Skip navigation
Business Licensing Center

Security Guards

Dear Customer,

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

Basic Information

You can access the online application by clicking on the blue buttons on the right-hand side of this page.

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.

Applying for a New Security Guard License

Before beginning your online application, please take the following actions :

  1. Read the ordinance and rules governing security guard licenses to ensure that this license is right for you.
  2. Find a Private Security Employer or Merchant Guard Company that will employ you and will provide you with a Letter of Hire
  3. Complete a training program provided by an Eligible Training Provider that is suitable for a new security guard applicant. 
  4. Start gathering all of the required documents listed in the next section of this website. Make sure the documents are filled out completely and uploaded onto your computer. Note that some documents may take several days to obtain, such as an FBI background check or your Certificate of Physical and Mental Fitness.
  5. Ensure that you have a banking account, Mastercard, Visa, or Discover card that you can use to pay online.
  6. Start your application!

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:

  1. The applicant submits an application online. All required documents must be uploaded before the application is submitted.
  2. Excise and Licenses  will review the application and supporting documents for completeness. If the application is found to be incomplete, a "notice of deficiency" email will be sent to the applicant allowing 14 days for corrections.
  3. A police review will be required if any endorsements are requested or if any incidents appear on the background check. If the police require additional information, a "notice of deficiency" email will be sent to the applicant allowing 14 days to upload the requested information.
  4. If the applicant is found to be eligible for licensing, a copy of the guard's professional license and a temporary badge document valid for ten (10) calendar days will be emailed to applicant, allowing the guard to immediately start working. Meanwhile, a permanent security guard badge will be mailed to the address provided in the online application. Be sure to read and follow all conditions printed on the temporary badge document and the professional license.
  5. The guard should read the section below titled 'Once You Have Your License' and be sure to adhere to each of the specified requirements of licensure.

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.

 

 

How to Renew a License

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:

  1. The applicant submits a renewal application online. All required documents must be uploaded before the application is submitted.
  2. Excise and Licenses will review the application and supporting documents for completeness and consistency. If the application is found to be incomplete, an email will be sent to the applicant allowing 14 days for corrections.
  3. If the applicant is found to be eligible for renewal, a copy of the security guard license will be emailed to the applicant. Be sure to read and follow all conditions printed on the business license.
  4. A new expiration sticker for the year will be mailed to the applicant. This sticker will need to be placed on the applicant's badge over the previous year that is located on the back of the badge.

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.

Notifications & Amendments

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

  • Letter of Hire from your intended employer completed within the last 60 days

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

A Notification of Use of Force Incident form

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:

  • 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 directly on the decree
  • Other certified court documents granting a legal name change

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    

 

Get A New License

Correct An Application

 

 

Renew A License

 

 

Update Your License