Eligibility

Applicants must complete 8 hours of basic education and training and obtain a passing score of at least 80% on the final written test.
Applicants can complete this training online or in person in a classroom setting.
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.

Applicants must currently have a valid unarmed private security officer license or recently completed an acceptable unarmed private security officer license course and complete an additional 12 hours of firearm education and training which includes 6 hours of classroom firearms instruction, obtain a passing score of at least 80% on the final written test, and at least 6 hours of firearms range instruction (live fire) on which the applicant obtains a passing score of at least 80% using regular or low light conditions.
Applicants must complete all armed private security officer training in a classroom environment in person. Armed training cannot be completed online

We provide the application to all students in our courses.
Application Fee: $90 (not included in any training costs)

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

• A non-refundable application processing fee of $90.00
• 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 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.

Submit all required items listed above to DOPL;

• In person:
  Heber M Wells Building, 1st Floor Lobby
  160 East 300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Or

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

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.

Address: Heber M Wells Building, 1st Floor Lobby 160 East 300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (801) 530-6628
Email: doplweb@utah.gov
Website: https://dopl.utah.gov/sec/index.html

• 58-63 (Security Personnel Licensing Act)
• R156-63a (Contract Security Rule)