STEP #1 – Training

Individuals shall successfully complete a mandatory Security Guard training program. This training program must be completed through one of these options:

(1) Delaware Technical & Community College (DTCC)

https://us-elevate.elluciancloud.com/app/dtcc/

(2) Defencify

Defencify Online Security Guard Training (defencifytraining.com)

(3) Polytech Adult Education

jennifer.powell@polytech.k12.de.us

(4) Delaware Tactical Defense Training Academy

www.delawaretactical.com

(5) The security agency which employs the individual

For information, please consult the “mandatory training and testing certification” FAQ below

STEP #2 – Testing

Individuals who satisfactorily complete the mandatory training program will take the mandatory state security license Test/Exam. Individuals must obtain a passing grade of 75%. The Test/Exam is administered exclusively at a DTCC campus, see the link below – search SECURITY GUARD EXAM or contact Workforce Development at 302-454-3956.

https://us-elevate.elluciancloud.com/app/dtcc/

STEP #3 – Fingerprints/Photo ID – Background

Individuals must schedule a fingerprint/Photo ID appointment with IdentoGO – using the link below, then present themselves in-person at the appointment location selected. Once fingerprints are obtained IdentoGO will then forward all relevant background information to Delaware State Police/Professional Licensing for review.

NOTE – IdentoGO will not be accepting Individual Applications or Exam Certificates – this is covered in STEP #2

https://uenroll.identogo.com/
Use Service Code 27RVNN

STEP #4 – Email Application documents to Professional Licensing

Once the IdentoGO appointment is completed, individuals must email the information outlined below to Delaware State Police/Professional Licensing using the email address provided below:

dsp_plapplicant@delaware.gov

Individuals applying for an Unarmed/Yellow Card must include:

• Security Guard Application
• Security Guard Exam Certification (provided by DTCC)

When emailing please use the following subject line:  last name, first name-Security Guard Application (for example – smith, john-Security Guard Application)

Security Guard Application

If you are initially applying for a Security Guard Armed/Firearms Card (RED CARD) you may also do this at the same time provided you have satisfied all training and Firearms qualifications.

Individuals initially applying for an Armed/Firearms Card must include:

• Firearms Certification Form – this will be provided from a certified instructor.

When emailing please use the following subject line:  last name, first name-Security Guard Application (for example – smith, john-Security Guard Application)

STEP #5 – Approval / Denial

When Professional Licensing has received IdentoGO results and processed all information requested in Step #2 the application will be approved or denied.

If approved:

• Unarmed / Yellow Card individuals will receive an email indicating they are APPROVED and may begin employment as a licensed security guard. This email will be valid as identification for fifteen (15) days. Firearms / Red Cards will not be subject to this exception.
• Individuals can select an option on their application to pick-up their ID card in person at the Dover SBI Office only. Pick-ups are not available at Troop 2.
• Individuals can select the option their application to have their ID card mailed to the address they provided. Delivery times are based the efficiency of the US Postal Service.
• Individuals employed by specifically approved Security Guard agencies can elect an option to have the agency do a group pick-up. The individual must provide written permission for this action.

If denied:

• The individual will receive written notification of their denial via mail.

Applications are processed once all required information has been received and processed by Professional Licensing. The individual may be requested to provide additional information including court documents, adjudication documents, and other details related to their background investigation. Such requests will cause a delay in the normal approval process.

Unarmed/Yellow Identification Cards (licenses), new or renewed, are valid for five (5) years.

Individuals may apply for their Firearms/Red Card to be carried as a Security Guard at the same time as submitting their NEW Unarmed/Yellow Card Application provided you have satisfied all training and Firearms qualifications.

If you are applying for both your NEW Unarmed Security Guard/Yellow Card AND your Firearms Red/Card –

• please follow the directions and submit an application as outlined for Unarmed Security Guard/Yellow Card – NEW
• Include your Firearms Certification Form provided by from a Certified Instructor – please follow all Firearms/Red Card directions including Initial Training and Shoot Certifications.

What mandatory training is required to become an Armed (Red Card) Security Guard in Delaware?
Armed Guard applicants must complete a 40-hour Firearms Course with an approved instructor. See the link below.

