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How to get a Security Officer license in District of Columbia

District of Columbia licenses security guards statewide through the Security Program.1 For the Security Officer license you need at least 24 clock hours2 of education, a passing score on the Security officer examination (PSI)2 and a criminal background check2. The board lists $103 for the application1. You renew every 2 years3 and complete at least 8 hours of continuing education2.

Last checked · 28 official sources

Who issues it

Security Program

Training and experience

Training: at least 24 clock hours2

Exam

Security officer examination (PSI)2

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $1031
Exam fee: $691

Renewal

Every 2 years3, at least 8 hours of continuing education2

On this page
  1. District of Columbia security guard licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Security Officer license
  4. Requirements for a Security Officer license
  5. How much a Security Officer license costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Special Police Officer (SPO)
  9. Security Agency Business (SAB)
  10. Security Agency Individual (Business) (SAI)
  11. Check a license or report a problem
  12. Laws and rules
  13. Rule changes since January 2024
  14. Common questions
  15. Security guard licenses in other states

District of Columbia security guard licenses

District of Columbia issues 4 security guard credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
Security OfficerA privately employed, uniformed person who works to prevent theft, property damage, disorders at events or similar illegal occurrences (guards, watchpersons, patrol personnel). Not a police officer; only ordinary-citizen powers. Special police officers, federal employees, police, armored-car guards and campus police are excluded.3Training 24 clock hours2Yes4$1031
Special Police Officer (SPO)Commissioned officer with arrest powers confined to the specific property named on the commission; may be armed with a firearms endorsement.5Training 16 clock hours6–$841
Security Agency Business (SAB)License to run a business providing security officer services, employ certified security personnel and represent itself as a licensed security agency.7––$1,0008
Security Agency Individual (Business) (SAI)License to run a business providing security officer services, employ certified security personnel and represent itself as a licensed security agency.7––$5008

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the District of Columbia security guard licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 4)

How to apply

Renewal

2. Every license level except Special Police Officer (SPO)

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years37

3. Security Officer and Special Police Officer (SPO)

Renewal

Continuing education
At least 8 hours each renewal period26

4. Security Agency Business (SAB) and Security Agency Individual (Business) (SAI)

What it covers

License to run a business providing security officer services, employ certified security personnel and represent itself as a licensed security agency.7

Requirements

Background check
Background check required910
Fingerprints required910
MPD Chief of Police must approve issuance.8
Residency or citizenship
Citizenship document required; one listed address must be in DC (DC lease/occupancy permit, or an attorney-in-fact/general-agent fact sheet if the business is outside DC).910
Insurance
General liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate if the agency employs 5 or more security officers; proof needed to issue or renew.11
Business requirements
Public safety services license (basic business license) plus Chief of Police approval.12
Business requirements
A firm appoints a representative member to apply.8

How to apply

  1. Register the business with DLCP Corporations Division and get a certificate of good standing (and trade name certificate if used).910
  2. Apply online with the application fee; the MPD Chief of Police must approve.8

Renewal

Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $107 (per day, documents received less than 15 days before expiration)
If it expires
Renewal requires an active officer roster and worksite list and current insurance; a new FEIN means applying as a new agency.1314

Who needs a Security Officer license

A privately employed, uniformed person who works to prevent theft, property damage, disorders at events or similar illegal occurrences (guards, watchpersons, patrol personnel). Not a police officer; only ordinary-citizen powers. Special police officers, federal employees, police, armored-car guards and campus police are excluded.3

Work that does not need this license:

  • Not covered: special police officers, federal employees acting officially, MPD or other public police, armored car guards, and campus police officers.3

Requirements for a Security Officer license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

Minimum age
18 years old4
Education or training
At least 24 clock hours2
Pre-assignment training of at least 24 hours (terrorism awareness, emergency procedures/first aid, customer service), prescribed and approved by the Mayor; employer pays.2
Who may teach it: Employer-provided programs prescribed and approved by the Mayor; employer issues a completion certificate.2
Education or training
16 hours of on-the-job training2
16-hour on-the-job training course within 90 working days after employment.2
Exam
Security officer examination (PSI)2
Given by: PSI1
Retakes: The exam is not repeated at renewal.15
Time limit: PSI score report does not expire.16
Background check
Background check required2
Fingerprints required4
Felony: ineligible within 2 years of release unless OAH finds no significant safety risk, and never within 1 year of release; larceny/weapons misdemeanor: 1 year after release. Notarized Arrest Affidavit and Authorization to Release required.17
Residency or citizenship
U.S. citizen or valid work authorization; must read, write and speak English.18
Business requirements
Must be employed by, or applying to, a security firm; the firm forwards the application, fingerprint cards and training certification.2
Also required
Physician's health certificate (no drug/alcohol addiction, no debilitating mental disorder, no serious heart disease or severe epilepsy) and a drug screen at initial application and renewal.19
Also required
Documents expire: arrest affidavit, release authorization, drug screen and physical are valid 90 days; fingerprints 6 months.16

How much a Security Officer license costs

You pay the Security Program (3 fees) and PSI (exam fee).

