Security guard license · NY
How to get a security guard license in New York
New York registers security guards through the Division of Licensing Services at the Department of State. Training is taken at schools approved by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
This page summarizes New York's official security guard licensing rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services before you apply.
Credential: Security Guard Registration
Oldest check on this page: 2026-09-24
Who can apply
-
Minimum age
Verified 2026-09-24You must be at least 18 to apply.
Official wording
(Must be at least 18 years old to apply)
From New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24) -
Registration required
Verified 2026-09-24Anyone doing security guard work must be registered with the Department of State and complete DCJS-approved training unless exempt.
Official wording
Section 89-G of Article 7A requires all persons engaged in security guard activities be registered with the New York State Department of State (DOS) and complete all training (unless exempt) at schools approved by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
From New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24) -
Criminal history
Verified 2026-09-24The Department of State reviews any prior criminal arrests or convictions.
Official wording
CRIMINAL HISTORY The Department of State will be receiving and reviewing information on any prior criminal arrests or convictions.
From New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24) -
Fingerprints
Verified 2026-09-24Fingerprints are taken electronically through IdentoGo.
Official wording
FINGERPRINT REQUIREMENTS: Applicants have access to electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGo by IDEMIA.
From New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24)
Training
-
Before you apply
Verified 2026-09-248-hour pre-assignment training, taken once; include the certificate with your application.
Official wording
8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training – A general introductory course. You must complete this course and submit a copy of the certificate issued to you with your security guard application. You are only required to take this course one time.
From New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24) -
After you start
Verified 2026-09-2416 hours of on-the-job training within 90 days of starting work.
Official wording
16 Hour On-The-Job Training (OJT) – A course relevant to the duties of guards, requirements of the work site, and the needs of the employer. You must complete this training within 90 days of employment as a security guard.
From New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24) -
Every year
Verified 2026-09-24An 8-hour annual in-service course each calendar year.
Official wording
8 Hour Annual In-Service Training – This course must be completed each calendar year you hold a security guard registration.
From New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24)
Renewal
-
Two-year registration
Verified 2026-09-24The registration lasts two years; you need two annual in-service courses in that period to renew.
Official wording
Your registration is issued for two years; therefore, you must complete two 8 Hour Annual In-Service training courses within your registration effective and expiration dates to be eligible for renewal.
From New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24)
Fees
-
Application fee
Verified 2026-09-24$36.00 non-refundable application fee to the Department of State.
Official wording
$36.00 non-refundable application fee payable to the NYS Department of State;
From New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24) -
DCJS fingerprint fee
Verified 2026-09-24$75.00 DCJS fee.
Official wording
Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) fee: $75.00
From New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24) -
FBI fee
Verified 2026-09-24$12.00 FBI fee.
Official wording
FBI fee (Security Guard License applicants must pay the FBI fee): $12.00.
From New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24)
If you want to carry a firearm
-
Firearms course
Verified 2026-09-2447-hour firearms training; you need a valid NYS pistol permit and a guard registration to enroll.
Official wording
47 Hour Firearms Training – You must possess a valid NYS Pistol Permit and security guard registration to enroll in this course. Upon successful completion of this course, submit a copy of the certificate with your application for an armed guard registration upgrade.
From New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24) -
Every year
Verified 2026-09-24An 8-hour annual firearms course each calendar year you hold an armed registration.
Official wording
8 Hour Annual Firearms Training – This course must also be completed each calendar year you hold an armed security guard registration.
From New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24)
Sources
- Employee Statement and Security Guard Application (DOS-1206-f-a, Rev. 12/24), New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
Changes to this page
- First published from the DOS security guard application form DOS-1206-f-a (Rev. 12/24).
This page summarizes New York's official security guard licensing rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services before you apply.
Spotted a rule that changed? Tell us at the address below and we'll re-check the official source.