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How to get a Private Security Person permit in Wisconsin

Wisconsin licenses security guards statewide through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).1 For the Private Security Person (private security permit) you need a criminal background check1. The board lists $27 for the initial license2.

Last checked · 10 official sources

Who issues it

Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Exam

Not required3

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $272

From another state

Military service members and spouses4 Details

On this page
  1. Wisconsin security guard licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Private Security Person permit
  4. Requirements for a Private Security Person permit
  5. How much a Private Security Person permit costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Firearms Permit
  9. Firearms Certifier
  10. Private Detective/Security Agency
  11. Check a license or report a problem
  12. Security guard licenses in other states

Wisconsin security guard licenses

Wisconsin 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
Firearms PermitLets a credentialed private security person or private detective carry a firearm on duty.5Training 36 clock hours5––
Private Security Person (private security permit)––No3$272
Firearms Certifier (Firearms Proficiency Certifier)Instructor approved by DSPS to give the firearms training and refresher courses required for security/detective firearms permits.6–––
Private Detective/Security AgencyBusiness credential for companies (and self-employed individuals) that employ private security persons or private detectives; requires an organization account in LicensE.7––$82

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Wisconsin 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

Apply online
license.wi.gov3

2. Every license level except Firearms Certifier (Firearms Proficiency Certifier)

How to apply

  1. Create or log into a LicensE account (organization account for agencies) and choose Apply for a License.358 license.wi.gov3
  2. Pay the fee at the end of the application (card or ACH; ACH adds 3-5 business days) and submit; DSPS posts missing items as "Due Diligence".1
Processing time
DSPS reviews submitted materials within about 10 days; legal review of convictions adds time.3

3. Every license level except Firearms Permit

Renewal

Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $252 (renewed after the expiration date)

4. Private Security Person (private security permit) and Firearms Certifier (Firearms Proficiency Certifier)

From another state

Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Military reciprocity: service members, former service members (discharged other than dishonorably within 4 years) and spouses who live in Wisconsin and hold an equivalent credential from another jurisdiction may apply for a reciprocal credential.4
Conditions
Provide proof of military status (e.g. DD-214) and have the other state send verification of the active credential to DSPS.4

5. Private Security Person (private security permit) and Private Detective/Security Agency

Requirements

Background check
Background check required1
Fingerprints required38
Any unpardoned felony conviction (in any state) bars the credential; misdemeanours and pending charges substantially related to the work are reviewed case by case (certified police report, complaint and judgment required for each conviction).1
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply1

Who needs a Private Security Person permit

Work that does not need this license:

  • A Wisconsin-licensed private detective may work as a private security person without a separate private security permit.3

Requirements for a Private Security Person permit

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.

Experience
License you must hold first: Must be employed by a Wisconsin-licensed Private Detective/Security Agency (employer completes Form 3038); to work for yourself you also need an agency license.3
Exam
Not required3
Also required
Upload a recent head-and-shoulders photo (a selfie is fine; no driver's license photos) and Form 2687 (FBI release); fingerprint instructions follow; results are typically valid six months.3
Also required
Armed work requires a separate DSPS Firearms Permit; no weapon may be carried under a temporary permit.6

How much a Private Security Person permit costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$272DSPSPaid at the end of the LicensE application

How to apply

  1. Select Category: Business, License Type: Private Security Person, Application Method: New Licensure.3
  2. Upload Form 2687 (Authorization for Release of FBI Information) and a recent photo; fingerprint instructions will be sent.3
  3. Have your employing agency complete Form 3038 (Agency Authorization) and upload it.3
  4. Answer the conviction questions and add Form 225X if you have convictions or pending charges.1
  5. Optionally, right after submitting, file a second application (method "Temporary") for a 30-day temporary permit.3
Temporary or provisional license
Temporary permit valid 30 days or until the permit application is decided, whichever is first; not renewable; no dangerous weapon may be carried under it.3

