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Security Guards

  • Agency License
  • Associate
  • Armed Registration
  • Fees
  • Forms
  • Qualifying Party
  • Qualifications
  • Unarmed Registration

Fees

Forms

Qualifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to be licensed? Qualifications/documentation of qualification (click to expand):

Definitions from ARS §32-2601-16

"Private security guard service" means any agency, individual or employer in the business of furnishing to the public for hire, fee or reward dogs, watchmen, patrol service, private security guards or other persons to protect human life or to prevent the theft or the misappropriation or concealment of goods, wares, merchandise, money, bonds, stocks, notes, choses in action or other property, valuable documents, papers and articles of value.

 

Note to Peace Officers: Peace officers operating a security agency (business) must be licensed per the requirements of this webpage. This means the submission of an application, fees, a workman's compensation policy, liability insurance, a list of employees and a recent letter from the agency head (or designee) that the officers may wear department uniforms and drive department vehicles. If your agency will not permit the use of agency uniforms and vehicles, you must follow the instructions below pertaining to security uniforms and vehicles. Recent inquiries of various risk management and human resources entities has shown that they WILL NOT cover officers working in this capacity, the only exception is typically if the job was coordinated through an authorized agency off duty work coordinator - check with your department for further information as the policy may vary between agencies. If your agency will cover you in this security capacity, submit a written statement from BOTH your HR and Risk Management directors, in addition to all the other required application paperwork. Consult with your agency head and HR department before creating a security business due to conflicts related to peace officer status and liability while working for a security company.

 

Instructions to start a security guard agency:

Security Guard Agency License Instructions

 

Qualifications of Licensee

A security guard agency license is issued to an individual who is the Qualifying Party regardless of the agency structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation). The Qualifying Party is sometimes called the Licensee.

 

The Qualifying Party must meet the requirements as listed in ARS §32-2612 B. Qualifications for Licensee

The Qualifying Party (or Resident Manager) … shall have at least three years of full-time experience as a manager, supervisor or administrator of a security guard agency or three years of full-time supervisory experience with any federal, United States military, state, county or municipal law enforcement agency. The qualifying party must pass the background check.

 

Documentation of Qualifications

The necessary documentation to fulfill the above Statute must be described in a letter from an individual or individuals, such as a former supervisor, who can specifically state their work relationship with you and personally verify your appropriate supervisory experience. The letter should contain the date the supervisory position was achieved, duties performed, date of termination (if applicable). The author of the letter must be clearly identified by name and include an address and contact telephone number. The author must sign the letter.
 

You may also submit documentation from an agency from which you retired or were previously employed. This documentation may be in the form of retirement papers, letters of recommendation, performance evaluations, or military records such as DD 214, NCOERs, OERs, awards, etc. (a DD 214 alone is insufficient evidence - we also need the copy that shows the type of discharge received). Generally, military personnel in grade E-5 or higher and officers will be considered to have served in supervisory capacities, however, at least three years of supervisory experience must be documented. Submitted documents must explicitly state that you have the required experience from verifiable sources. Failure to provide sufficient documentation of your experience from appropriate sources will result in the rejection of your application. 

 

Allow at least 15 business days after the submission of your application before calling the unit to check your status. Repeated phone calls will only delay your application.

Selecting your agency name and agency associates (click to expand):

You need to get approval of your agency name through the DPS Licensing Unit before contacting the Arizona Corporation Commission or Arizona Secretary of State.  The Licensing Unit’s standards for name approval are more stringent than other state agencies and the Licensing Unit must consider other factors before approving your agency name. 

 

Instructions for choosing your agency name are listed here.

Agency Associates

If these individuals reside and/or work in Arizona, they are considered Agency Associates:

• Corporation: Each corporate officer

• Partnership: Partners other than the Qualifying Party 

Use the (one-page) Registration Application for each Associate’s application. The fee for an Associate is a $50.00 application fee and $22.00 for the fingerprint processing fee. Each Associate must submit a classifiable fingerprint card, a passport photograph or a facial photograph, and proof of identification, such as a photocopy of your driver's license, passport, etc.. Each Associate must pass the background check. 

