Security guard license · TX
How to get a security guard license in Texas
Texas licenses security officers through the Private Security Program of the Department of Public Safety. Unarmed officers hold a non-commissioned license; carrying a firearm on the job takes a separate commissioned license.
This page summarizes Texas's official security guard licensing rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Program before you apply.
Credential: Non-commissioned security officer license (unarmed); armed work needs a commissioned security officer license
Oldest check on this page: 2026-09-24
Background check
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Background check
Verified 2026-09-24DPS runs fingerprint-based background checks on applicants.
Official wording
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) regulates the private security profession in Texas. DPS protects the public by conducting fingerprint-based background checks on applicants
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Private Security (program page) -
Fingerprints
Verified 2026-09-24You submit fingerprints. DPS emails the fingerprinting instructions after you apply.
Official wording
Applicant will need to submit fingerprints. Instructions on fingerprinting are emailed to the application and can also be found at Fingerprinting Instructions.
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Individual Application Checklist Definitions (REV 07-02-2018) -
FBI fingerprint check
Verified 2026-09-24$28.25 for the FBI fingerprint check.
Official wording
FBI Fingerprint Check $28.25
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Fee Schedule (Rev. 09/03/2019)
Training
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Level II course
Verified 2026-09-24Pass the Level II training course and test, given by a licensed training school or by a licensed guard company.
Official wording
Pursuant to TAC 35.141 the Level II Training Course and test is required of all* non-commissioned security officers, commissioned security officers and personal protection officers. This training course must either be administered by a licensed Level III or Level IV Training School and taught by a licensed Level III or Level IV Instructor, or it may be administered by a licensed guard company and taught by a representative or employee of the company.
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Training and Continuing Education -
Exemption
Verified 2026-09-24Certain peace officers may be exempt from the training courses.
Official wording
*Certain Peace Officers may be exempt per TAC 35.141(b)
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Training and Continuing Education
Starting work
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Working before the license arrives
Verified 2026-09-24Once 48 hours have passed after a substantially complete application (fees and electronic fingerprints included), you may work unarmed if your employer runs the background check DPS describes.
Official wording
If 48 hours have passed since the submission of a substantially complete application in accordance with TAC §35.21 (including fees and electronic fingerprints), and the employee status appears as 'Not Licensed or Incomplete Application' or does not appear in the online search, the applicant may be employed in an unarmed capacity if the employer conducts a background check on the applicant including a review of the DPS Criminal History and Sex Offender databases and confirmation that the applicant is not ineligible for licensure.
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Working Prior to Licensure
Fees and renewal
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License fee
Verified 2026-09-24$37 for an original or renewal non-commissioned license (30 + 5 + 2 on the DPS fee schedule).
Official wording
NON-COMMISSIONED SECURITY OFFICER, PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS, ALARM INSTALLER, ALARM SYSTEM MONITOR, LOCKSMITH, AND ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL DEVICE INSTALLER (INCLUDING GATE OPERATOR) Original / Renewal 30 5 2 $37
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Fee Schedule (Rev. 09/03/2019) -
Before you renew
Verified 2026-09-24You can't file a renewal until you've earned any continuing education hours DPS requires.
Official wording
An application to renew an individual license, may not be submitted until the required minimum hours of department approved continuing education credits have been earned in accordance with TAC 35.161 .
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Training and Continuing Education
If you want to carry a firearm
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Commissioned license only
Verified 2026-09-24The early-work rule above doesn't cover armed work: commissioned officers can't work armed before they are licensed.
Official wording
Commissioned security and personal protection officers: Please note that the above provisions do not allow for employment in an armed capacity prior to licensure.
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Working Prior to Licensure -
Level III course
Verified 2026-09-24Commissioned officers also take the Level III course (at least 45 hours) and test, and show firearm proficiency within 90 days of applying.
Official wording
The Level III Training Course (minimum 45 hours) and test (including course of fire) is required for all* commissioned security officers and personal protection officers. This training course must be administered by a licensed Level III Training School and taught by a licensed Level III Instructor. The demonstration of firearm proficiency must be completed within 90 days of the application date.
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Training and Continuing Education -
Psychological declaration
Verified 2026-09-24Armed applicants submit a declaration of psychological and emotional health (MMPI).
Official wording
Medical/Psychological - MMPI - Declaration of Psychological and Emotional Health
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Individual Application Checklist Definitions (REV 07-02-2018) -
Legal presence
Verified 2026-09-24Armed applicants must submit evidence of legal presence.
Official wording
Applicant applied for an armed registration and must submit evidence of legal presence.
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Individual Application Checklist Definitions (REV 07-02-2018) -
Continuing education
Verified 2026-09-24Commissioned officers complete 6 hours of continuing education.
Official wording
Commissioned security officers and personal protection officers shall complete six (6) hours of continuing education.
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Training and Continuing Education -
At renewal
Verified 2026-09-24Commissioned officers send a firearms proficiency certificate with each renewal.
Official wording
Commissioned security officers shall submit a firearms proficiency certificate along with the renewal application.
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Training and Continuing Education -
Commissioned license fee
Verified 2026-09-24$57 for an original or renewal commissioned license.
Official wording
COMMISSIONED SECURITY OFFICER OR PERSONAL PROTECTION OFFICER Original / Renewal 50 5 2 $57
From Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program, Fee Schedule (Rev. 09/03/2019)
Sources
- Private Security (program page), Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program
- Individual Application Checklist Definitions (REV 07-02-2018), Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program
- Fee Schedule (Rev. 09/03/2019), Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program
- Training and Continuing Education, Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program
- Working Prior to Licensure, Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program
Changes to this page
- First published from DPS Private Security pages, the application checklist (REV 07-02-2018) and the fee schedule (Rev. 09/03/2019). DPS doesn't state a minimum age in these sources, so we leave it out.
This page summarizes Texas's official security guard licensing rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Program before you apply.
Spotted a rule that changed? Tell us at the address below and we'll re-check the official source.