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How to get a Noncommissioned Security Officer license in Texas

Texas licenses security guards statewide through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).1 For the Noncommissioned Security Officer (individual license; Level II) you need a criminal background check1. The board lists $30 for the initial license2. You renew every 2 years3.

Last checked · 17 official sources

Who issues it

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Training and experience

An approved education program; see the requirements

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $302

Renewal

Every 2 years3

From another state

License by endorsement and Military service members and spouses14 Details

On this page
  1. Texas security guard licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Noncommissioned Security Officer license
  4. Requirements for a Noncommissioned Security Officer license
  5. How much a Noncommissioned Security Officer license costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Commissioned Security Officer
  9. Personal Protection Officer license (Level IV)
  10. Class B Security Services Contractor company license
  11. City and county rules
  12. Laws and rules
  13. Rule changes since January 2024
  14. Common questions
  15. Security guard licenses in other states

Texas security guard licenses

Texas 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
Commissioned Security Officer (security officer commission; Level III)Armed security officer: required for any security officer who carries a firearm on duty, including armed in-house guards.1Training 30 clock hours1Yes1$502
Noncommissioned Security Officer (individual license; Level II)Unarmed security guard, watchman, patrolman, alarm response runner, armored car or courier guard employed by a security services contractor or a private business security department.1––$302
Personal Protection Officer license (Level IV)Armed bodyguard: a commissioned security officer providing personal protection from bodily harm, employed by a licensed investigations or guard company.5Training 30 clock hours1Yes1$502
Class B Security Services Contractor company license (guard company)Company providing watchman, guard or street patrol services under contract (including personal protection officers), or employing in-house guards who must be licensed; Class C covers both investigations (Class A) and security services (Class B).1Experience 2 years1Yes1$4002

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Texas 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)

Requirements

Background check
Background check required1
Fingerprints required678
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply9

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Preliminary background check and evaluation letter$1009DPSOptional. Not refundable

How to apply

Renewal

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Former Texas licensee who moved away and has practiced under another state's license for the 2 preceding years can get a new license without re-examination by paying twice the renewal fee.1
Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Military service members, veterans and military spouses holding a similar, good-standing license from another state (or a Texas license within the past 5 years) may apply under the alternative licensing rule; DPS may accept alternative proof of competence. Out-of-state licenses of service members and spouses are recognized under Occ. Code 55.0041 after a scope-of-practice comparison.4

2. Every license level except Personal Protection Officer license (Level IV)

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old1

3. Every license level except Class B Security Services Contractor company license (guard company)

Requirements

Education or training
DPS Level II training course (course material prepared or approved by DPS); certificate of completion filed with the application. May be taught by the employer's designee or a DPS-approved school and instructor.11

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Pocket card fee$52DPSEach new application or renewal that needs a new pocket card. Not refundable
Duplicate or replacement license$109DPSNot refundable
Employee information update$159DPSNot refundable

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

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years31
If it expires
An inactive or expired licensee out of the security/investigation industry for 3 years or more must submit current training certificates.11

4. Noncommissioned Security Officer (individual license; Level II) and Commissioned Security Officer (security officer commission; Level III)

Requirements

Also required
Individual license holders may only work for a DPS-licensed company (or a private business security department); a person may not contract directly with clients without a company license.12

How to apply

  1. Get hired by a DPS-licensed company (guard company/security services contractor) or a covered private business security department.12

5. Commissioned Security Officer (security officer commission; Level III) and Personal Protection Officer license (Level IV)

Requirements

Education or training
At least 30 clock hours1
Level III basic training course (minimum 30 hours) at a DPS-approved school and instructor: general security officer training, handgun proficiency and self-defense classroom (10-15 hours in person), and range instruction.1
Who may teach it: DPS-approved Level III school and instructor.1
Alternative: TCOLE-certified full-time peace officers may be exempted from Level III by sworn affidavit; Texas peace officers honourably retired within 2 years may be exempted from Levels II and III.11
Exam
Handgun proficiency examination (written section + physical demonstration)1
Given by: DPS-approved instructor only1
When you can take it: Proficiency must be shown within the 90 days before the commission is issued.1
Written section on weapons/deadly-force law, handgun use and safety, nonviolent dispute resolution and safe storage; physical demonstration of handgun proficiency (at least 9 mm or.38 calibre; SA or NSA qualification category).1
Residency or citizenship
Lawful presence via a SAVE-verified document; non-Texas residents add a state ID; non-U.S. citizens add their alien registration card and, if non-resident aliens, proof of the federal right to possess firearms.7
Also required
Not eligible if barred from possessing a firearm, incapable of sound judgment on handgun use/storage (listed psychiatric history), a fugitive, chemically dependent (two alcohol/drug Class B+ convictions in 10 years), or under a protective order.1

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$502DPSNot refundable

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, DPS-approved instructor only1, when you schedule.