Guard training/authorized signers/instructors/lesson plans (click to expand):

Guard Training Requirements

As required by ARS §32-2613 and ARS §32-2632, training must be provided to Security Guards (currently certified AZ peace officers are exempt from training requirements). A copy of the 8 Hour Required SG Curriculum is available on this website. The curriculum of your training program must cover:

• Orientation

• Criminal Law

• Uniform

• Communications

• Use of Force

• General Procedures

• Crime Scene

• Ethics

• First Response

Note: Armed guards must also complete the DPS approved 16 Hour Firearms Training Course for Armed Guards.

 

Authorized Signers and Instructors

The Qualifying Party and any Resident Manager can authorize individuals to sign Part A of the employee applications for the agency. Authorized Signers must be designated in writing. The Qualifying Party may add or delete signers as often as deemed necessary, but each action must be in writing.
 

The Qualifying Party must also designate, in writing, which registered unarmed general training Instructor(s) the agency will utilize. These registered unarmed general training instructor(s) shall conduct the required eight hour unarmed pre-assignment training class. The registered unarmed training instructors are the only individuals who are authorized to sign the Security Guard Training Verification Forms for the required training. These registered unarmed general training instructors must be registered by the Licensing Unit before conducting any training.
 

If the agency is going to hire and/or train armed security guards, then the Qualifying Party must designate, in writing, which registered firearm-safety Instructor(s) the agency will utilize. These registered firearm-safety instructor(s) shall conduct the required sixteen-hour initial armed training class and the yearly eight-hour armed refresher classes. The registered firearm-safety instructors are the only individuals who are authorized to sign the Armed Security Guard Training Verification Forms for the required training. These registered firearms safety training instructors must be registered by the Licensing Unit before conducting any training.
 

The written authorization to DPS must include a signature sample with the printed name, as signatures are often illegible. These authorizations and sample signatures are retained in the agency file.

 

Licensing and Registration Fee

Agency licensing fees may be paid by cash, money order, cashier’s checks and/or company checks issued by the security guard agency. Cashier’s checks, money orders and agency issued checks must be payable to DPS.  Security Guard Agency licenses are valid for two-years.  Qualifying party licenses, resident manager and associate registration certificates expire when the security guard agency's license expires. No refunds will be given if individuals are disqualified from obtaining a license or registration.

 

Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Background Check 

The applicant's fingerprints will be used to check the criminal history records of the FBI. The procedures for obtaining a change, correction or updating of your criminal history record are set forth in Title 28, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 16.34.

 

Revised Lesson Plans for Security Guard Training

• Unarmed Security Guard (8 hrs)

• Armed Security Guard (16 hrs)

• Armed Security Guard Renewal (8 hrs)

Uniforms and Vehicles/Liability and Workers Comp Insurance (click to expand):

Uniforms

ARS §32-2635 Uniform and insignia

AAC R13-6-501 Uniforms and vehicles

The particular type of uniform and insignia for a security guard shall be subject to approval by the director and shall be such that it will not deceive or confuse the public or be identical with that of any law enforcement officer of the federal government, the state or any political subdivision thereof.

 

Patches and/or Badge

No shoulder patch, breast patch or breast badge shall be worn or carried by a security guard, armed security guard, private policeman, special policeman, watchman, or employee or licensee of any patrol service agency or private security guard agency, unless previously approved by the Director. Obtain approval from the DPS Licensing Unit before you order your shoulder patch, breast patch or breast badge in quantity.

 

Patches or badges shaped like a star, containing a prominent star, law enforcement emblems or state center seals that are used on shields worn by Arizona law enforcement, state government or federal agencies shall not be approved. The department shall not approve any word or word combination that could cause a reasonable person to confuse a security guard with law enforcement personnel. 

