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 several training formats available to complete this training certification.
Individuals seeking licensure as a Private Security Guard employed by a licensed Delaware Class B or Class C Security Agency shall successfully complete a mandatory Security Guard training program when initially applying for a Delaware Private Security Guard License. Training is also required for license renewal. This training program must be completed through a Board Approved Training Facility or a licensed Class B or C Security Agency that offers training. Outlined below are approved Delaware Security Guard Training options:
(1) Delaware Technical & Community College (DTCC)
Training format: Virtual/Live (online) & Virtual/Self-paced (online)
Registration link: https://us-elevate.elluciancloud.com/app/dtcc/f?p=WEB_CATALOGUE:HOME::::1::#top
Contact: Workforce Development 302-454-3956
(2) Defencify
Training format: Virtual/Self-paced (online)
website: https://defencifytraining.com/
Contact: available on website
(3) Polytech Adult Education
Training format: In-Person
Contact: jennifer.powell@polytech.k12.de.us
(4) Delaware Tactical Defense Training Academy
Training format: In-Person
website: https://www.delawaretactical.com/
Contact: Training@delawaretactical.com or 302-222-7724
(5) The Protection Group
Training format: Virtual/Live (online)
Contact: JP@ProtectionAcademy.org or 302-446-4320
(6) Class B or Class C Delaware Security Agency (where available)
Some licensed Class B or Class C Delaware Security Agencies have individual approved Security Guard Trainers and may offer training to new, renewing or potential employees. Please consult the individual agency to inquire.
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 $59.00 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.
“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
Fingerprinting & ID Card Picture fees are assessed through IdentoGO. Applicants may consult IdentoGO regarding their specific refund policy. Delaware State Police will not refund any fees submitted to IdentoGO as they are independent vendor.
Your Application submitted to Delaware State Police will NOT be processed for any of the following reasons outlined below.
Please note, new Applications submitted more than thirty (30) days from an initial or renewal Application will require new fingerprinting and ID Card services through IdentoGO.
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.
New or Renewing Unarmed (Yellow Card) License Holders will be sent an Initial 15-day Temporary Email Approval (via email) which can be used in lieu of a physical identification card for fifteen (15) days to allow for the physical ID card to arrive in the mail or be obtained at the Dover office.
If a new or renewal ID card has not been received via mail within fifteen (15) days, the applicant should contact Professional Licensing. ID Cards are mailed to the address on the Application, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to make certain that address is valid and correct.
Beyond this initial 15-day period, guards must always be in physical possession of their Security License Identification Card while performing security guard duties. Delaware State Police Professional Licensing may conduct unannounced site inspections at any time.
Temporary Email approvals are not issued for Firearms (Red Card) Identification Cards nor for any other Professional License industry employees.
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.
Option #1 – In-Person at Dover/SBI Office – *please contact before traveling
Option #2 – Submitted via EMAIL – please anticipate 14 days for processing
Individuals who are licensed under Professional Licensing and are requesting a Change of Status (Legal Name Change or Agency Name Change) have two (2) options for making this request.
Option #1 – In-Person at Dover/SBI Office – *please contact before traveling
Option #2 – Submitted via EMAIL – please anticipate 14 days for processing
The license holder or the agency must include the $5.00 fee which must be made payable by a debit/credit card. Should the license holder be submitting a money order or a company check, the application will need to be mailed (US Postal) to Professional Licensing to the address outlined at the top of the Request Form.
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.
Delaware Law and Regulations for Security Guards and Private Investigators does not define duties of either which would be consistent with the duties normally associated with “Executive Protection.” Accordingly, Title 24, Chapter 13 does not address the topic for individuals or agencies.
Security Guards wear a distinctive uniform displaying a Class B or C Agency patch. The law regarding Security Guards carrying a firearm indicate the guard must wear a distinctive uniform displaying a distinctive Class B or C agency patch indicating they are a security guard and wear the firearm in plain (open) view. Normal “Executive Protection” duties include plain clothes operations and firearms concealment which is contrary to this requirement.
Email: dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov
Phone: (302) 739-5991
Mailing Address:
Professional Licensing Section
600 South Bay Road, Suite 1
Dover, DE 19903
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