Private Security License

Private Security License

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-28

Getting a private security license is state-based in the U.S. There is no single federal “guard card.” Instead, each state sets its own eligibility, training hours, background checks, fees, and firearms endorsements. This guide gives a national overview plus concrete, cited steps and state-by-state specifics so you can apply with confidence.

What a private security license covers

A private security license (or guard registration) authorizes an individual to perform security services regulated by a state agency such as a Department of Public Safety, Consumer Affairs/licensing board, or agriculture/licensing division. Many states also license the employing business/agency separately. Federal guidance exists on employment/background checks, but licensing itself is state law. ([licensing.fdacs.gov](https://licensing.fdacs.gov/forms/P-00092_SecurityOfficerHandbook.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Private security license: who regulates it?

• California: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), Dept. of Consumer Affairs. ([bsis.ca.gov](https://www.bsis.ca.gov/industries/guard?utm_source=openai))
• Texas: Dept. of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Program. ([dps.texas.gov](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/training-and-continuing-education?utm_source=openai))
• Florida: Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing (Chapter 493, F.S.). ([fdacs.gov](https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Private-Security?utm_source=openai))
• New York: Dept. of State (DOS); training schools approved by Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/security-guard-training-requirements?utm_source=openai))
• Georgia: Georgia State Board of Private Detective & Security Agencies (SOS). ([sos.ga.gov](https://sos.ga.gov/board-private-detective-and-security-agencies?utm_source=openai))

Step-by-step application checklist

Download the one-page checklist (PDF) to track each step. Download: Private Security License Checklist

1. Confirm your state’s regulator and license type(s). Many states license both the individual guard and the business/agency you work for (e.g., Florida Class “D” for individuals and Class “B” for agencies). ([fdacs.gov](https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Private-Security-Licenses/Class-B-Private-Security-Agency-License-Requirements?utm_source=openai))
2. Meet baseline eligibility. Typical minimum age is 18. Check state-specific disqualifiers (criminal history rules vary). Examples: CA (BPC §7583.20, renewal prerequisites), FL (Chapter 493 disqualifiers), NY (two-year registration with annual in-service training). ([codes.findlaw.com](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/business-and-professions-code/bpc-sect-7583-20/?utm_source=openai))
3. Complete required entry training. Examples below (by state). California requires 8 hours before assignment plus 32 hours in the first six months; New York requires an 8‑hour pre-assignment course; Florida Class D requires 40 hours; Texas Level II for all, Level III (45 hours minimum) for commissioned; Georgia sets training standards in Board rules. ([bsis.ca.gov](https://www.bsis.ca.gov/industries/g_train.shtml?utm_source=openai))
4. Get fingerprinted for state and FBI checks via your state’s approved vendor/system (e.g., CA Live Scan; TX FAST/IdentoGO; FL FDLE electronic submission). Use the official locator pages. ([bsis.ca.gov](https://bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/livescan/?utm_source=openai))
5. Apply and pay fees. Submit the correct state application (often online portals) and pay the filing fee(s). Examples and current fees are in the comparison table below and linked to official fee schedules. ([bsis.ca.gov](https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/newfees.pdf))
6. (If armed) Add firearms endorsement. Armed work typically requires a separate license/permit and specified course hours (e.g., FL Class “G” = 28 hours; NY Armed = 47 hours; TX Level III includes firearms; CA requires a BSIS Firearms Permit and passing an assessment). ([fdacs.gov](https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Private-Investigation-Licenses/Class-G-Statewide-Firearm-License-Requirements?utm_source=openai))
7. Start work when authorized. Some states allow limited work once certain milestones are met (e.g., in Texas, after fingerprints are submitted and while non-commissioned processing is pending; commissioned officers must wait for approval). Always verify your status on the state system first. ([dps.texas.gov](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/faq/individual-license-questions?utm_source=openai))
8. Renew and complete continuing education. Track renewal cycles and annual in‑service hours (examples in table and renewal section). ([codes.findlaw.com](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/business-and-professions-code/bpc-sect-7583-20/?utm_source=openai))