 

Departmental policy prohibits the following word on any badge or shield:

• Officer

• Police

• Patrolman

• Agent 

• Sheriff

• Deputy

• Marshall

 

Shoulder Patches

Shoulder identification patches shall be worn on the upper left and right sleeves of all shirts, coats and jackets and shall include the name of the agency and the word "Security." Shoulder identification patches or emblems shall not be less than two inches by three inches in size. The patch should contain the word "Security" on it, however, a rocker or smaller patch reading "Security" in letters that are one-half inch or taller may be affixed below the shoulder patch in lieu of a patch with the word "Security" incorporated into it. A patch containing a star, emblem, design, center seal or verbiage that resembles a law enforcement or government agency patch will not be approved. Uniforms may use embroidered cloth shoulder patches or patches that are silk-screened or embroidered directly on the upper shoulder sleeves.

 

Breast Patches

A breast patch shall be worn on all uniform shirts, coats and jackets and shall include the name of the agency and the word "Security." The breast patch shall not be less than one and one-half inches by two inches in size. The breast patch should contain the word "Security" on it, however, a rocker or smaller patch stating "Security" in letters that are one-half inch or taller may be affixed below the breast patch in lieu of a patch with the word "Security" incorporated into it. A patch containing a prominent star, emblem, design, center seal or verbiage that resembles a law enforcement or government agency will not be approved. Uniforms may use an embroidered cloth breast patch, metal breast badge or a patch that is silk-screened or embroidered directly on the left breast side. 

 

Metal Badge or Shield

A metal badge or shield may be substituted for the breast patch.
 

No badge or shield shall be worn or carried by a security guard, armed security guard, private policeman, special policeman, watchman, or employee or licensee of any patrol service agency or private security guard agency, unless previously approved by the director. Badges shaped like a star, containing a prominent star, law enforcement emblems or state center seals that is used on shields worn by Arizona law enforcement or government agencies shall not be approved. A badge containing a prominent star, emblem, design, center seal or verbiage that resembles a law enforcement or government agency will not be approved.

 

Approved breast badges shall be worn only on the left breast side of the approved uniform. Wearing the badge or shield on the belt or lanyard is prohibited. 

 

Uniform Shirt

The uniform shirt may be traditional or casual.

 

Traditional uniform shirts are Class A, dress uniform, battle dress uniform (BDU) shirts or any type of uniform shirt that has buttons down the front Traditional shirts require shoulder patches on the upper left and right sleeves and a breast patch or breast badge on the left breast side.

 

Casual uniform shirts are polo shirts or t-shirts. Casual shirts require shoulder patches on the upper left and right sleeves, a breast patch or breast badge on the left breast side and the word SECURITY across the back with letters that are at least three inches tall.

 

The following shirt over pant/shorts combinations are prohibited:

• Blue over blue

• Tan over tan

• Tan over brown

• Black over black

The department shall not approve any color combination that may cause a reasonable person to confuse a security guard with law enforcement personnel.

 

Jackets

Security guard coat or jacket may be any color. Jackets shall display a shoulder patch on the left and right upper shoulder sleeve, breast patch or breast badge on left breast side and the word "SECURITY" displayed on the back with letters that are three inches tall or taller.  

 

Vehicles

ARS §28-947.B., ARS §28-947.D. , and ARS §28-954.C.

 

AAC R13-6-501 

 

All security vehicles, markings and equipment must be approved by the licensing unit. Security guard vehicle shall not have; Blue lights, Red lights visible from the front, Sirens and bells and markings that may cause a reasonable person to confuse the security guard vehicle with vehicles used by law enforcement personnel. 

 

Liability and Worker's Compensation Insurance

Do not purchase or submit evidence of your liability and worker's compensation policy until your company has received notification from the Licensing Unit that your agency is approved. 

