Pathway to security guard licensing in Texas

1. Level IIUnarmed security

   Noncommissioned security officer

   Required training

   Level II training and examination

   Intended duties

   Unarmed security duties

2. Level IIIArmed security

   Commissioned security officer

   Required training

   Level II plus Level III training; Level III includes at least 45 hours and firearms qualification

   Intended duties

   Armed security duties within the authority of a DPS-issued commission

3. Level IVPPO

   Personal protection officer

   Required training

   Level II, Level III, and at least 15 hours of Level IV training

   Intended duties

   Armed personal protection and bodyguard duties

Level II training is the starting point for all three pathways, subject to applicable exemptions. Level IV builds on the Level III requirements. Review the DPS training requirements (opens in a new tab) before enrolling.

Applicants must meet the qualifications for their selected license. These include applicable age requirements, criminal history standards, and other statutory and regulatory conditions.

The principal eligibility provisions include Texas Occupations Code §§1702.113 and 1702.229. Armed security applicants must also satisfy §1702.163, while personal protection applicants have additional requirements under §1702.204.

Start with the official DPS Eligibility and Compliance FAQ (opens in a new tab).

Choose a provider authorized to deliver your required training. Use the TOPS license search (opens in a new tab) to check school and instructor credentials.

Pass the required examinations and save clear copies of your completion certificates. Armed applicants must complete the required practical training and firearms qualification. DPS states that the firearms proficiency demonstration must be completed within 90 days of the application date.

Prepare the following before opening your application. Tick each item off as you collect it:

Visit Texas Online Private Security — TOPS (opens in a new tab) and follow the prompts for an individual application.

1. 11. Access or establish your TOPS profile.
2. 22. Select the appropriate individual license type.
3. 33. Enter your personal and contact information.
4. 44. Supply employment information if applicable.
5. 55. Answer the eligibility questions fully and accurately.
6. 66. Review your application before submitting it.

If you previously held a Texas private security credential, check whether you already have a profile. Use the account recovery options when needed. The DPS application instructions and examples (opens in a new tab) provide additional assistance.

Pay the fees displayed for your selected application. Where available, an affiliated employer may pay through the TOPS employer-payment option.

After submitting a paid application, review the personalized checklist sent by DPS. Use that checklist to identify outstanding requirements.

New applicants generally must submit electronic fingerprints through IdentoGO, unless eligible for the alternative fingerprint process. The DPS instructions direct applicants to:

1. 11. Submit their application and payment through TOPS.
2. 22. Watch for the IdentoGO scheduling email, including in the spam or junk folder.
3. 33. Follow the email’s link and enter the requested identifying information.
4. 44. Select an enrollment center and appointment.
5. 55. Bring the required identification to the appointment.

Use the instructions associated with your private security application so the fingerprints are routed correctly.

In TOPS, open your pending application and select “Checklist/Upload Docs.” Upload each requested document separately and classify it correctly.

Check your email and TOPS account regularly. Respond promptly if DPS requests a clearer certificate, additional identification, court records, or other supporting information.

You can begin the application process without being affiliated with a licensed company. However, DPS explains that an unaffiliated applicant will not receive a pocket card until company affiliation is completed.

Once hired, coordinate with your employer to complete the TOPS affiliation and employment-verification process. DPS also states that a license that remains unaffiliated for two years cannot be renewed; the individual must reapply.

A training certificate alone does not authorize you to begin every type of security assignment.

Texas permits certain applicants to work in an unarmed capacity while an application is pending, but only when the applicable application, background-check, and employer requirements are satisfied.

DPS explains that if 48 hours have passed after submission of a substantially complete application—including payment and electronic fingerprints—and the required notice or status is unavailable, the employer must conduct the specified DPS criminal history and sex offender database checks and confirm eligibility. Different background-check provisions apply when DPS has already provided the qualifying status.

Your employer should verify compliance with the official DPS Working Prior to Licensure guidance (opens in a new tab).

Keep your contact information current, retain your training records, and monitor the expiration date on your credential.

DPS states that a first individual license expires two years after issuance. Subsequent credentials may align with an existing expiration date. Armed officers must also satisfy applicable continuing education and firearms requalification requirements before renewal.

Set reminders well before expiration and review the DPS individual licensing FAQ (opens in a new tab) when preparing to renew.