At-a-glance: common state variations

Employer vs individual licensing

• Individuals hold a personal registration/license to perform guard duties (e.g., FL Class “D”; CA Security Guard registration; NY Security Guard registration). ([fdacs.gov](https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Private-Security?utm_source=openai))
• Businesses/agencies that employ or contract guards often need a separate company license (e.g., FL Class “B” Security Agency; CA Private Patrol Operator; NY Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency under Article 7). ([flsenate.gov](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/493.6301?utm_source=openai))

Common disqualifiers and background checks

• All example states require fingerprint-based state and FBI checks via approved channels (e.g., CA Live Scan; TX FAST; FL FDLE e-fingerprints). ([bsis.ca.gov](https://bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/livescan/?utm_source=openai))
• Florida Chapter 493 lists grounds for denial/discipline, including specified felony convictions and impersonating law enforcement while licensed. ([forms.fdacs.gov](https://forms.fdacs.gov/16038.pdf?utm_source=openai))
• California licensing denials follow BPC §480 standards and security-specific provisions (e.g., automatic suspension for certain convictions; firearms-permit judgment/assessment). ([codes.findlaw.com](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/business-and-professions-code/bpc-sect-480/?utm_source=openai))

Firearms endorsements by example

• Florida: Add Class “G” license (28 hours initial; 4-hour annual requal; approved calibers restricted by statute/rule). ([fdacs.gov](https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Private-Investigation-Licenses/Class-G-Statewide-Firearm-License-Requirements?utm_source=openai))
• New York: Complete the 47‑Hour Firearms Training Course and maintain annual armed in‑service; NYS pistol permit required. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/security-guard-training-requirements?utm_source=openai))
• Texas: Commissioned security officers complete Level III (≥45 hours, includes firearms), plus proficiency before each commission renewal. ([dps.texas.gov](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/training-and-continuing-education?utm_source=openai))
• California: Obtain BSIS Firearms Permit, pass the BSIS firearms assessment, complete BSIS‑certified training with range qualification, and complete periodic requals with a 2‑hour deadly‑force review each time. ([bsis.ca.gov](https://bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/fire_fact.shtml?utm_source=openai))
• Georgia: Armed security employees must complete at least 15 hours of handgun training under Board Rule 509‑3‑.10. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/georgia/Ga-Comp-R-Regs-R-509-3-.10?utm_source=openai))

Renewal and continuing education

• California: Registration expires two years from issuance; certify completion of 32 hours initial skills training and 8 hours annual CE at renewal. ([codes.findlaw.com](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/business-and-professions-code/bpc-sect-7583-20/?utm_source=openai))
• New York: Registration valid two years; complete an 8‑hour annual in‑service each calendar year; armed guards also complete annual firearms in‑service. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/security-guard-training-requirements?utm_source=openai))
• Texas: Renew online via TOPS; commissioned officers must show firearms proficiency before renewal; late windows defined in statute/rule. ([dps.texas.gov](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/faq/individual-license-questions?utm_source=openai))
• Florida: Renew per Chapter 493 schedules; maintain annual firearms requalification if holding a Class “G.” ([flsenate.gov](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/Chapter493/All?utm_source=openai))
• Georgia: CE hours for employees and instructors set in Board rules; P.O.S.T.-certified peace officers may use in‑service to satisfy CE. ([rules.sos.ga.gov](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/509-3?utm_source=openai))

Reciprocity and moving between states

Security guard licenses are generally not reciprocal across states. Many states require you to apply anew and meet their own training and background checks (e.g., Delaware explicitly states no reciprocity; New York waivers/exemptions are limited and out‑of‑state officers are not automatically waived). Always check the destination state’s regulator before relocating. ([dsp.delaware.gov](https://dsp.delaware.gov/unarmed-security-guard-faqs/?print=print&utm_source=openai))