FeeAmountPaid to
Application fee$1031Security Program
Exam fee$691PSI
Identification card fee (rule)$520Security Program
Duplicate or replacement license$320Security Program

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Get hired by (or apply to) a DC-licensed security agency or employer; the employer pays the fees and training.2
  2. Pass the PSI security officer exam ($69 paid to PSI).1
  3. Complete and notarize the Arrest Affidavit and Authorization to Release; get a 6-panel drug screen and a physical (each valid 90 days).1
  4. Schedule fingerprints with MPD before applying (online or 202-671-6705).1 mpdc.dc.gov1
  5. Apply online through the DLCP professional-license portal with ID, citizenship document, 2x2 color photo, exam result, fingerprint receipt and the $103 fee.4
  6. Within 90 working days of starting work, complete the 16-hour on-the-job course, then 8 hours of in-service training every year.2
Temporary or provisional license
Temporary certification card valid up to 6 weeks for applicants 18+ meeting the general, health and fingerprint requirements (rule text).21

Renewal and continuing education

When it expires
Certification is effective for 2 years; renewal dated from the previous expiration date. Renewal window opens 90 days before expiration.15
Renewal fee
$1031
Approved courses
Employer in-service training approved by the Mayor.2
If it expires
Officers may keep working up to 15 days after expiration while a renewal filed before expiration is processed; otherwise removed from duty.22
Renewal needs new arrest affidavit, release form, drug screen, physical, fingerprint receipt and employer letter.23

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your District of Columbia Security Officer license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Special Police Officer (SPO)

Commissioned officer with arrest powers confined to the specific property named on the commission; may be armed with a firearms endorsement.5

Requirements

Minimum age
21 years old5
High school diploma or GED
Required5
Education or training
At least 16 clock hours6
Pre-assignment training: 16 hours on arrest powers, search and seizure, DC Code and use of force plus 24 hours on duties (terrorism awareness, emergency procedures, customer service) = 40 hours.6
Who may teach it: Programs prescribed and approved by the Mayor; employer issues certificate.6
Education or training
At least 24 clock hours6
Additional 24 hours of pre-assignment training on duties (terrorism awareness, emergency procedures, customer service).6
Education or training
16 hours of on-the-job training6
16-hour on-the-job course within 90 working days of employment.6
Education or training
At least 40 clock hours24
Armed SPOs: range certificate showing 40 hours of firearms training (8 hours for renewal).24
Background check
Background check required25
Fingerprints required24
Permanent bar for crimes of violence; other felonies 10 years and misdemeanours 5 years after release and end of supervision; arrests must be reported within 2 business days.25
Residency or citizenship
Must be a U.S. citizen.5
Business requirements
Application made jointly with the employer whose property is protected; MPD Chief of Police approval required.26
Also required
Physician certification of physical and psychological fitness; dishonourable military discharge disqualifies; drug screen and physical documents (90 days).5

Fees

FeeAmountPaid to
Application fee$841Security Program
Badge deposit (rule)$226Security Program

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Obtain an SPO position with a security agency or property owner; the application is made jointly with the employer.26
  2. Complete the 40-hour pre-assignment training (and, if armed, 40 hours of firearms range training).24
  3. Notarize the Arrest Affidavit and Authorization to Release; get a drug screen and physical; schedule MPD fingerprints.1
  4. Apply online with the $84 fee; MPD Chief of Police approval and a DLCP occupational license are both required.12

Renewal

How often
Every year27
Renewal fee
$841
Required topics
Armed SPOs: 8 hours of range training for renewal.28
If it expires
15-day grace period to keep working after expiry if renewal was filed while the license was active.22

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

Security Agency Business (SAB)

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$1,0008Security ProgramFirm

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

Security Agency Individual (Business) (SAI)

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$5008Security ProgramIndividual (sole proprietor)

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a security guard in District of Columbia, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in District of Columbia is on the District of Columbia license lookup page.

Look up a license
govservices.dcra.dc.gov1
File a complaint
dcra.kustomer.help1

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • October 1, 2025: Security licensing provisions moved into D.C. Code Title 47, ch. 28, subch. I-B, Part Q-i (§§ 47-2853.207 and 47-2853.208, from D.C. Law 24-333); former § 47-2839.01 repealed, both applicable as of October 1, 2025.12

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Security Officer license in District of Columbia?

The rules set at least 24 clock hours2 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.

How often do you renew a Security Officer license in District of Columbia?

Every 2 years3. Continuing education: at least 8 hours2. The renewal fee is $1031.

Security guard licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. Security ProgramDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  2. 17 DCMR 2108District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  3. 17 DCMR 2100District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  4. Security Officer (SO) New License requirementsDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  5. 6A DCMR 1100District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  6. 6A DCMR 1107District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  7. 17 DCMR 2125District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  8. 17 DCMR 2124District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  9. SAB New License requirementsDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  10. SAI New License requirementsDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  11. 17 DCMR 2127District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  12. D.C. Code 47-2853.208 Detective and security agencies; security services occupationsCouncil of the District of ColumbiaChecked November 7, 2026
  13. SAB Renewal requirementsDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  14. SAI Renewal requirementsDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  15. 17 DCMR 2114District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  16. Document Expiration DatesDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  17. 17 DCMR 2104District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  18. 17 DCMR 2102District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  19. 17 DCMR 2103District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  20. 17 DCMR 2111District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  21. 17 DCMR 2109District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  22. 15-Day Grace Period While Processing Renewal ApplicationsDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  23. Security Officer (SO) Renewal requirementsDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  24. Special Police Officer (SPO) New License requirementsDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026
  25. 6A DCMR 1102District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  26. 6A DCMR 1105District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  27. 6A DCMR 1108District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DC Register / DCMR)Checked November 7, 2026
  28. SPO Renewal requirementsDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Security ProgramChecked November 7, 2026