Security guard license · New York · Lookup
How to check a New York security guard license status online
Updated
New York's Division of Licensing Services has a public Licensee Search where you can look up an active security guard registration by name or by ID number.[1] It is a separate tool from the Security Guard Registry, which the state tells employers to use before they hire a candidate.[2]
This page explains how to use New York's official license search tools for general information. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the due-diligence steps required of security guard employers. Confirm results and requirements with the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.
Which tool you need
If you just want to confirm a registration is active, your own or someone else's, use the public Licensee Search on the Division of Licensing Services' site.[1] If you're a security guard employer about to hire someone, New York points employers to a separate tool, the Security Guard Registry, for that check instead.[2]
Look up a registration yourself
Security Guard is one of the ten license types in the Name Search drop-down list on the Division of Licensing Services site, alongside categories like Home Inspection and Real Estate Appraisers.[3]
- Open the Division of Licensing Services' Licensee Search menu. [1]
- If you have the guard's Unique ID or Registration Number, use ID Search. The search form gives 45000111222 as its example of an ID number. [1][4]
- If you don't have that number, use Name Search: enter all or part of the last name and/or first name, pick Security Guard from the license type list, and optionally narrow the results by county, city or zip code. [3]
- Either search only returns active licenses. It won't show you a registration that isn't currently active. [1]
- The results also won't include a residence address. The department keeps that out of the database because it's protected by privacy law. [1]
As of the day we checked this page, the search tool stated its data was current through September 25, 2026.[3][4]
If you're hiring a guard: New York points employers to the Registry
The Security Guard Registry is the tool New York tells employers to use to check a candidate's eligibility for hire before hiring.[2] Its page lists it as available Monday to Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.[2]
“Security guard companies must exercise due diligence to determine the qualification of an applicant for employment as a security guard. Employers must utilize this online Security Guard Registry to search an individual’s eligibility for hire PRIOR to hiring the candidate. Further information for requirements can be found under §174.6 of Article 7-A of the General Business Law”
“Security Guard employers are cautioned that this Web site does not circumvent or supercede the requirements of due diligence set forth in the Department of State rules, 19NYCRR§174.6”
If you need help using the Registry itself, its page lists (518) 474-7569 as the assistance line.[2]
Not what you were looking for?
This page only covers checking the status of a New York security guard registration that already exists. For the rules on getting one in the first place, including who can apply, training, renewal and fees, see our New York state page. The state's official security guard page is at dos.ny.gov.
Sources
- Security Guard Registry, New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
- Licensee Name Search, New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
- Licensee ID Search, New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
This page explains how to use New York's official license search tools for general information. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the due-diligence steps required of security guard employers. Confirm results and requirements with the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.