Professional Licensing Approved Firearms Instructors

As part of the 40-hour Firearms Course individual will be required to complete a Day Light and Low Light Shoot Certification. Submission of these first two (2) Shoots and an Approved Background while allow the individual to obtain a Firearms Red Card which will be valid until the end of that calendar year. For the Card to remain valid through the next calendar year, the individual must provide one additional Day Light Shoot – which is their 3rd Shoot by December 31st. The 3rd Shoot MUST be separated by ninety (90) calendar days.

Security Guard Application

Individuals who currently hold one of these specific Identification Cards/Licenses outline below may apply for a FIREARMS UPGRADE (Red Card) provided you have satisfied all training and Firearms qualifications (consult the requirements outlined below).

• Unarmed Security Guard / Yellow Card
• Unarmed Armored Car Guard / Yellow Card
• Bail Enforcement Agent

What is the process to obtain a FIREARMS Upgrade – DO NOT use this process for FIREARMS RENEWAL – see FIREARMS ANNUAL RENEWAL

STEP #1 –

Firearms/Red Card applicants must complete a 40-hour Firearms Course with an approved instructor certified by Professional Licensing only. See the link below.

Professional Licensing Approved Firearms Instructors

As part of the 40-hour Firearms Course individual will be required to complete a Day Light and Low Light Shoot Certification.  Submission of these first two (2) Shoots and an Approved Background while allow the individual to obtain a Firearms Red Card which will be valid until the end of that calendar year. For the Card to remain valid through the next calendar year, the individual must provide one additional Day Light Shoot – which is their 3^rd Shoot by December 31^st. The 3^rd Shoot MUST be separated by ninety (90) calendar days.

STEP #2 – Fingerprints/Photo ID – Background

Individuals must schedule a fingerprint/Photo ID appointment with IdentoGO – using the link below, then present themselves in-person at the appointment location selected. Once fingerprints are obtained IdentoGO will then forward all relevant background information to Delaware State Police/Professional Licensing for review.

https://uenroll.identogo.com/
Use Service Code 27S499

STEP #3 – Email Application documents to Professional Licensing

Once the IdentoGO appointment is completed, individuals must email the information outlined below to Delaware State Police/Professional Licensing using email address provided below.

dsp_plapplicant@delaware.gov

Individuals initially applying for an Armed/Firearms Card must include:

• Firearms Certification Form – please follow all Firearms/Red Card directions including Initial Training and Shoot Certifications
• Firearms Upgrade Application

Firearms UPGRADE Application

When emailing please use the following subject line:  last name, first name-FIREARMS UPGRADE Application (for example – smith, john-FIREARM UPGRADE Application)

STEP #4 – Approval / Denial

When Professional Licensing has received IdentoGO results and processed all information requested in Step #4 the application will be approved or denied.

If approved:

• Your ID card will be mailed to the address provided. Delivery times are based the efficiency of the US Postal Service.

If denied:

• The individual will receive written notification of their denial via mail.

Applications are processed once all required information has been received and processed by Professional Licensing. The individual may be requested to provide additional information including court documents, adjudication documents, and other details related to their background investigation. Such requests will cause a delay in the normal approval process.

Firearms/Armed-Red Cards are valid for the specific date provided on the ID Card. Annual Re-certifications are mandatory and responsibly of the ID card holder to maintain and submit updates. Professional Licensing does not submit reminders for qualification dates. Failure to submit recertifications when required will necessitate ID Cards/Licenses to be suspended.

Individuals who currently hold one of these specific Identification Cards/Licenses (Red Card) outlined below are required to submit a FIREARMS ANNUAL RENEWAL. This process does not apply to New or Upgrade Firearms Applications

• Armed Security Guard / Red Card
• Armed Armored Car Guard / Red Card
• Bail Enforcement Agent Firearms / Red Card

Step #1 – Complete and a Low Light (Shoot #1) & Day Light Shoot (Shoot #2) Certification through an approved instructor certified by Professional Licensing only. See the link below.

Please note – Shoot #1 & #2 must be submitted by September 27th as the mandatory 90 shoot separation will not be possible before the end of the year.