 

General Liability Insurance

As required by ARS §32-2613.C.2 and ACC R13-6-202.A.2. Once you receive such notification (and before the agency license is issued), you must submit a valid insurance certificate that indicates proof of general liability insurance, issued by an insurance company licensed to do business in Arizona, in the amount of $100,000 for each occurrence, and an aggregate total of at least $300,000.

 

The Arizona Department of Public Safety Licensing Unit must be listed as the certificate holder. 

 

If the security guard agency has an out-of-state address listed on the insurance certificate, the “description of operations” must include words similar to coverage extends to Security Guard Agency operations in Arizona.

 

This certificate must be sent to DPS upon renewal of the policy. The agency file is updated with the new expiration date.

 

Workers' Compensation for Employees

As required by ARS §32-2613.C.3 and ACC R13-6-202.A.3. Each agency is required to have a valid Workers' Compensation insurance, issued by a company authorized to conduct business in Arizona.

 

The Arizona Department of Public Safety Licensing Unit must be listed as the certificate holder. 

 

If the security guard agency has an out-of-state address listed on the insurance certificate, the “description of operations” must include words similar to for security guard agency operations in Arizona.
 

This certificate must be sent to DPS upon renewal of the policy. The agency file is updated with the new expiration date.

 

Security Guard Agency Application

Security Guard Agency Specific Forms (click to expand):

• Security Guard Agency Application

• Security Guard Agency Application Checklist

• Security Guard Agency Application Renewal Checklist

• Security Guard Agency License Instructions 

• Security Guard Agency License Renewal Instructions

• Security Guard Agency New Hire Report

• Security Guard Agency Renewal Responsibilities

Fees

Forms

Qualifications

Security Guard Associate Registration Application

Fees

Forms

Qualifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to register (click to expand):

You must be registered if you work for a security guard agency that pays you to provide security guard services to other companies.

• Until you are registered by DPS, you cannot wear a uniform and/or stand post as a security guard

• Licenses and/or registrations from other states are not recognized in Arizona.

• Unless you fall under one of the exceptions in ARS 32-2606, providing security guard services without a license and/or registration in a class 1 misdemeanor. Additionally, a violation of these regulations can prevent you from obtaining a license and/or registration in the future. 

 

You do not need a registration certificate if you work for a proprietary company as explained in exceptions. A proprietary company pays you to be their security guard.

 

Note to Peace Officers: Peace officers operating a security agency (business) must be licensed per the requirements of this website. This means the submission of an application, fees, a workman's compensation policy, liability insurance, a list of employees and a recent letter from the agency head (or designee) that the officers may wear department uniforms and drive department vehicles. If your agency will not permit the use of agency uniforms and vehicles, you must follow the instructions below pertaining to security uniforms and vehicles. Recent inquiries of various risk management and human resources entities has shown that they WILL NOT cover officers working in this capacity, the only exception is typically if the job was coordinated through an authorized agency off duty work coordinator - check with your department for further information as the policy may vary between agencies. If your agency will cover you in this security capacity, submit a written statement from BOTH your HR and Risk Management directors, in addition to all the other required application paperwork. Consult with your agency head and HR department before creating a security business due to conflicts related to peace officer status and liability while working for a security company.

 

Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Background Check

The applicant's fingerprints will be used to check the criminal history records of the FBI. The procedures for obtaining a change, correction, or updating of your criminal history record are set forth in Title 28, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 16.34.

 

Registration process (click to expand):

Armed Security Guard

New hire, or more than 90 days expired:

• Expiration date will be two years from when DPS processed the application.

• An Unarmed Security Guard registration certificate will also be issued.

• Armed training is only valid for one calendar year.

Steps

1. Be offered employment by a DPS-licensed Armed Security Guard agency. The agency fills out Part A/Employer section of the Registration Application and an authorized person signs it.

2. Complete and sign the Part B/Employee section.

3. Submit fingerprints.

4. Submit a passport sized color photograph of your face. Photographs should be 2"x2" or smaller. (per A.A.C. R13-6-301.A.4.c.)

