How to Get a Security Guard License in NYC

Any individual performing security guard duties within New York City must hold a valid security guard license issued by the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS). This requirement applies to personnel who monitor premises, control access to facilities, respond to security breaches or conduct surveillance activities. Active-duty police officers and volunteers remain exempt from registration requirements.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to get a security guard license in New York City, including eligibility, requirements and training.

Steps to Obtain an NYC Guard Card

The licensing process requires understanding complex state regulations, meeting specific training requirements and completing multiple administrative steps. Whether you are pursuing a career in security or managing hiring decisions for security personnel, you must understand the requirements to get an NYC guard card.

1. Check Eligibility

The Security Guard Act of 1992 includes mandatory registration and training standards for all security personnel operating in New York State. To qualify for licensure, applicants must meet fundamental eligibility requirements that ensure public safety and professional standards. Before investing time and resources in training, applicants should verify eligibility by reviewing the New York City guard license requirements.

To start the process of getting an NYC guard card, you must meet the following qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have legal work authorization in the United States through citizenship or permanent residency
• Hold valid government-issued identification like a passport, driver’s license or permanent resident card

Disqualifying factors include felony convictions, certain misdemeanors involving moral turpitude and offenses related to controlled substances or weapons violations. Mental health commitments and restraining orders may also affect eligibility determination.

2. Complete the Required Training

Security guard training follows a structured progression established by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Only DCJS-approved training schools may provide mandatory security guard education in New York. 

New York State maintains two distinct licensing categories for security personnel based on their authorization to carry firearms. Unarmed security guard training is the foundation for all security careers in New York. It permits guards to perform standard security functions without carrying weapons. Armed security guard licensing requires additional qualifications after obtaining unarmed guard registration. Each stage of training requires an application fee.

The 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Training

This course introduces fundamental security concepts and legal responsibilities. Topics covered include: 

• Roles and responsibilities of security personnel.
• Legal powers and limitations.
• Emergency procedures.
• Communications and public relations.
• Access control systems.
• Report writing fundamentals.

This course must be completed before submitting your security guard application to NYSDOS.

The 16-Hour On-the-Job Training

This course provides site-specific education relevant to actual security assignments. Content addresses topics such as:

• Terrorism awareness.
• Workplace violence recognition.
• Customer service excellence.
• Specific post orders and procedures.
• Advanced report writing techniques.

Employers must ensure guards complete this training within 90 days of initial employment. 

The 47-Hour Firearms Training

Applicants seeking armed guard licensing have additional training requirements. This course covers weapon safety, marksmanship, legal use of force and specialized security procedures. Only guards with valid pistol permits may enroll in firearms training. 

3. Get Fingerprinted and Pass a Background Check

After training, applicants must undergo electronic fingerprinting. State and federal authorities use this biometric data for background checks. Applicants can schedule fingerprinting on the IndentoGo website or by calling 1-877-472-6915. When scheduling, use the required Service Code “1545R1” for security guard registration.

Bring all required documentation to your appointment, including valid photo identification and proof of current address. Processing typically takes two to four weeks, though complex histories may extend review periods. The results go directly to NYSDOS for registration determination.

4. Submit Application

To get an NYC guard card, applicants submit the NYSDOS form DOS-1206-f to the NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services and pay the application fee. Required documents include:

• A completed application form with employer attestation
• Original eight-hour pre-assessment training certificate
• Electronic fingerprint receipt from IdentoGo
• A photocopy of a valid government-issued identification

Processing timelines vary based on application volume and background check complexity. Standard processing takes approximately four to six weeks from submission date. 

Applicants may begin working immediately after completing the initial eight-hour training and submitting their application, provided their employer completes the Notice of Employment section of the application. This provisional work authorization expires after 90 days if registration remains pending.

Maintaining and Renewing a Security Guard License

Security guard registrations in NYC remain valid for two years from the issuance date. Maintaining active registration requires ongoing compliance with training requirements and timely renewal submissions.

NYC security guards must take an annual eight-hour in-service training to renew their license. Renewal applications must be submitted 60 days before expiration. Update any changed personal information and pay the application fee before submitting for license renewal. Expired registrations incur a delinquency fee if renewed within 60 days of expiration.

Failing to maintain training requirements or renewal requires restarting the entire application process, including fingerprinting and background checks.

FAQs

New York City guard license requirements aren’t always straightforward. Here are answers to common questions to help you understand them:

How Can I Get My Security License in NYC?

To get your security guard license in NYC, you need to complete an eight-hour pre-assessment training course at a DCJS-approved school, schedule fingerprinting through IdentoGo and submit your application to NYSDOS. You’ll also need to complete a 16-hour on-the-job training course within 90 days of getting a job.

Where Can I Find Approved Security Guard Training in NYC?

The DCJS maintains an official list of approved training schools. Popular NYC training providers have locations in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx and offer in-person and online instruction options that meet state requirements. 

Can I Become a NY Security Guard With a Criminal Record?

Yes, but it depends. The NYSDOS will reject your application if you have a felony conviction, misdemeanors involving moral depravity, a restraining order against you, or offenses related to controlled substances or weapons violations. If your criminal record is free of these offenses, you may get your security guard license. It’s important to note that security companies review misdemeanors and current or pending legal charges to determine hiring eligibility.

Join Our Team at The Guard Alliance

If you’re interested in working with a reliable, professional team of security experts, consider joining The Guard Alliance. We’re always looking for new talent in New York City and our other served locations across the country. Once you’ve obtained your license and completed all training requirements, we invite you to get in touch with our team about our open roles.