Actionable local next steps

Find your official application and fingerprint vendor

• California: BSIS Guard application and Live Scan info; CA DOJ Live Scan locations. ([bsis.ca.gov](https://bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/gappnew.pdf?utm_source=openai))
• Texas: Apply/renew in TOPS; training levels; FAST locations. ([dps.texas.gov](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/faq/individual-license-questions?utm_source=openai))
• Florida: Class “D” application; fingerprint submission FAQ; Class “G” criteria. ([laso.fdacs.gov](https://laso.fdacs.gov/apply/DApplicationForm.aspx?utm_source=openai))
• New York: DOS training requirements; DCJS approved security guard schools list. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/security-guard-training-requirements?utm_source=openai))
• Georgia: Board page; employee registration; training rules. ([sos.ga.gov](https://sos.ga.gov/board-private-detective-and-security-agencies?utm_source=openai))

Locate approved training providers

• New York: Use DCJS’s list of approved security guard schools (PDF maintained by DCJS). ([data.ny.gov](https://data.ny.gov/api/views/93qk-wjz6/rows.pdf?accessType=DOWNLOAD&utm_source=openai))
• Texas: Verify Level II/III/IV training schools recognized by DPS; follow TAC 35.141 requirements. ([dps.texas.gov](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/training-and-continuing-education?utm_source=openai))
• Florida: Choose an FDACS‑licensed Class “DS” school; see FDACS guidance and Chapter 5N‑1 rules. ([forms.fdacs.gov](https://forms.fdacs.gov/16003.pdf?utm_source=openai))
• California: Take BSIS‑approved guard skills and firearms courses; confirm the school holds BSIS TFF/TIB/TIF approvals. ([bsis.ca.gov](https://www.bsis.ca.gov/industries/g_train.shtml?utm_source=openai))

Typical fees (individual license examples)

• California: Security Guard initial application $60 (on/after Oct 1, 2025) per BSIS fee schedule; separate Live Scan (DOJ/FBI) and firearm/baton permits have additional fees. ([bsis.ca.gov](https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/newfees.pdf))
• Florida: Class “D” license fee $45; application fee waived for D/G under Rule 5N‑1.116; fingerprints paid to FDLE/vendor. ([flrules.elaws.us](https://flrules.elaws.us/fac/5N-1.116?utm_source=openai))
• Texas: Fees depend on license class (TOPS); separate FAST fingerprint vendor fees apply. ([dps.texas.gov](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/faq/individual-license-questions?utm_source=openai))
• New York: Fees set by DOS; pay registration/renewal and required training at DCJS‑approved schools. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/security-guard-training-requirements?utm_source=openai))
• Georgia: Employee armed registration commonly $70 + $10 processing on SOS forms; business license fees separate. ([sos.ga.gov](https://sos.ga.gov/sites/default/files/forms/31%20Application%20-%20Employee%20Registration.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Processing time expectations

• California: BSIS publishes current timeframes; on 07/26/2026 it listed 60 days for online Security Guard applications (non‑deficient). ([bsis.ca.gov](https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/app_processing_timeframes.shtml?ad=semD&an=msn_s&l=sem&o=22872&q=Bsis+Guard+Card&qsrc=999&utm_source=openai))
• Texas: DPS notes application/fingerprint steps and renewals via TOPS; statute/rules provide late windows and firearms proficiency timing; non‑commissioned work may begin only under DPS rules while processing (not for commissioned). ([dps.texas.gov](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/faq/individual-license-questions?utm_source=openai))
• Florida & New York: No fixed universal time posted; plan extra time for background responses and ensure training/prints are complete before submitting. See respective DOS/FDACS instructions. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/security-guard-training-requirements?utm_source=openai))

Continuing obligations and audits

• Carry your credential while on duty and comply with any employer/agency recordkeeping requirements (e.g., New York requires employers to maintain training records; California requires guards to carry registration on duty). ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/node/63851?utm_source=openai))
• Agency licensing adds insurance/manager requirements (e.g., FL Class “B” must meet insurance filing per 5N‑1.116 and §493.6110, F.S.). ([flrules.elaws.us](https://flrules.elaws.us/fac/5N-1.116?utm_source=openai))

Need help?

• Use the official portals linked above to check your status and find approved fingerprint vendors and training schools.
• Download the checklist PDF to plan your timeline, budget, and renewals. Get the checklist