Renewal security guard application

Online training videos are available for security guard applications.

We recommend using Google Chrome or Safari browsers to complete the online application. 

Renew online

Step 1.Before you apply

  • You can renew a license as early as 90 days before it expires. The Department will try to remind license holders of the approaching deadline to the email provided at application. Failure of a reminder does not excuse any applicable late penalty.
  • Complete a renewal training program taught by an eligible training provider. 

Step 2.Watch the online training videos

Online training videos provide helpful and detailed overviews of the application process. They are on the Online Training Videos webpage. They show how to register for an account, how to complete licensed establishment and entity registration records, and how to apply for new business licenses or amendments.

Step 3.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below.

Important notes to keep in mind about your documents:

  • All materials must be digital files saved as a .pdf or .jpg. Do not include any other file types. The Department of Excise and Licenses cannot accept other file types.
  • Use numbers or letters but not characters such as symbols (/ ? < > \ : * | “ ^) or spaces that could cause complications.
    • For example:
      • Good filename: drivers-license-name-2022.pdf
      • Bad filename: last name/ id.pdf
  • In some cases, you might need to combine documents and upload them in a single .pdf. You can use a free, online tool to merge documents into a single file. 
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (such as a lease) must be included in the application.
  • All materials must be legible. 
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 4.Renew in Denver's Online Permitting and Licensing Center

In Denver’s Online Permitting and Licensing Center: 

  • Under Business, Short-Term Rental, and Occupational Licensing, click "Renew or Manage."
  • On the "My Licenses" page, select "Renew Application" for the license you want to renew and follow the prompts.

This will begin and guide you through the application.

You can save and resume within 30 days any time during the application process. After 30 days, you must start again. 

After the online application is complete, you will be prompted to submit fees in the online portal. These can be paid with a bank account or a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card.

Step 5.Pay required fees

License fee:
$25

If requesting replacement badge during renewal:
$5

See "Late Renewals" below to review late fees.

Step 6.City application review and next steps

Excise and Licenses tries to conduct an initial review of a complete application within seven business days. The review process might take longer if it is incomplete or requires police review (if applicable).

  • All application-related communications will be sent through email, from EXLNotifications@denvergov.org. Do not respond to these emails as this inbox is not monitored.
  • If the application is incomplete, the applicant will receive a "notice of deficiency" email. This allows 14 days for corrections. License endorsement requests and incidents on a background check need police review.
  • All applications will be closed if they are not completed within 12 months.

Step 7.License issuance

Once renewed, a copy of the license is emailed and a new expiration sticker is mailed. Licensees must place this sticker over the previous year on the back of their badge.

Read and follow all conditions printed on the license.

Read "Once your license is renewed" below and follow the requirements.

All security guards

  • A certificate of security guard training completion completed within the past 90 days
  • A letter of hire from your intended employer(s) completed within the past 60 days
  • A CBI background check within the past 60 days. CBI documents must be uploaded as one file. The file must be in chronological order and the pages cannot be upside down. For example, pages 1-10 all right side-up in one file. If they are not uploaded correctly, they will be returned to be uploaded correctly.

Additional for a plainclothes endorsement

This endorsement allows you to work as a security guard in regular clothes instead of your employer's approved uniform for specific events.

Additional for a firearm endorsement

This endorsement allows you to carry a firearm while working as a security guard

Additional for an explosive detection canine endorsement

This endorsement allows you to be accompanied by an explosive detection canine while working as a security guard

 

If you are adding endorsements during your renewal

 

Adding an employer

Adding or amending a plainclothes endorsement

Adding a firearm endorsement

Adding an explosive detection canine endorsement

No documentation is needed to remove an employer or endorsement. 

Notify Excise and Licenses of a conviction

Notify Excise and Licenses of a use of force resulting in bodily harm

Legal name changes

If your legal name changes, please email a request to licenses@denvergov.org and include one of the following documents:

  • A certified copy of a marriage certificate indicating your new name
  • A certified copy of a final divorce decree in which the judge listed your desired name change
  • Other certified court documents granting a legal name change

No documentation is needed to request a replacement badge

Licenses must be renewed on or before the expiration date to avoid penalty fees. 

90-day grace period

There is a 90-day grace period from the expiration date when licenses can be renewed by paying the license and the penalty fees. If a license is not renewed before it expires, operations must cease until it is renewed.

First 30 days of grace period: 20% penalty fee

Days 31 to 90: 50% penalty fee

After 90 days: Licensees must apply for a new license

License must be carried and badge must be displayed while working

Excise and Licenses will email a professional license to all licensees. This license (or a clear picture of the professional license) must be carried when working.

The permanent badge issued by Excise and Licenses must always be worn on the outermost clothing in a visible manner when working. Members of the public can request to see proof of licensure and badge whenever the licensee is working.
 
If a badge is lost or damaged, a replacement can be requested online.

Requirement to keep contact information up to date

File an online amendment application to notify the Department of any contact information changes. These updates must be filed within 72 hours of the change. 

Requirement to renew annually

Professional licenses expire annually. It is unlawful to work with an expired license. Renewal applications must be filed before a license expires.

Changes in employment or endorsements

If a guard stops working for an employer or exercising the privileges of any endorsement (firearm, plainclothes, or explosive detection canine), they must file an online license amendment application within 72 hours

If a guard wants to start working for a new employer or exercise the privileges of any endorsement (firearm, plainclothes, or explosive detection canine), they must file an online amendment application to have the application approved before making the proposed change.

Requirement to notify the department of convictions or use of force resulting in bodily harm

If a guard is convicted of a crime or engages in the use of force that results in bodily harm, they must file an online amendment application within 72 hours.

Municipal Code

Denver Revised Municipal Code

Definition 42-131

Requirements 42-132

Application requirements 42-133

Required training 42-134

Term of licenses; renewals 42-141

Fees 32-95

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If you have a compliment, complaint or concern about a business in Denver, complete the form below. We will investigate any complaint about a business license issued for the City and County of Denver.

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