5. Complete the 8-hour pre-assignment unarmed training course. The unarmed training verification (security guard training form) must be signed and dated by a registered unarmed general security guard trainer and a security guard agency representative.

6. Complete 16 hours of pre-assignment firearm training from a registered firearm-safety instructor. The Armed Security Guard training verification (security guard training form) must be signed and dated by the firearm-safety instructor and a security guard agency representative.

7. Submit the registration application and security guard training form. Make sure the application and training form is completely filled out and has all the required signatures.

8. Submit proof of identification and US citizenship or legal permanent residency, such as a photocopy of your driver's license, passport, naturalization documents, permanent resident card, US birth certificate, etc.

9. Submit $122 cash, money order, cashier's check or security guard agency check payable to DPS. This covers the $100 registration certificate fee and the $22 fingerprint processing fee. The Licensing Unit does not accept personal checks, credit or debit cards.

 

Upgrade from an Unarmed Security Guard registration certificate:

• Expiration date will be the same as your current Unarmed Security Guard registration certificate.

• Each Armed Security Guard registration certificate permits you to work only for the agency that sponsored your armed application. This agency name will appear on the face of your Armed Security Guard card.

 

If your Unarmed Security Guard registration certificate is not expired AND submission of fingerprint card was LESS than 90 days ago:

Steps

1. Be offered employment by a DPS-licensed Security Guard Armed agency. The agency fills out Part A/Employer section of the Registration Application and an authorized person signs it.

2. Complete and sign the Part B/Employee section.

3. If your appearance has changed, then submit a passport sized color photograph of your face. Photographs should be 2"x2" or smaller.

4. Complete 16 hours of pre-assignment firearm training from a registered firearm-safety instructor. The Armed Security Guard training verification (security guard training form) must be signed and dated by the firearm-safety instructor and a security guard agency representative.

5. Submit the registration application and security guard training form. Make sure the application and training form is completely filled out and has all the required signatures.

6. Submit proof of identification, such as a photocopy of your driver's license, passport, etc.

7. Submit $50 cash, money order, cashier's check or security guard agency check payable to DPS. The Licensing Unit does not accept personal checks, credit or debit cards.

 

If your Unarmed Security Guard registration certificate is not expired AND submission of fingerprint card was MORE than 90 days ago:

Steps

1. Be offered employment by a DPS-licensed Security Guard Armed agency. The agency fills out Part A/Employer section of the Registration Application and an authorized person signs it.

2. Complete and sign the Part B/Employee section.

3. Submit Fingerprints.

4. Submit a passport sized color photograph of your face. Photographs should be 2"x2" or smaller. (per A.A.C. R13-6-301.A.4.c.)

5. Complete 16 hours of pre-assignment firearm training from a registered firearm-safety instructor. The Armed Security Guard training verification (security guard training form) must be signed and dated by the firearm-safety instructor and a security guard agency representative.

6. Submit the registration application and security guard training form. Make sure the application and training form is completely filled out and has all the required signatures.

7. Submit proof of identification, such as a photocopy of your driver's license, passport, etc.

8. Submit $72 cash, money order, cashier's check or security guard agency check payable to DPS. This covers the $50 registration certificate fee and the $22 fingerprint processing fee. The Licensing Unit does not accept personal checks, credit or debit cards.

 

Armed Renewal

• Renewals will be accepted 60 days before the expiration date.

• If the renewal is less than 90 days past the expiration date, please add a $10 late fee. 

• The 8 hour Armed refresher training must be completed every year after the initial 16 hours of armed training. Armed training is only valid for one calendar year.

Steps

1. Your employer, a DPS-licensed Armed Security Guard agency fills out Part A/Employer section of the Registration Application and an authorized person signs it.

2. Complete and sign the Part B/Employee section.

3. Submit Fingerprints.

4. Submit a passport sized color photograph of your face. Photographs should be 2"x2" or smaller. (per A.A.C. R13-6-301.A.4.c.)

