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 license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) through its Regulatory Services Division.

This is sometimes called a "guard card," though that's not official DPS terminology. The formal credentials are a non-commissioned Security Officer registration (Level II, unarmed) and a Security Officer Commission (Level III, armed).

Working security without a valid license is a Class A misdemeanor in Texas. Most employers verify license status before your first shift. You can check active status yourself at any time through the TOPS 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 license regardless of what you currently hold.

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

Texas issues two primary security officer license types. The one you need depends entirely on whether the role requires you to carry a firearm.

Level II — Non-Commissioned (Unarmed) Security Officer

The standard registration 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, including corporate campuses, retail, healthcare, residential communities, warehouses, and most commercial sites.

• 6-hour Level II training course from a DPS-approved school (exam included)
• End-of-course exam given by the training school
• Criminal background check and fingerprinting
• DPS registration application and 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 registration (or concurrent Level II training completion)
• Minimum 45-hour Level III training course, including firearms and course of fire
• 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 registration. 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 license, applicants must meet the following criteria set by the Texas DPS Regulatory Services Division:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a United States citizen or lawfully admitted alien
• Meet DPS criminal-history standards (certain felonies and Class A or Class B misdemeanors disqualify for the periods set in the DPS disqualifying-offenses schedule)
• 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 license 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 Regulatory Services Division. 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 the 6-Hour Level II Training Course

The Level II course covers security officer roles and responsibilities, applicable Texas rules and state laws, communication and conflict resolution, and use of force. It is a six-hour curriculum that most students finish in a single day, and it is available fully online. Upon completion you'll receive a certificate of training.

3. Pass the Course Exam

The Level II course includes an end-of-course exam given by the training school. There is no separate DPS testing appointment for Level II. You must pass to receive your certificate of completion, and most providers let you retake it if needed.

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 TOPS

Submit your application through TOPS (Texas Online Private Security) at tops.portal.texas.gov. Upload your training certificate and pay the application fee. Processing typically runs 1 to 3 weeks depending on application volume.

6. Receive Your Pocket Card

Once approved, DPS mails your physical pocket card and activates your license in the TOPS verification system. Many employers can verify your status online before the card arrives, so 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

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

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 licenses expire and must be renewed to remain valid. Working on an expired license carries the same legal exposure as working without one.

Level II Renewal

Level II registrations are valid for two years. Non-commissioned officers are exempt from continuing education, so there is no CE requirement to renew. Submit a renewal application through TOPS with the applicable fee. Renewal opens up to 180 days before the expiration date.

Level III Renewal

Level III commissions renew on a two-year cycle and require 6 hours of continuing education plus a firearms proficiency certificate dated within 90 days of the renewal application. Officers who let their range qualification lapse must re-qualify before the armed commission can be renewed.

Late Renewal

DPS allows late renewal for up to one year after expiration with late fees, but working during any lapsed period is not permitted. Set a reminder ahead of your expiration date, since commissioned CE courses fill up and DPS processing takes time.

Disqualifying Offenses

Texas DPS will deny a license 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 ineligibility period set in the DPS disqualifying-offenses schedule
• 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 license or commission

Class C misdemeanors (traffic violations, minor infractions) generally do not disqualify an applicant on their own. DPS offers a criminal history evaluation letter for individuals uncertain about eligibility. Request it from the DPS Regulatory Services Division before investing in training costs.

Verify With Official Texas Sources

Security licensing rules, fees, and processing times change. This page is a guide, not legal advice. Confirm the current requirements directly with the Texas Department of Public Safety before you pay for training or apply.