Texas Security
License Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Who Needs a Texas Security License?

In Texas, anyone working as a paid security officer — armed or unarmed, full-time, part-time, or per-diem — is required to hold a valid commission issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) through its Private Security Bureau.

The commission is sometimes called a "guard card," though that's not official DPS terminology. The formal credential is a Security Officer Commission: Level II for unarmed officers, Level III for armed officers.

Working security without a valid commission is a Class A misdemeanor in Texas. Most employers verify commission status before your first shift. You can check active status yourself at any time through the DPS Private Security online portal.

Texas does not recognize security officer licenses from other states. If you're relocating from another state, you'll need to complete Texas-specific training and apply for a Texas commission regardless of what you currently hold.

---

Level II vs Level III — What's the Difference?

Texas issues two primary levels of security officer commission. The level you need depends entirely on whether the role requires you to carry a firearm.

Level II — Unarmed Security Officer Commission

The standard commission for unarmed security work. Required for all paid security positions where the officer does not carry a firearm. This covers the vast majority of security jobs in Texas — corporate campuses, retail, healthcare, residential communities, warehouses, and most commercial sites.

• 30 hours of classroom training from a DPS-approved school
• Written examination at an approved testing site
• Criminal background check and fingerprinting
• DPS application and commission fee
• No firearm qualification required

Level III — Armed Security Officer Commission

Required for any paid security role where the officer carries a handgun. You must hold or concurrently complete Level II training before obtaining Level III.

• Level II commission (or concurrent Level II training completion)
• Minimum 40 hours of additional firearms training
• Range qualification demonstrating proficiency with the approved handgun
• Separate DPS armed commission application and fee
• Ongoing range qualification required at each renewal

The majority of security job openings in the Dallas–Fort Worth area — corporate campuses, retail, healthcare, warehouses, residential communities, and most event venues — require only a Level II commission. Level III is required for roles specifically designated as armed, which tend to be concentrated at financial institutions, data centers, high-value logistics sites, and certain government-contracted positions.

---

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Texas security officer commission, applicants must meet the following criteria set by the Texas DPS Private Security Bureau:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a United States citizen or lawfully admitted alien
• Have not been convicted of a felony or Class A or Class B misdemeanor within the past 20 years
• Have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude
• Be of good moral character
• Not be currently on deferred adjudication for a felony or Class A or Class B misdemeanor
• Not be prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm (Level III applicants)
• Complete required training from a DPS-licensed training school
• Pass the required written examination
• Pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting

A high school diploma or GED is not formally required by DPS for the commission itself, though individual employers may require it as a condition of employment.

---

How to Get Licensed — Step by Step

The process from start to licensed officer typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on how quickly you can schedule training and how fast DPS processes your application.

1. Find a DPS-Licensed Training School

Your pre-licensing training must be completed through a school licensed by the DPS Private Security Bureau. Schools offer in-person, online, or hybrid formats. Costs range from $75–$200 depending on the provider. Search the DPS website for the current list of licensed schools in your area.

2. Complete 30 Hours of Level II Training

The Level II pre-licensing course covers Texas security law, emergency procedures, communication and report writing, public relations, and first aid basics. Some schools complete all 30 hours in a single weekend. Upon completion you'll receive a certificate of training.

3. Pass the Written Examination

After training, you'll take a written exam through a DPS-approved testing provider. The exam covers material from your training course. Most candidates pass on the first attempt with adequate preparation.

4. Submit Fingerprints

Texas requires electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO (MorphoTrust), which has locations throughout the DFW metro. Schedule an appointment online — results are submitted directly to DPS.

5. Apply Through the DPS Private Security Portal

Submit your commission application at psp.txdps.state.tx.us. Upload your training certificate, exam results, and pay the application fee. Processing typically runs 1–3 weeks depending on application volume.

6. Receive Your Commission Card

Once approved, DPS mails your physical commission card and activates your commission in the DPS verification system. Many employers can verify your status online before the card arrives — ask whether they can start you during the processing window.

---

Costs & Fees

Total out-of-pocket costs vary based on your training provider and whether you're applying for Level II only or both levels. The ranges below reflect typical DFW market pricing.

Level II (Unarmed) — Estimated Total

Item	Estimated Cost
Pre-licensing training (30 hours)	$75–$200
Written exam fee	$25–$50
Fingerprinting (IdentoGO)	$10–$20
DPS commission application fee	$30–$40
Estimated Total	$140–$310

Some employers — particularly larger national guard firms — cover training costs or reimburse upon hire. Ask about reimbursement before paying out of pocket.

Level III (Armed) — Additional Costs

Item	Estimated Cost
Firearms training course (40+ hours)	$150–$350
Range qualification (ammunition, range time)	$50–$100
DPS armed commission application fee	$40–$60
Estimated Additional Total	$240–$510

Level III costs are in addition to Level II costs. Some schools bundle both levels at a combined rate.

---

Renewal & Continuing Education

Texas security officer commissions expire and must be renewed to remain valid. Working on an expired commission carries the same legal exposure as working without one.

Level II Renewal

Level II commissions are valid for two years. To renew, complete 6 hours of continuing education from a DPS-licensed provider and submit a renewal application with the applicable fee before the expiration date.

Level III Renewal

Level III commissions also renew on a two-year cycle and require the same 6 hours of CE plus a current firearms range qualification. Officers who let their range qualification lapse must re-qualify before the armed commission can be renewed.

Late Renewal

DPS allows a grace period for late renewals, but working during an expired commission period is not permitted. Set a reminder 90 days before expiration — CE courses fill up and DPS processing takes time.

---

Disqualifying Offenses

Texas DPS will deny a commission application based on criminal history. Common disqualifying factors include:

• Conviction of any felony offense
• Conviction of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor within the past 20 years
• Active deferred adjudication for a felony or Class A/B misdemeanor
• Any conviction involving moral turpitude (fraud, theft, dishonesty-related offenses)
• Family violence convictions (disqualifying for Level III under federal law)
• Outstanding warrants or pending criminal charges at time of application
• Prior revocation of a Texas security commission

Class C misdemeanors (traffic violations, minor infractions) generally do not disqualify an applicant on their own. DPS offers a pre-application criminal history evaluation for individuals uncertain about eligibility — contact the Private Security Bureau before investing in training costs.

---