5. Complete the 8-hour unarmed training course. The unarmed training verification (security guard training form) must be signed and dated by a registered unarmed general security guard trainer and a security guard agency representative.

6. Complete 8 hours of refresher firearm training from a registered firearm-safety instructor. The Armed Security Guard training verification (security guard training form) must be signed and dated by the firearm-safety instructor and a security guard agency representative.

7. Submit the registration application and security guard training form. Make sure the application and training form is completely filled out and has all the required signatures.

8. Submit proof of identification, such as a photocopy of your driver's license, passport, etc.

9. Submit $122 cash, money order, cashier's check or security guard agency check payable to DPS. This covers the $100 registration certificate fee and the $22 fingerprint processing fee. The Licensing Unit does not accept personal checks, credit or debit cards.

 

Additional Armed Security Guard Registration Certificates:

A separate armed registration certificate (card) is required for each armed agency (job) you work for. 

 

You may work as an Armed Security Guard for as many agencies as you wish. An additional Armed Security Guard registration certificate is needed for each agency for which you are employed. 

• Expiration date will be the same as your unarmed registration certificate

• Each Armed Security Guard card belongs to you. If your employment with an agency ends, you may keep the card to show to a future employer.

Steps

1. Your employer, a DPS-licensed Armed Security Guard agency fills out Part A/Employer section of the Registration Application and an authorized person signs it.

2. Complete and sign the Part B/Employee section.

3. Submit $10 cash, money order, cashier's check or security guard agency check payable to DPS. The Licensing Unit does not accept personal checks, credit or debit cards.

4. Submit proof of identification, such as a photocopy of your driver's license, passport, etc.

 

Firearms Training Requirements

A new Armed Security Guard must have 16 hours of documented training from a DPS registered firearm safety instructor. An armed agency will advise who should train you.

 

Every calendar year after the issuance of the Armed Security registration certificate you must complete 8 hours of refresher training from a DPS registered firearm safety instructor. The signed armed refresher training certification form must be provided to DPS. This must be received at DPS no later than January 5 of the following year. 

 

If the Armed Security Guard firearms refresher training is not received by DPS for each calendar year, then your Armed Security Guard registration certificate(s) may be suspended. To reinstate your armed guard card, you will have to provide an armed training verification form showing 16 hours of armed training.

 

 

Concealed Weapons Permit Training

Concealed Weapons Permit training will not be substituted for Armed Security Guard firearms training. Although firearms instructors are often certified by both Licensing Unit and Concealed Weapons Permit Unit, the actual training is different. A DPS Licensing-registered Security Guard firearm-safety instructor must train you. No other firearm training is authorized.

 

A Concealed Weapon Permit does not authorize you to work as an Armed Security Guard.

 

 

Register as an Armed Security Guard

SECURITY GUARD APPLICATION FEES:

Security Guard Employee:

• New/Renew Unarmed Security Guard - $72.00

• New/Renew Armed Security Guard - $122.00

• Late Fee - $10.00

• Upgrade from Unarmed to Armed Security Guard* - $50.00

• Additional Armed Agency Card - $10.00

• Reinstatement - $25.00

• Card Replacement - $10.00

*If your fingerprints were taken over 90 days ago, then include a fingerprint card and fingerprint processing fee.

 

New Security Guard Agency:

• New Agency Processing $500.00 + $22.00(QP Fee) = $522.00

• New Agency License* - $500.00

• Associate or Resident Manager New - $72.00

*Required only after a Ready to License Letter is sent to the new security guard agency. 

