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Security Officer Licensing

RENEW A SECURITY LICENSE

All Security Officer Licenses Expire On November 30th Of Every Even-Numbered Year

PRIVATE SECURITY OFFICER CONTINUING EDUCATION

You Must Complete ALL Continuing Education BEFORE Renewing A License

CHANGE NAME/ADDRESS

No Previous Security Experience Required

The Division Of Occupational And Professional Licensing (DOPL) regulates all private security officer licenses to work as a security officer for a Contract Security Company. We have provided all the information you need to know below, but you can also see the DOPL website Security Companies and Guards for information.

There are 5 easy steps to obtain a private security officer license.

1. Eligibility

The Security Personnel Licensing Act of 1995 requires all individuals in the state of Utah to;

  1. Be at least 18 years old.
  2. Meet the minimum requirements as described under 58-63-302. Qualifications for licensure and R156-63a-302f. Qualifications for Licensure – Good Moral Character – Disqualifying Convictions. If you have a criminal conviction you may be prohibited from obtaining or holding a private security officer license.
  3. Complete an approved basic education and training program.
  4. Obtain an unarmed or armed private security officer license.

Important

All individuals who had a Utah unarmed or armed private security officer license within the past 2 years (expired on 11/30/2022) cannot apply as a new applicant. The individual is required to complete ALL applicable continuing education and renew the license by paying the renewal fee and applicable late fee. See our continuing education information.

If you have had a VALID security license, for at least one year, as a security professional in a state, territory, or district of the United States you may qualify for licensure by endorsement to obtain a Utah security license without having to complete the required training. Select a link below for approved jurisdictions and additional information.

If you have any questions please contact us.

2. Complete The Required Training

Unarmed Private Security Officer License

  • Applicants must complete an approved basic education and training program which consists of at least 8 hours and must obtain a score of at least 80% on the final examination.
  • Applicants can complete this training online or in person.

NOTE: It is illegal for an unarmed private security officer to carry or have access to a firearm while on duty, even if he/she has a concealed firearm permit.

Unarmed Security License Training

Armed Private Security Officer License

  • Applicants must currently have a valid Utah unarmed private security officer license or recently completed an approved basic education and training program which consists of at least 8 hours and must obtain a score of at least 80% on the final examination.
  • Applicants must then complete an approved basic firearms training program which consists of at least 12 hours. This includes at least six hours of classroom firearms instruction and at least six hours of firearms range instruction using a recognized practical pistol course on which the applicant achieves a minimum score of 80% using regular and low-light conditions.

Applicants must complete all armed training in a classroom environment, in person. Armed training cannot be completed online.

Armed Security License Training

3. Complete The Application

We provide the application to all students in our courses or you can download an application.

As described in R156-63a-302a (2) the following items are required to submit the application:

  • A non-refundable application processing fee of $90.00 (not included in any training costs)
    If you are a military member or military spouse, please review the DOPL Military Resources page before applying.
  • A completed application ensuring it is legible.
  • Supporting documentation for any “yes” answers provided on the “Qualifying Questionnaire”. See page 2 of the application for more information.
  • Criminal History Disclosure Statement (page 3 of the application)
  • Certification of Education Requirements (page 4 of the application)
    Unarmed License: The Certification of Initial Basic Education must be completed and signed by an authorized instructor approved by DOPL OR attach a certificate; showing completion of an approved online basic education and training course.
    Armed License (initial applicants): The Certification of Initial Basic Education must be completed and signed by an authorized instructor approved by DOPL OR attach a certificate; showing completion of an approved online basic education and training course AND the Certification of Initial Firearm Education must be completed and signed by an authorized instructor approved by DOPL showing completion of an approved armed basic education and training course.
    Armed License (current unarmed license holders): For “upgrade” applicants, the Certification of Initial Firearm Education must be completed and signed by an authorized instructor approved by DOPL showing completion of an approved armed basic education and training course.
  • Original “Right of Access” Criminal History Report from the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) showing “No Criminal Record” if requesting an Interim License. (cost: $15)
  • Fingerprints. DOPL provides fingerprint services (appointment required) for all applicants and is included in the licensing fee. If you are unable to obtain fingerprints at DOPL’s office, you must include two (2) completed fingerprint cards (FD-258) with your application.
    We provide fingerprints in our courses and we provide fingerprints for the public.

4. Submit The Application

Submit all required items listed above to DOPL;

Or

  • Mail To:
    Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
    PO BOX 146741
    Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741

5. Application Process

No Utah Criminal Record

  • If selected on the application, DOPL will email the interim (temporary) security license within 1 to 2 business days to the applicant’s email address provided on the application as described in R156-63a-302g and 58-63-310. This temporary license will be valid for 90 days (3 months).
  • When the FBI fingerprint background check is clear DOPL will then email the active security license to the applicant’s email address provided on the application, usually within approximately 2 weeks.
  • If an applicant’s application is denied after a federal background check is conducted, an interim license will automatically expire and the applicant will receive notice and reason for the denial.

Past Criminal Record

  • Applicants that have any convictions on their Utah criminal history report are not eligible to receive an interim (temporary) security license and will have their criminal history reviewed by the DOPL board to determine if the applicant is qualified to obtain a security license. If approved, DOPL will email the active security license to the applicant’s email address provided on the application, usually within approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
  • If an applicant’s application is denied, the applicant will receive a notice and reason for the denial.

If you have any questions about meeting the qualification requirements, please contact us.

Division Of Occupational And Professional Licensing (DOPL)

Important Licensing Information

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