Professional Licensing Approved Firearms Instructors

Step #2 – Submit the Firearms Certification Form (provided to you by your Certified Instructor) for the Low Light (#1)  & Day Light Shoot (#2) to DSP/Professional Licensing – Use this email address to dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov

Step #3 – Complete one additional Day Light Shoot (Shoot #3) Certification through an approved instructor certified by Professional Licensing AFTER ninety (90) days from the date Shoot #1 & Shoot #2 were completed. Please note – Shoot #3 must be received at Professional Licensing by December 31^st for the ID to be valid into the following year.

Step #4 – Submit the Firearms Certification Form (provided by your Certified Instructor) for the Day Light Shoot (Shoot #3)  to DSP/Professional Licensing – Use this email address to dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov

Please NOTE – Agency Applications (New & Renewal) are presented to the Board of Examiners for Approval. Sufficient processing time before each quarterly Board Meeting will be necessary. Board Meeting dates are subject to change.

If you are a New Security/Private Investigator Agency who is initially applying or renewing, please contact Professional Licensing for submission deadlines at 302-739-5911 or dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov

Agency License – NEW

To begin the new licensure process, see procedures link below and follow the check list that applies to your agency.

Agency License – RENEWAL

Renewal procedures will be sent in a notification letter to the agency with the renewal instructions.

Private Investigator (Class A) Licensing Procedures

Private Security (Class B) Licensing Procedures

Private Investigator and Private Security (Class C) Licensing Procedures

Agency Application

License Holder Application

Agency Bond Form

Roster Job Site Template

Agencies applying for Renewal will follow all directions outlined below regarding Licensing Procedures for a Class A /B/C Agency.  Current License Holders who are re-applying will need to submit fingerprints through IdentoGO but will not need to re-submit qualifications.

Normally agencies due for Renewal will receive a Reminder email from Professional Licensing within three (3) months of their scheduled Renewal date however it remains the responsibility of the Agency to maintain a valid agency license and license holder.

If you are a New Security/Private Investigator Agency who is initially applying or renewing and have questions, please contact Professional Licensing at 302-739-5911 or dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov

Agency License – RENEWAL

Renewal procedures will be sent in a notification letter to the agency with the renewal instructions.

Private Investigator (Class A) Licensing Procedures

Private Security (Class B) Licensing Procedures

Private Investigator and Private Security (Class C) Licensing Procedures

Agency Application

License Holder Application

Agency Bond Form

Please NOTE – Agency Applications (New & Renewal) are presented to the Board of Examiners for Approval. Sufficient processing time before each quarterly Board Meeting will be necessary. Board Meeting dates are subject to change.

If you are a New Security/Private Investigator Agency who is initially applying or renewing, please contact Professional Licensing for submission deadlines at 302-739-5911 or dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov

Agency License – NEW

To begin the new licensure process, see procedures link below and follow the check list that applies to your agency.

Agency License – RENEWAL

Renewal procedures will be sent in a notification letter to the agency with the renewal instructions.

Private Investigator (Class A) Licensing Procedures

Private Security (Class B) Licensing Procedures

Private Investigator and Private Security (Class C) Licensing Procedures

Agency Application

License Holder Application

Agency Bond Form

Agencies applying for Renewal will follow all directions outlined below regarding Licensing Procedures for a Class A / B / C Agency.  Current License Holders who are re-applying will need to submit fingerprints through IdentoGO but will not need to re-submit qualifications.

Normally agencies due for Renewal will receive a Reminder email from Professional Licensing within three (3) months of their scheduled Renewal date however it remains the responsibility of the Agency to maintain a valid agency license and license holder.

If you are a New Security/Private Investigator Agency who is initially applying or renewing and have questions, please contact Professional Licensing at 302-739-5911 or dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov

Agency License – RENEWAL

Renewal procedures will be sent in a notification letter to the agency with the renewal instructions.

Private Investigator (Class A) Licensing Procedures

Private Security (Class B) Licensing Procedures

Private Investigator and Private Security (Class C) Licensing Procedures

Agency Application

License Holder Application

Agency Bond Form

The Board of Examiners of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies, the regulatory body for this industry, meets on a quarterly basis. New licensure and renewals with changes of an agency must be approved by the Board of Examiners.

Board of Examiners Meeting Schedule

Related Links:

Delaware Code

Rules and Regulations