QP = Qualifying Party

 

Security Guard Agency Renewals and Restructures:

• Renewal of Agency License $522.00  

• Restructure* $100.00 – Not available online

• Late Fee $100.00

• Reinstatement $250.00

• Associate or Resident Manager Renewal $72.00

*May Require fingerprint fee, call the Licensing Unit for details

QP = Qualifying Party

 

Licensing and Registration Fee

New Agency Application Fee

The new agency application fee is $500 plus $22 for the fingerprint processing of the Qualifying Party ($522 total). Any resident manager and/or associate application fee is $72 each, which covers the $50 license fee and the $22 fingerprint processing fee. These must be submitted with the new agency application. 

 

New Agency License Fee

After the qualifying party (and resident manager is necessary) experience, uniform and vehicle photographs, and background checks have been reviewed and approved, then a Ready to License Letter will be sent to the new agency requesting the $500 license fee and certificates showing proof of General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance.

 

Renewal License Fee 

The license fee for renewing an agency is $500. Include $22 for the fingerprint processing of the Qualifying Party ($522 total).

 

Any Resident Manager or Associate renewal applications and fingerprints must be included with the agency renewal application. Include the $50 registration certificate fee and the $22 fingerprint processing fee ($72 total, per person).

Security Guard Agency

Selecting Your Security Guard Agency Name

Security Guard Agency License Instructions

Security Guard Agency Application

Security Guard Agency Application Checklist

Security Guard Eight Hour Training Syllabus

Security Guard Training Program

Security Guard Resident Manager Instructions 

Security Guard Resident Manager Application 

Security Guard Associate Application

Armed Security Guard Roster Instructions

Armed Security Guard Roster

Security Guard Monthly Termination Report - Armed Only

Security Guard Agency New Hire Report - Electronic Applications Only

Security Guard Agency License Renewal Instructions

Security Guard Agency Application Renewal Checklist

Security Guard Agency Renewal Responsibilities

Security Guard Resident Manager Renewal Instructions

Security Guard Training Form

 

Security Guards

Unarmed Security Guard Application

Armed Security Guard Application

 

Additional Forms

Fees

Forms

Qualifications

Register as a Qualifying Party

List of Disqualifiers:

Applicants are deemed to not meet qualifications

• If you are under 18 years of age and are applying to be a security guard, security guard associate, security guard general or firearms trainer, private investigator, or private investigator associate.
• If you are under 21 years of age and are applying to be a qualifying party, private investigator qualifying party, or resident manager for a security guard agency.
• If you are not a citizen or legal resident who is authorized to seek employment in the United States.
• If you have ever been convicted of a felony, whether or not your conviction was subsequently Set Aside or Vacated and your Civil Rights were restored.
• If you are currently under indictment for a felony
• If within the last 5 years preceding your application, you have been convicted of any misdemeanors, whether or not your conviction was subsequently Set Aside or Vacated, that involves:

• Personal violence
• Misconduct involving a deadly weapon as provided in Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) §13-3102
• Dishonesty or fraud
• Arson
• Theft
• Domestic violence
• Narcotics (ARS §13, Chapter 34, or similar)
• Sexual misconduct

• If you are on parole, community supervision or work furlough, on home arrest, on release on any other basis.
• If you are named in an outstanding arrest warrant.
• If you are on probation pursuant to a conviction for any act of personal violence or domestic violence as in ARS §13-3601 or similar.
• If you have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or found to constitute a danger to self or others, ARS §36-540.
• If you have a disability, which renders you incapable of performing essential functions of the job even with reasonable accommodation from the employer, ARS §41-1461.
• If you have been convicted of acting or attempting to act as a security guard or private investigator without a license if a license was required.
• If you are a registered sex offender.
 

• For Armed Security Guard and Firearms-Safety Instructor only:

• If you have ever been convicted of any misdemeanor or felony involving domestic violence.
• If you are a Prohibited Possessor as defined in ARS §13-3101 or as described in 18 United States Code section 922.
• If you were discharged from the armed services of the United States under other than honorable conditions.

Fees

Forms

Qualifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to be registered (click to expand):

You must be registered if you work for a security guard agency that pays you to provide security guard services to other companies.

