What You Need to Do to Get a Security License in New York

To get a security license in New York, you must complete a training course, pass a written exam, and submit your process to the New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services. The process takes between four and eight weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you complete the training and how fast the state processes your paperwork. You will need to be at least 18 years old, have a Social Security number, and pass a background check that includes fingerprinting.

New York has two main security license types: unarmed security guard and armed security guard. An unarmed license lets you work in retail stores, office buildings, and event venues. An armed license lets you carry a firearm and typically pays more, but requires additional training and a separate pistol permit. Most people start with the unarmed license because it is faster and cheaper.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete an 8-hour or 16-hour approved training course before you can sit for the exam, depending on whether you want an unarmed or armed license.
  • The written exam covers New York security law, emergency procedures, and customer service; you need a score of at least 70 percent to pass.
  • The state charges a $75 process fee for an unarmed license and $100 for an armed license, plus the cost of your training course, which ranges from $150 to $400.
  • Your license is valid for two years, and you must renew it by completing a 4-hour refresher course and paying a renewal fee of $50 to $75.
  • Background checks include a criminal history review and fingerprinting; felony convictions and certain misdemeanors will disqualify you.

Finding and Completing an Approved Training Course

New York requires you to take a course from a training provider licensed by the Department of State. You cannot use online-only courses; the training must include in-person classroom time. Search the Department of State website for "licensed security guard training providers" to find schools near you. Most cities have multiple options, and courses are offered both during the day and in the evening to fit different schedules.

For an unarmed license, the course is 8 hours long and covers New York Penal Law, emergency procedures, customer service, and workplace safety. For an armed license, you need 16 hours of training, which includes everything in the unarmed course plus firearms handling, legal use of force, and marksmanship. The armed course is split between classroom and range time. Courses typically cost between $150 and $400, depending on the provider and location. Some employers pay for the training if you commit to working for them after you get your license.

When you enroll, bring a photo ID and your Social Security number. The training provider will give you a certificate of completion when you finish. Keep this certificate—you will need it to explore for your license. Most providers schedule the exam on the same day as the final class, so you can test when ready after finishing the course.

Passing the Written Exam

The exam is administered by the training provider on behalf of the Department of State. It is a multiple-choice test with 50 questions, and you have 90 minutes to complete it. You need a score of at least 70 percent (35 out of 50 correct) to pass. The test covers New York Penal Law sections that explore to security work, your duties and limitations as a guard, emergency response procedures, and professional conduct.

The exam includes real-world scenarios—for example, "A customer is being aggressive with a store employee. What is your first action?" You cannot use notes or phones during the test. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will have to pay the exam fee again and may need to repeat part of the training. Most people pass on their first attempt if they pay attention during the course.

Submitting Your process to the State

After you pass the exam, the training provider sends your test results to the Department of State. You then submit your own process directly to the Division of Licensing Services. You can explore online through the Department of State website or by mail. The online process is faster and lets you track your status.

You will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and phone number. You must also consent to a background check and fingerprinting. The state will schedule you for fingerprinting at a local police precinct or approved vendor; you will receive a notice in the mail with the date and location. Fingerprinting is free and takes about 15 minutes.

The process fee is $75 for an unarmed license and $100 for an armed license. You can pay by credit card online or by check if you mail your process. Do not send cash. Once the state receives your completed process, your exam results, and your fingerprints, processing typically takes four to six weeks.

Background Check and Disqualifying Factors

The state will run a criminal background check using your fingerprints. They check New York State records, FBI records, and the sex offender registry. Felony convictions disqualify you automatically. Certain misdemeanors also disqualify you, including assault, theft, drug possession, and weapons violations. Disqualifying misdemeanors include any crime of dishonesty or violence within the past 10 years.

The state also looks at whether you have outstanding warrants, active restraining orders, or pending criminal charges. If you have any of these, your process will be denied. If you are unsure whether your record will disqualify you, contact the Department of State Division of Licensing Services before you pay for training. They can tell you whether your specific situation makes you ineligible.

Receiving Your License and Starting Work

Once the state approves your process, you will receive your license by mail. It is a wallet-sized card with your photo, name, license number, and expiration date. Your license is valid for two years from the date of issue. You must carry it with you whenever you work as a security guard. Your employer will ask to see it before your first shift.

Some employers require you to have your license before you start work; others hire you conditionally and let you start once your license arrives. If you are job hunting before you have your license, tell employers your process is pending and give them your process receipt number so they can verify your status with the state.

Renewing Your License Before It Expires

Your license expires two years after the date it was issued. To renew, you must complete a 4-hour refresher training course and submit a renewal process to the state. The refresher course covers updates to New York security law and reviews the main topics from your original training. You can take the refresher course at any licensed training provider, and it costs between $100 and $200.

Start the renewal process at least two months before your license expires. If your license expires while your renewal is pending, you cannot legally work as a security guard until the new license arrives. The renewal process fee is $50 to $75, depending on whether you hold an unarmed or armed license. You do not need to retake the full exam to renew—the refresher course and process are sufficient.

Armed License Requirements and Pistol Permits

If you want to carry a firearm on the job, you need an armed security license, not just an unarmed license. The armed license requires 16 hours of training instead of 8, and the state charges a higher process fee. However, having an armed security license does not automatically give you the right to carry a gun. You also need a separate pistol permit issued by your county.

Pistol permits in New York are issued by the county where you live or work. The process is separate from your security license and can take several months. You will need to explore to your county's licensing officer, provide references, and explain why you need the permit. Some counties are more restrictive than others. Once you have both your armed security license and your pistol permit, you can legally carry a firearm while working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a security guard while my license process is pending?

No. You must have your license in hand before you can legally work. Some employers will hire you conditionally and let you start as soon as your license arrives, but you cannot work during the waiting period. The state does not issue temporary licenses.

What happens if I fail the exam?

You can retake the exam, but you will have to pay the exam fee again and may need to repeat part of the training course. Most training providers let you retake the exam within 30 days at a reduced cost. Check with your provider about their retake policy before you take the first exam.

Do I need a high school diploma to get a security license?

No. New York does not require a high school diploma or GED. You only need to be at least 18 years old, have a Social Security number, and pass the background check and written exam.

How much does it cost to get a security license in New York?

The total cost ranges from $225 to $500 for an unarmed license, depending on the training provider and location. This includes the training course ($150 to $400), the exam fee (included in the course), and the state process fee ($75). An armed license costs more because the training is longer and the process fee is higher.

Can I get a security license if I have a misdemeanor on my record?

It depends on the type of misdemeanor and how long ago it occurred. Crimes of dishonesty or violence within the past 10 years disqualify you. Other misdemeanors may not. Contact the Department of State Division of Licensing Services with details about your record before you pay for training.