Renewal

Continuing education
At least 6 hours each renewal period13

Who needs a Noncommissioned Security Officer license

Unarmed security guard, watchman, patrolman, alarm response runner, armored car or courier guard employed by a security services contractor or a private business security department.1

Other rules on who may do this work:

  • In-house guards employed exclusively by one employer are outside ch. 1702 unless they carry a firearm (commission required) or deal with the public while wearing a security/law-enforcement-style uniform, badge or "security" patch and do guard duties.1

Requirements for a Noncommissioned Security Officer license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

Residency or citizenship
Must prove lawful presence (PRWORA) with a SAVE-verified document such as a REAL ID license, U.S. passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card or employment authorization document.6
Also required
Work may start 48 hours after fingerprinting if the employer checks the DPS website that the applicant is not criminally disqualified or a registered sex offender and keeps the printout; DPS approval must come within 120 days of starting.1

How much a Noncommissioned Security Officer license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$302DPSNot refundable

How to apply

  1. Complete the Level II course and get the certificate of completion.6
  2. Your employer submits (or you submit for it) the individual application in TOPS before you start, with the fee, lawful-presence document and the employer's request letter.6 tops.portal.texas.gov10
  3. Submit fingerprints in the DPS-approved manner and pay the criminal history check fee.6
  4. Answer any DPS request for court documents promptly or the application may be rejected as incomplete.6
Temporary or provisional license
No temporary card, but work may begin 48 hours after fingerprinting once the employer verifies eligibility on the DPS website (Occ. Code 1702.230(f)).1

Renewal and continuing education

When it expires
A complete renewal (fee, fingerprints if those on file are substandard, criminal history fee, lawful-presence proof) must be filed before expiry for the license to stay in effect while pending.14

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Texas Noncommissioned Security Officer (individual license; Level II). The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Commissioned Security Officer

Armed security officer: required for any security officer who carries a firearm on duty, including armed in-house guards.1

Requirements

Also required
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) on the DPS form, signed by the administering psychologist or psychiatrist with a finding that the applicant is not disqualified.7
Also required
Carry the commission pocket card on duty and when traveling to and from the assignment; work only for the employer on DPS records.15

How to apply

  1. Complete Level II and the 30-hour Level III course (with handgun proficiency exam within 90 days of issuance) at a DPS-approved school.7
  2. Take the MMPI with a psychologist or psychiatrist who signs the DPS form.7
  3. File the commission application on the current DPS form/TOPS with the fee, fingerprints, criminal history fee, Level II and III certificates and lawful-presence document; wait for DPS approval before working armed.7 tops.portal.texas.gov10

Renewal

When it expires
Renewal may be filed no earlier than 90 days before expiry, with a firearms proficiency certificate issued within the previous 90 days.16
Required topics
Renewal portion of the Level III course, taught by a DPS-approved school and instructor, plus handgun requalification within 90 days before renewal.13

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

Personal Protection Officer license (Level IV)

Armed bodyguard: a commissioned security officer providing personal protection from bodily harm, employed by a licensed investigations or guard company.5

Requirements

Minimum age
21 years old1
Education or training
At least 15 clock hours11
Level IV personal protection officer course: 15 classroom hours of in-person nonlethal self-defense / defense of a third person, at a DPS-approved PPO school with an approved instructor present, ending in a DPS-prepared exam.1
Who may teach it: DPS-approved personal protection officer training school and instructor.11
Exam
Level IV personal protection officer course examination11
Given by: DPS exam given by the approved PPO school11
Also required
Must hold (or apply at the same time for) a security officer commission and be employed by a licensed investigations or guard company.17
Also required
MMPI with psychologist/psychiatrist sign-off on the DPS form.17
Also required
Must conceal the firearm when working in plain clothes and carry the PPO pocket card.5
Also required
Transfer to a new employer within 14 days with the form and transfer fee after transferring the commission.17

How to apply

  1. Hold a security officer commission (or apply for it together with the PPO license) through a licensed investigations or guard company employer.17
  2. Complete the 15-hour Level IV course and its DPS exam at an approved PPO school.17
  3. Take the MMPI and submit the signed DPS form.17
  4. Submit the written PPO application on the DPS form (TOPS) with the $50 fee.17 tops.portal.texas.gov10