• Until you are registered by DPS, you cannot wear a uniform and/or stand post as a security guard

• Licenses and/or registrations from other states are not recognized in Arizona.

• Unless you fall under one of the exceptions in ARS 32-2606, providing security guard services without a license and/or registration in a class 1 misdemeanor. Additionally, a violation of these regulations can prevent you from obtaining a license and/or registration in the future. 

 

You do not need a registration certificate if you work for a proprietary company as explained in exceptions. A proprietary company pays you to be their security guard.

 

Note to Peace Officers: Peace officers operating a security agency (business) must be licensed per the requirements of this website. This means the submission of an application, fees, a workman's compensation policy, liability insurance, a list of employees and a recent letter from the agency head (or designee) that the officers may wear department uniforms and drive department vehicles. If your agency will not permit the use of agency uniforms and vehicles, you must follow the instructions below pertaining to security uniforms and vehicles. Recent inquiries of various risk management and human resources entities has shown that they WILL NOT cover officers working in this capacity, the only exception is typically if the job was coordinated through an authorized agency off duty work coordinator - check with your department for further information as the policy may vary between agencies. If your agency will cover you in this security capacity, submit a written statement from BOTH your HR and Risk Management directors, in addition to all the other required application paperwork. Consult with your agency head and HR department before creating a security business due to conflicts related to peace officer status and liability while working for a security company.

 

Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Background Check

The applicant's fingerprints will be used to check the criminal history records of the FBI. The procedures for obtaining a change, correction, or updating of your criminal history record are set forth in Title 28, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 16.34.

Registration Process (click to expand):

• The Unarmed Security Guard registration certificate allows you to work for any DPS-licensed security guard agency in the state.

• The card belongs to you. 

• Expiration will be two years form the date DPS processed the application. 

 

New hire or more than 90 days expired

Steps

1. Be offered employment by a DPS-licensed Security Guard agency. The agency fills out Part A/Employer section of the Registration Application and an authorized person signs it. 

2. Security guard completes and sign the Part B/Employee section.

3. Submit fingerprints.

4. Submit a passport sized color photograph of your face. Photographs should be 2"x2" or smaller. (per A.A.C. R13-6-301.A.4.c.)

5. Complete the 8-hour pre-assignment unarmed training course. The unarmed training verification (security guard training form) must be signed and dated by a registered unarmed general security guard trainer and a security guard agency representative.

6. Submit the registration application and security guard training form. Make sure the application and training form is completely filled out and has all the required signatures.

7. Submit proof of identification and US citizenship or legal permanent residency, such as a photocopy of your driver's license, passport, naturalization documents, permanent resident card, US birth certificate, etc.

8. Submit $72 cash, money order, cashier's check or security guard agency check payable to DPS. This covers the $50 registration certificate fee and the $22 fingerprint processing fee. The Licensing Unit does not accept personal checks, credit or debit cards.

 

Unarmed Renewal

• Renewals will be accepted 60 days before the expiration date

• If the renewal is less than 90 days past the expiration date, please add a $10 late fee

 

Steps

1. Complete and sign the Part B/Employee section of the Registration Application.

2. Submit fingerprints.

3. Submit a passport sized color photograph of your face. Photographs should be 2"x2" or smaller. (per A.A.C. R13-6-301.A.4.c.)

4. Complete the 8-hour unarmed training course. The unarmed training verification (security guard training form) must be signed and dated by a registered unarmed general security guard trainer and a security guard agency representative.

5. Submit the registration application and security guard training form. Make sure the application and training form is completely filled out and has all the required signatures.

6. Submit proof of identification, such as a photocopy of your driver's license, passport, etc.

7. Submit $72 cash, money order, cashier's check or security guard agency check payable to DPS. This covers the $50 registration certificate fee and the $22 fingerprint processing fee. The Licensing Unit does not accept personal checks, credit or debit cards.

 

Unarmed Security Guard Registration
 Unarmed Security Guard Lesson Plan (8hrs)

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