Security Guard

Become a Security Guard

Requirements and application to become a security guard.
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Become a Security Guard

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Overview

Ready to step into a rewarding career with growth potential?

A New York State Security Guard license could be your gateway to a stable and in-demand profession.

Discover how a New York State Security Guard license can contribute to your career growth.  From flexible part-time roles to full-time positions with advancement opportunities, the security industry has a place for you.

A New York State Security Guard license allows you to:

  • Conduct surveillance and patrol, inspecting designated areas to detect and prevent intrusion or security breaches.
  •  Monitor and control access to premises, checking identification and maintain visitor logs.
  • React to alarms, disturbances, or emergencies and contact law enforcement or emergency services when necessary.
  • Document incidents, activities, and unusual occurrences in detailed reports.
  • Assist visitors, employees, vendors, or customers with directions and information while maintaining a security presence.
  • Perform industry-specific tasks based on the particular security setting (retail, corporate, healthcare, education, etc.)
  • Build relationships in your community.
  • Develop a skill that you can use anywhere.
 

Requirements

  • Submit a completed application and the required fee to the Department of State
  • Be 18 years old
  • Proof of Fingerprint completion
  • Have not been convicted of a serious criminal offense
  • Have a current NYS photo driver’s license or non-driver ID card
  • Complete training

Security Guard Training Requirements  

Criminal Records Sealed After 10 Years

Fees

There are fees associated a Security Guard registration. You may pay these fees by check or money order made payable to the Department of State or by MasterCard or Visa using a credit card authorization form. DO NOT SEND CASH. Application fees are nonrefundable. A $20 fee will be charged for any check returned by your bank.

  • $36 - Initial Application
  • $25 - Renewal
  • $102.50 - Fingerprint Fee (payable to IDEMIA)
  • $25 - Employment Status Notification
  • $0 - Change of Personal Name and/or Address
  • $25 - Duplicate License/Registration Request
  • $25 - Change of Status

Apply

To apply for a Security Guard registration, submit a completed application to the NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.

FAQs

Contact Contact the Division of Licensing Services

Have a question regarding your license? First, see if your questions are answered in the FAQs above. Otherwise, the quickest way to get in touch with us is through email: Contact us here!


Mailing Information: 
NYS Department of State Division of Licensing Services 
PO Box 22001 
Albany NY 12201-2001 

Please note: If you utilize express services or next day ground services such as UPS, Federal Express, DHL, etc. you should use the physical address of the building. 

Albany Physical Address
Division of Licensing Services 
1 Commerce Plaza 99 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor 
Albany, NY 12231

Phone Information:
General Information (518) 474-4429 
Security Guard and Armored Car Guard Information (518) 474-7569 

Call Center Representatives are available from 8:45am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday except on Legal Holidays.

Deaf, hard of hearing and speech-disabled callers, please use 7-1-1

For all other inquiries, email Licensing Services

Visitor & Customer Service Center Information:
Below is a listing of Licensing Customer Service Centers and the hours of operation. Please monitor this page for updates to office hours, guidelines and or any closures. 

Albany: 
NYS Department of State Division of Licensing Services 
1 Commerce Plaza 99 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor 
Albany, NY 12231 

Customer Service hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm
Apostille Service hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:15pm 

Albany Parking 
Limited on street metered parking is available for 1 Commerce Plaza in Albany. The Office of General Services has various parking lots throughout downtown Albany which have limited visitor parking. To find out more information about the OGS lots, please visit their website.   

 

New York City: 
NYS Department of State 
Division of Licensing Services 
123 William St. 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10038-3804

Customer Service hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm
Apostille Service hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm  

Binghamton: Licensing Customer Service Center is closed until further notice. Licensing examinations will continue to be held as scheduled. 
NYS Department of State 
Division of Licensing Services 
State Office Building 
44 Hawley Street, Room 1506 
Binghamton, NY 13901-4455 
(518) 474-4429 

Buffalo: 
NYS Department of State 
Division of Licensing Services 
295 Main Street, 8th Floor, Suite 821 
Buffalo, NY 14203 
(518) 474-4429

Customer Service Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 12:00pm & 12:45pm - 4:00pm

Hauppauge: Licensing Customer Service Center is closed until further notice. Licensing examinations will continue to be held as scheduled.

NYS Department of State 
Division of Licensing Services 
State Office Building 
250 Veterans Memorial Highway 
Hauppauge, NY 11788-5519 
(518) 474-4429

Utica: 

NYS Department of State 
Division of Licensing Services 
State Office Building 
207 Genesee Street Utica, NY 13501-2812 

Customer Service hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am-12:00pm & 12:45pm-4:00pm