Renewal

When it expires
Expires no later than the security officer commission it is issued under; renew together with the commission.1
Required topics
Renewal portion of the Level IV course from a DPS-approved school (in addition to the commission's Level III renewal and firearm requalification).13

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

Class B Security Services Contractor company license

Company providing watchman, guard or street patrol services under contract (including personal protection officers), or employing in-house guards who must be licensed; Class C covers both investigations (Class A) and security services (Class B).1

Requirements

Experience
At least 2 years1
Two consecutive years of legally obtained experience in each security services field applied for, as an employee or owner of a security services contractor, or other requirements set by the commission; DPS reviews it.1
Exam
Company license examination (state laws and commission rules for the license classification)1
Retakes: Application fee covers one exam; each retake needs the reexamination fee ($100).1
Residency or citizenship
Must keep a physical address in Texas; officers/25% owners must meet the lawful-presence rule.1
Also required
General liability insurance (countersigned by a Texas agent or Texas surplus lines) with minimum limits of $100,000 per occurrence bodily injury/property damage, $50,000 per occurrence personal injury, $200,000 aggregate; suspension if not on file.1
Also required
An owner with at least 51% interest must hold an individual (owner) license.1

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$4002DPSNot refundable
Exam retake fee$1009DPSNot refundable
Class C license (original and renewal)$5409DPSInstead of Class B when the company also does investigations. Not refundable
Assignment of license$1509DPSNot refundable
Change name of license$759DPSNot refundable

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.

How to apply

  1. Document two consecutive years of security services experience for each field applied for.1
  2. Buy general liability insurance meeting the Occ. Code 1702.124 minimums and get the certificate.1
  3. Apply for the Class B company license in TOPS with the $400 fee, Texas physical address and fingerprints of each security officer-in-charge and 25%+ owner.1 tops.portal.texas.gov10
  4. Pass the company examination (one attempt included; $100 for each retake).1

Renewal

How often
Every year3
When it expires
Company licenses run one year; renewal fee is the same as the original fee; insurance must stay on file.3
Renewal fee
$4009
Continuing education
8 hours each renewal period13
Required topics
7 hours on the company's type of regulated service and 1 hour of ethics.13

From another state

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
DPS may waive company-license prerequisites for a holder of a company license from a jurisdiction with which Texas has a reciprocity agreement (agreements need the governor's approval).1
States on Texas's list
The pages cited here give no list of partner states for this route; the board's words above say who qualifies. Ask the board which states it has agreements with.

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

City and county rules

Commissioned Security Officer (security officer commission; Level III)Texas cities and counties (Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, etc.) may not require a separate security license, permit, fee or bond from DPS-licensed companies or their employees; they also generally may not force a private business to hire peace officers for security.1

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • July 2, 2026: 37 TAC 35.21/35.22/35.81/35.83 amended: SAVE-verified lawful-presence documents required with new and renewal applications.6

Common questions

Can I transfer my security guard license to Texas?

DPS publishes this route for the Noncommissioned Security Officer license: license by endorsement1. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Noncommissioned Security Officer license in Texas?

Every 2 years3.

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. Texas Occupations Code ch. 1702 Private SecurityTexas Legislature (Texas Legislative Council), Texas Constitution and StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  2. 37 TAC §35.131 Licensing and Examination FeesTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated December 29, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  3. 37 TAC §35.31 License ExpirationTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated December 29, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  4. 37 TAC §35.183 Alternative Licensing for Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military SpousesTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  5. 37 TAC §35.93 Personal Protection Officer StandardsTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated December 29, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  6. 37 TAC §35.21 Individual License ApplicationsTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated July 2, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  7. 37 TAC §35.81 Application for a Security Officer CommissionTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated July 2, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  8. 37 TAC §35.30 Company License Application RequirementsTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated July 2, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  9. Figure: 37 TAC §35.131(a) Private Security Licensing and Administrative FeesTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated December 29, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  10. Private Security | Department of Public SafetyTexas Department of Public SafetyChecked November 7, 2026
  11. 37 TAC §35.141 Training RequirementsTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated December 29, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  12. 37 TAC §35.2 Employment RequirementsTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated December 29, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  13. 37 TAC §35.161 Continuing Education RequirementsTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated January 10, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  14. 37 TAC §35.22 Renewal Individual License ApplicationsTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated July 2, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  15. 37 TAC §35.82 Commissioned Security Officer StandardsTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated July 13, 2015Checked November 7, 2026
  16. 37 TAC §35.83 Renewal of Security Officer CommissionTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated July 2, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  17. 37 TAC §35.91 Requirements for Personal Protection LicenseTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated November 16, 2023Checked November 7, 2026