Dear Customer,
We strongly recommend using Google Chrome or Safari browsers to complete the online application.
After November 1st, 2018 all individuals who currently hold a merchant guard license will need to apply for a NEW security guard license at least 30 days before their current license expires. Please see details below for how to apply for a new security guard license.
You can access the online application by clicking on the blue buttons on the right-hand side of this page.
We recommend that current merchant guards apply for a new security guard license 30 days before their current license expires. This will ensure that Excise and Licenses has plenty of time to process the application so that there is no lapse in the guards ability to work.
We recommend that all security guards start their application by downloading our New Security Guard Online Application Guide.
We recommend that all security guards start their renewal application by downloading our Renewal Security Guard Online Application Guide.
You can access a full list of FAQs and Application User Guides that walk you through the online application process here.
A security guard applicant or their employer can check the status of an application at any time through the online application portal. Please download our Application Status Check-In Guide for step by step instructions.
Upon application, you will need to pay a $25 application fee and a $25 license fee. These fees can be paid with a bank account or a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover Card.
The following documents are required upon application.
All Security Guards
Additional for a Plainclothes Endorsement
Additional for a Firearm Endorsement
Additional for an Explosive Detection Canine Endorsement
NOTE - Excise and Licenses will strive to process any application for a new security guard license within 7 business days. The application review process may take longer if the application is found to be incomplete or if a police review is required.
The application process for a new security guard license is as follows:
License Must be Carried and Badge Must be Displayed While Working
Excise and Licenses will email a professional license to all security guards. This license (or a clear picture of the professional license) must be carried by the security guard at all times during which the security guard is working.
The permanent security guard badge issued by Excise and Licenses must be worn on the outermost part of their uniform or clothing in a clearly visible manner at all times during which the security guard is working. If a badge is lost or damaged, a replacement badge can be requested online.
Changes in Employment or Endorsements
If a guard stops working for a particular employer or stops exercising the privileges of any endorsement (firearm, plainclothes, or explosive detection canine) they must file an online license amendment application notifying Excise and Licenses of the change within 72 hours
If a guard wishes to start working for a new employer or begin exercising the privileges of any endorsement (firearm, plainclothes, or explosive detection canine), they must file an online amendment application with Excise and Licenses and 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 which results in bodily harm, they must file an online amendment application notifying Excise and Licenses within 72 hours.
Requirement to Keep Contact Information Up to Date
If a guard's contact information changes, they must file an online amendment application notifying Excise and Licenses of the change.
Requirement to Renew Annually
Professional licenses and any accompanying endorsements expire annually. It is unlawful for a guard to work with an expired license. Renewal applications must be filed online with Excise and Licenses before a license expires.
WHEN TO RENEW
You can renew your Security Guard license as early as 60 days before the expiration date. You should receive an e-mail notification when your renewal period opens.
HOW TO RENEW
Use the link HERE or on the right hand side of this page to access our online licensing portal. On the "Welcome" page, select "Renew or Manage" action under Occupational Licensing. On the "My Licenses" page, select the "Renew Application" action for the license you wish to update, and then follow the prompts.
Upon renewal, you will need to pay a $25 license fee. This fee can be paid with a bank account or a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover Card.
The following documents are required upon application.
All Security Guards
Additional For A Plainclothes Endorsement
This endorsement allows you to work as a security guard in regular clothes rather than 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
Note - Excise and Licenses will strive to process any application for a security guard renewal within 7 business days. The application review process may take longer if the application is found to be incomplete or inconsistent.
The renewal process is as follows:
License Must be Carried and Badge Must be Displayed While Working
Excise and Licenses will email a professional license to all security guards. This license (or a clear picture of the professional license) must be carried by the security guard at all times during which the security guard is working.
The permanent security guard badge issued by Excise and Licenses must be worn on the outermost part of their uniform or clothing in a clearly visible manner at all times during which the security guard is working. If a badge is lost or damaged, a replacement badge can be requested online.
Changes in Employment or Endorsements
If a guard stops working for a particular employer or stops exercising the privileges of any endorsement (firearm, plainclothes, or explosive detection canine) they must file an online license amendment application notifying Excise and Licenses of the change within 72 hours
If a guard wishes to start working for a new employer or begin exercising the privileges of any endorsement (firearm, plainclothes, or explosive detection canine), they must file an online amendment application with Excise and Licenses and 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 which results in bodily harm, they must file an online amendment application notifying Excise and Licenses within 72 hours.
Requirement to Keep Contact Information Up to Date
If a security guard's contact information changes, they must file an online amendment application notifying Excise and Licenses of the change.
Requirement to Renew Annually
Professional licenses and any accompanying endorsements expire annually. It is unlawful for a guard to work with an expired license. Renewal applications must be filed online with Excise and Licenses before a license expires.
A security guard applicant can check the status of an application at any time through the online application portal. Please download our Application Status Check-In Guide for step by step instructions.
WHEN TO FILE
Before beginning to work for a new employer, or before exercising the privileges of an endorsement, security guards must file an Employer or Endorsement Change application and have it approved.
Security guards must file an Employer or Endorsement Change application within 72 hours of stopping work for any given employer or surrendering any given endorsement.
HOW TO FILE
Please use the link on the right-hand side of this page to access our online licensing portal. Once you arrive at the "My Licenses" page, select the "Amendment" action for the license you wish you to update, and then follow the prompts.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
IF YOU ARE ADDING AN EMPLOYER
IF YOU ARE ADDING OR AMENDING A PLAINCLOTHES ENDORSEMENT
IF YOU ARE ADDING A FIREARM ENDORSEMENT
IF YOU ARE ADDING AN EXPLOSIVE DETECTION CANINE ENDORSEMENT
NO DOCUMENTATION IS NEEDED TO REMOVE AN EMPLOYER OR ENDORSEMENT
WHEN TO FILE
Security Guards are required to notify Denver Excise and Licenses within 72 hours if they are convicted of any crime specified in section 42-142 of the Denver Revised Municipal Code.
HOW TO FILE
Please use the link on the right-hand side of this page to access our online licensing portal. Once you arrive at the "My Licenses" page, select the "Amendment" action for the license you wish to update, and then follow the prompts.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
A Notification of Conviction form
WHEN TO FILE
Security Guards are required to notify Denver Excise and Licenses within 72 hours if they are involved in a use of force incident that results in bodily harm. Only incidents that occur within the City and County of Denver need to be reported.
HOW TO FILE
Please use the link on the right-hand side of this page to access our online licensing portal. Once you arrive at the "My Licenses" page, select the "Amend" action for the license you wish to update, and then follow the prompts.
REQUIRED DOUCMENTS
WHEN & HOW TO FILE
If you would like to update your contact information, please use the link on the right-hand side of this page to access our online licensing portal. Once you arrive at the "My Licenses" page, select the "Amendment" action for the license you wish to update, and then follow the prompts.
LEGAL NAME CHANGES
If your legal name changed, please e-mail a written request to EXL_Notifications@denvergov.org and include one of the following documents in your e-mail:
WHEN TO FILE
If you have misplaced your badge, you need to request a replacement immediately. Your badge should be displayed at all times while working as a security guard.
HOW TO FILE
Please use the link on the right-hand side of this page to access our online licensing portal. Once you arrive at the "My Licenses" page, select the "Amendment" action for the license you wish you to update, and then follow the prompts.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
NO DOCUMENTATION IS NEEDED TO REQUEST A REPLACEMENT BADGE