II course for noncommissioned roles; for armed roles, complete the Level III course (minimum 30 hours, with 10–15 hours in‑person handgun/self‑defense plus range). Keep your certificates. DPS Training; §1702.1675.
3. Create your TOPS account and start your application. Submit the individual application, upload your training certificate(s), and have your employer provide required affiliation/letter. DPS TOPS; DPS FAQ.
4. Schedule fingerprints. Use the DPS‑approved vendor (IdentoGO) to submit electronic fingerprints; DPS must receive electronic verification to consider your application complete. Pay the $28.25 FBI fee to DPS plus the vendor’s processing fee. DPS Fee Schedule; DPS FAQ.
5. For armed roles, pass handgun proficiency. Commissioned applicants must pass the written and live‑fire handgun proficiency exam administered by a DPS‑approved instructor. §1702.1685.
6. Pay fees and monitor status. Pay the exact DPS fees (see table) inside TOPS and watch for your pocket card issuance. If DPS hasn’t posted results within 48 hours after your fingerprints, limited unarmed work may begin if your employer completes the required DPS website checks. Fees; §1702.2215(f).
7. Renew on time. Your registration/commission expires within two years. Armed renewals require 6 hours of CE and recent handgun re‑qualification. §1702.301(b); §1702.309.

Texas security guard license: unarmed vs. armed

Unarmed guards register as Noncommissioned Security Officers after Level II training. Armed guards must first complete Level II, then Level III (30‑hour minimum) and pass handgun proficiency to receive a Security Officer Commission. Statutes spell out the Level III curriculum and exam components. §1702.1675; §1702.1685.

TOPS application, fingerprints, and the 48‑hour rule

DPS considers an individual application “verified” only after receiving electronic fingerprint confirmation. If DPS hasn’t posted eligibility within 48 hours of fingerprint submission, an applicant may begin unarmed duties if the employer documents DPS website checks; armed duties are never allowed before licensure. §1702.2215(d), (f); DPS guidance: Working Prior to Licensure.

Exact Texas private security fees you’ll pay

DPS’s fee schedule sets individual totals at $37 (noncommissioned) and $57 (commissioned/PPO), plus a separate FBI fingerprint check fee of $28.25 remitted to DPS and a vendor processing fee to IdentoGO. Late renewal surcharges are specified by DPS as well. DPS Fee Schedule.

For a practical budgeting walkthrough, see our breakdown of Security Guard License Cost in Texas.

Employer sponsorship, insurance, and who must be licensed

Individuals perform security work only while employed by a licensed guard company or a registered internal security department; the company must maintain general liability insurance with DPS. Individuals do not carry separate insurance requirements. §1702.222; §1702.123–§1702.124.

If you’re weighing company versus individual pathways across the industry, our broader Private Security License Texas guide explains business licensing, company reps, and insurance in plain English.

Texas security guard license renewal and continuing education

Registrations and commissions expire no later than two years from issuance. Commissioned officers must complete a DPS‑approved 6‑hour renewal course and re‑qualify with a handgun within 90 days before renewal. Renewal fees mirror original fees, with statutory late penalties. §1702.301(b); §1702.309; §1702.302; DPS Fee Schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the minimum age to become a security guard in Texas?

You must be at least 18 to qualify for a Security Officer Commission (armed) and at least 21 to hold a Personal Protection Officer license. These age thresholds come from statute; employers may set stricter internal policies. Occ. Code §1702.113; §1702.204(a).

How long is Texas security guard training?

Level II (noncommissioned) training is required for all guards; DPS sets the curriculum by rule. Armed (Level III) training is a basic course of at least 30 hours, including 10–15 hours of in‑person handgun/self‑defense plus live‑fire range work. DPS Training; §1702.1675.

Can I work before my Texas license is issued?

Possibly for unarmed duties only. If DPS hasn’t posted eligibility within 48 hours after your fingerprints are submitted, you may start noncommissioned work if your employer verifies DPS website checks and keeps proof. Armed duties are never permitted pre‑licensure. §1702.2215(f); DPS guidance.

Do individual guards need insurance?

No. Texas requires the employing company (not the individual) to maintain general liability insurance with DPS on file. §1702.123–§1702.124.

What continuing education is required to renew an armed commission?

Commissioned officers must complete a DPS‑approved 6‑hour CE course and pass handgun re‑qualification within the 90 days before renewal. §1702.309.

Ready to move from requirements to results? License Navigator can guide your TOPS application, training choices, and renewal tracking so you get licensed fast and stay compliant.