Minimum Requirements
1. Be at least 18 years of age upon application.
2. No conviction of any felony or other disqualifying crime. see the link below – Section 6.0/Criminal Offenses.
3. Complete mandatory Training and Testing as outlined below.
All legal requirements and regulations…
Private Security Agency – Rules & Regulations
https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title24/1300.shtml
Delaware Code – Title 24 – Chapter 13. Private Security Agencies
Both Training and Testing are required as outlined below.
TRAINING Certification
Individuals shall successfully complete mandatory Security Guard TRAINING Certification. There are four (4) methods available to complete this training certification.
- Through Delaware Technical & Community College (DTCC). There is a fee for this course which is offered online. Use the link below and search – “Security Guard Training”
https://us-elevate.elluciancloud.com/app/dtcc
- Through Defencify Training. This is an interactive and comprehensive online training program that is completed at the student’s preferred pace and is available 24/7/365. There is a fee for this mandatory Delaware Security License Training Course.
Defencify Online Security Guard Training
- Through Polytech School District. This course is offered with live instruction with two formats to choose from, virtual or in-person. There is a fee for this course. For details, please contact jennifer.powell@polytech.k12.de.us.
- Through Delaware Tactical Defense Training Academy. Delaware Tactical provides a one-stop shop where individuals and agencies can receive certified training for Security Guards, less than lethal weapons and firearms. Please contact: www.delawaretactical.com for information on fees and scheduling.
- Through the security agency which does or will employ the individual. Not all Security Agencies are able to provide training. Fees, if any, for taking the course through an agency are determined and applied at their discretion. Individuals are encouraged to inquire about training availability and fees through the security agency.
TESTING/EXAM Certification
Individuals who satisfactorily complete the mandatory training certification will take the mandatory state security license TEST/EXAM. A passing grade of 75% must be obtained. The test/exam will be administered exclusively at most DTCC campuses, see the link below. There is a $49.00 fee to take the Test/Exam.
Security Guard Mandatory TESTING/EXAM – DTCC Contact Information
Outlined below is the primary training resource used in developing Security Guard Training and Testing. All individuals are strongly encouraged to review this Delaware Security Guard Study Guide as a supplement to their Security Guard Training Certification which is mandatory.
There is a non-refundable $105.00 fee to initially apply or renew an Unarmed/Yellow Card. All fees are paid when registering with IdentiGO.
Come into our Dover State Bureau of Identification location and request a replacement. No appointment is necessary. Valid License holders will fill out the application for replacement (see the link below) or complete one on site. A license must be valid to be replaced. The replacement fee is $10.00. License Identification cards will be printed on site.
“Private security agency” shall mean any person engaging in the business of or undertaking to provide a private watchperson, guard or street patrol service on a contractual basis for another person and performing any 1 or more of the following or similar functions:
a. Prevention of intrusion, entry, larceny, vandalism, abuse, fire, or trespass on private property;
b. Prevention, observation or detection of any unauthorized activity on private property;
c. Control, regulation or direction of the flow or movements of the public, whether by vehicle or otherwise, only to extent and for the time directly and specifically required to assure the protection of property; or
d. Supervises event security staff.
“Private security guard” shall mean an individual employed by a private security agency to perform one or more duties as described under the definition of a private security agency.
Persons hired and employed directly by a business entity or person, commonly referred to as “in-house” security, etc. are not required to be licensed. For Example: ABC Department Store employs persons directly to be Security or Loss Prevention.
If you are unsure or have questions, please contact Professional Licensing.
Email: dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov
Phone: (302) 739-5991
§1314. Security guard registration requirements.
Anyone who wishes to be licensed, under this chapter, as a noncommissioned security guard, must meet and maintain the following requirements:
1. Must be at least 18 years of age;
2. Must not have been convicted of any felony;
3. Must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor involving a theft-related offense, drug offense, or moral turpitude, within the last 7 years, and:
a. There are no more than 2 of such misdemeanors during such person’s lifetime; and
b. No misdemeanor conviction occurred during or as a result of employment in a capacity regulated by this chapter.
4. Must not have been, as a juvenile, adjudicated delinquent for conduct which, if committed by an adult would constitute a felony, unless and until that person has reached his or her twenty-first birthday;
5. If served in the armed forces, must not have been dishonorably discharged;
6. Must not be a member or employee of any law-enforcement organization, as defined by the Council of Police Training;
7. Must meet and maintain the qualifications set and approved by the Board of Examiners.
You must take a Mandatory Security Guard training program with an approved instructor. There are four (4) options as outlined in Training Certification above.
Upon successful completion of the training course the individual will be provided with a Training Certificate from the certified class instructor.
Upon completion of the Security Guard training program through DTCC, Defencify, Polytech or an individual private security agency instructor, you are then required to take a security guard test/exam through DTCC. The test/exam is administered exclusively at DTCC. The fee is $49.00. You must present your training program certificate and have valid/photo ID for admittance to the test.
Individuals may register for the test/exam online through DTCC. This test/exam is taken on site and offered at most DTCC campuses in Delaware (Dover, Stanton and Georgetown)
https://us-elevate.elluciancloud.com/app/dtcc
Upon successfully passing the Security Guard test/exam (75% score) individuals will be provided with a Security Guard Test/Exam Certificate from DTCC.
An individual who fails to obtain a 75% or higher on the test/exam is permitted to re-test on a separate date and pay the $49.00 fee for each subsequent attempt.
