New York Security Guard Registration Card Information (Guard Card)
Sections
- Requirements to Become a Security Guard
- Security Guard Registration Card (Unarmed Security Officer)
- Armed Guard Registration Card (Firearms Permits)
- Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
- Fingerprinting/Background Check
- Disqualifications
Requirements to Become a Security Guard
Applicants must be 18 years of age, have completed an 8-hours pre-assignment training course, and have not been convicted of a serious criminal offense. Must be a citizen or resident alien of the United States.
Security Guard Registration Card (Unarmed Security Officer)
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.
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.
All training must be submitted to the State of New York by an authorized school. Individuals are not permitted to mail or fax course certificates to the Department of State. It is the responsibility of the Training School to submit course completion information to the Division of Criminal Justice Services. Once the Division has received your course completion information, it will be electronically transferred to the Department of State.
- NOTE: The actual license is issued by the State of New York, not the trainer.
Armed Guard Registration Card (Firearms Permit)
Applicants must complete a 47-hours firearms course, and submit the certificate with the application for issuance of an armed guard registration card.
- NOTE: A Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit does not qualify a security guard to carry armed.
Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
8-hours Annual In-Service Training - This course must be completed each calendar year a security guard registration is held. 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.
8-hours Annual Firearms Training - This course must also be completed each calendar year an armed security guard registration is held. Registration is issued for two years, therefore, two (2) 8-hours annual firearms training courses must be completed within the registration effective and expiration dates to be eligible for renewal.
Please note that the ID card you now hold remains in effect until the date it expires. Once the ID card expires, you will be ineligible to continue in employment as a security guard. If your registration is expired for 6 months or more, you will be required to reapply for a new registration.
Fingerprinting/Background Check
All applicants must submit electronic fingerprints. Rolled fingerprints are not acceptable. You MUST visit a site in New York to complete the fingerprinting process. You should NOT schedule an appointment at a site outside of New York State.
Electronic fingerprinting is through IdentoGO by IDEMIA.
Fingerprint receipts are valid for 5 months from the date of the fingerprinting. Please submit original application within 5 months from the date of fingerprinting. Failure to submit the application within this time period will require the fingerprint process again.
Information provided on this site is for educational purposes. It is not legal advice.