Yes, use the link below. Please remember Training is mandatory before the Test/Exam can be administered.
You will need to take the Test within one year of the date of your training certificate.
You will need to score a 75% or better to successfully pass the Security Exam at DTCC. If you fail, the test can be re-taken however a re-testing fee will apply each time. There is no limit on how many times the test/exam may be attempted within one year of your training. The training class would not need to be repeated within one year, only the test/exam.
Your security license is valid for five (5) years. Your license expires on your actual birthdate. Your security license can be used for employment at any private security company licensed in Delaware.
If you request to pick up your license it would normally be available in 3-5 business days at the Dover SBI office location only. If your license is mailed it depends on the postal service delivery and you should allow at least ten (10) business days after the license is approved. Individual factors regarding your background may cause the process to take longer.
Every effort is made to process licenses in a timely manner. If it has been more than ten (10) business days since the date of your application/fingerprints being submitted to IdentoGO and you have not been advised of an issue, you may contact Professional Licensing.
Email: dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov
Phone: (302) 739-5991
Your Application fee will NOT be returned if
• Your Application is rejected due to disqualifying charges or conditions
• You submit an application containing omissions or statements which are not true and correct
• You fail to respond and/or supply any request from Professional Licensing for additional information or documentation specifically requested about your application within thirty (30) days. Your application will also be destroyed at that time.
A certified letter will be sent to the address on the individual’s application by Professional Licensing. The letter will give you instructions for your next steps.
No, you must always be in physical possession of your Security License Identification Card while performing security guard duties. Delaware State Police Professional Licensing may conduct unannounced site inspections at any time.
No, but you must indicate “Not employed by an Agency” on your application. Your options for training still include receiving it through Delaware Technical Community College or a Security Agency that provides training.
Once employed by a Private Security Agency it will be the agency’s responsibility to account for you on a mandatory monthly roster submitted to Professional Licensing.
Under no circumstances is a licensed security guard permitted to work or act unless he/she is employed by a Licensed Private Security Guard Agency and working at a location under their control or contract.
No, you must apply for a Delaware Security License. Delaware does not have reciprocity with any other states.
At all times while performing security guard duties. If you have an Armed Red/Card endorsement you must carry that Red Card as well. If you are certified to carry a Baton, Inflammatory Agent Spray, Chemical Spray and/or Handcuffs you must carry your training credentials for these items. Delaware State Police Professional Licensing may conduct unannounced site inspections at any time.
The process to renew your security license is the same as the process to initially obtain your security license. Your security license is valid for five (5) years. Considering you must re-train and re-test, we recommend starting the renewal process at least two (2) months before your expiration date.
No, you must have a valid security guard license on your person while performing security guard duties.
| Unarmed Security Guard | Armed Security Guard |
| -Yellow Card | -Yellow Card & Red Card |
| -If certified – can carry Baton, O/C, Handcuffs. | -If certified – can carry Baton, O/C, Handcuffs. |
| -Not permitted to carry a Firearm | -Permitted to Carry a Firearm when certified |
• The Board approves security guards (Unarmed & Armed) registered in 24 Del.C. Ch. 13 to carry law enforcement style batons, inflammatory agent sprays, chemical sprays and handcuffs.
• The carrying of these weapons/items is only authorized after the security guard completes the appropriate training program with a certified instructor as required by the manufacture of the weapon/item. It is the responsibility of the guard’s employer to ensure this training is completed and the proper training certification is issued.
• It shall be the security guard’s and the security agency responsibility to maintain certification and requalification with the weapon/item consistent with manufacturer standards.
• Please note while Delaware regulations may permit all outlined items, individual security agencies will decide if their security guards may carry such items.
You must notify the Professional Licensing Section within five (5) business days, excluding weekends and holidays. Failure to report may result in the suspension or revocation of a license.
Come into one of our two (2) SBI locations (DSP Troop 2/Newark or Dover SBI office) and request a replacement. No appointment is necessary. Valid License holders fill out the application for the replacement (the link for the form is on the front page or there are copies at SBI). A license must be valid to be replaced. License Identification cards will be printed on site.
Come into one of our two (2) SBI locations (DSP Troop 2/Glasgow or Dover SBI office) and request a replacement (the link for the form in on the front page or there are copies at SBI). Valid License holders must fill out the application for replacement. A license must be valid to be replaced and the holder must present legal documentation proving the name change. The replacement fee is $5.00. License Identification cards will be printed on site.
You must notify Professional Licensing via email – dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov
Professional Licensing is a section of the Delaware State Police assigned to regulate several occupations including Private Security Agencies and Guards. This includes conducting background investigations and records checks of both. Professional Licensing is the investigative and operational arm of the Board of Examiners of Private Security Agencies.
The State Bureau of Identification/Front Desk is assigned to process individuals applying to be Security Guards. This includes obtaining identification information, fingerprints, and photographs of applicants.
The Board of Examiners for Private Security Agencies determines and promulgates the qualifications and regulations for security guards in Delaware. The Board is responsible to investigate alleged violations of state law regarding security guards. Upon review the Board may deny, suspend or revoke security licenses as necessary and hear appeals of the same.
Email: dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov
Phone: (302) 739-5991
Mailing Address:
Professional Licensing Section
600 South Bay Road, Suite 1
Dover, DE 19903