Renewal and continuing education

When it expires
Renew by August 31 of each even-numbered year, even if first issued shortly before; online in LicensE about 4 weeks before expiry; continued agency employment and background check required.1
Renewal fee
$272
If it expires
Expired under 5 years: late renewal. Expired over 5 years (or revoked/surrendered): reapply using the "Renewal After 5 Years" method with the same documents as a new applicant.9
Renew online
license.wi.gov1

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Wisconsin Private Security Person (private security permit). The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Firearms Permit

Lets a credentialed private security person or private detective carry a firearm on duty.5

Requirements

Education or training
At least 36 clock hours5
Firearms training program of at least 36 hours from a DSPS-approved Firearms Certifier (safety, care and handling per the Law Enforcement Standards Board guide, legal use of force under the criminal code, ethics, lawful detentions, civil/criminal liability).5
Who may teach it: Taught by a Wisconsin-licensed Firearms Certifier; verified on Form 4679.5
Alternative: Equivalent training: at least 30 hours of SPS 34.03-compliant training plus the 6-hour refresher, for a person authorized in the past 5 years by another jurisdiction or agency to carry a firearm on duty as a peace officer, security guard or private detective.5
Experience
Must hold a current Private Security Person or Private Detective credential and be employed by a licensed agency whose insurance covers firearms.5
License you must hold first: Current Private Security Person or Private Detective credential.5
Background check
Background check required5
Unpardoned felony bars the permit.6
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply6
Insurance
Employing agency's insurance must be current and cover firearms and the profession; if expired, upload Form 1482 and a certificate of liability insurance.5

How to apply

  1. Select Category: Business, License Type: Firearms Permit, Application Method: New Licensure.5
  2. Complete the 36-hour course and start Form 4679; the certifier(s) and employer complete their parts and the form is emailed back; upload it.5 wi.accessgov.com6
  3. If the agency's insurance on record has expired, upload Form 1482 and the certificate of liability insurance.5

Renewal

How often
Every year6
When it expires
Valid one year (fee table: expires 1 year after the last day of firearms training); there is no renewal application — file a new New Licensure (or Renewal After 5 Years) application with a new Form 4679.6
Continuing education
6 clock hours each renewal period6
Required topics
Refresher covers the course content in SPS 34.03(1); taught by a licensed Firearms Certifier.6

From another state

Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
Equivalent-training route for people authorized elsewhere in the last 5 years to carry a firearm on duty (30 hours + 6-hour refresher instead of 36 hours).5

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

Firearms Certifier

Instructor approved by DSPS to give the firearms training and refresher courses required for security/detective firearms permits.6

Requirements

Background check
Background check required10
Unpardoned felony bars the credential.10
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply10

How to apply

  1. Apply in LicensE (New Licensure, Renewal After 5 Years or Military Reciprocity) with proof of your qualifying instructor method.10 license.wi.gov3

Renewal

When it expires
Expires December 31 of each even-numbered year; renew with proof of a qualifying instructor method.10

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

Private Detective/Security Agency

Business credential for companies (and self-employed individuals) that employ private security persons or private detectives; requires an organization account in LicensE.7

Requirements

Insurance
Proof of insurance: Form 1482 with a certificate of liability insurance (required if employees will carry firearms), or Form 1483 with a bond.8
Business requirements
Form 3039 (Agency Individuals and Agency Declarations) signed by the required people: all LLC/LLP members; Secretary and President or Vice President for corporations; plus the registered agent (an individual with a Wisconsin address) for foreign corporations.8
Business requirements
Certificate of Authority from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, where applicable.8
Business requirements
Written firearms policy (care, storage and use) may be required.8
Business requirements
Report new employees within 5 days and terminations within 5 days (security persons) or 10 days (detectives) via LicensE amendments.7

Fees

FeeAmountPaid to
Initial license fee$82DSPS

How to apply

  1. Select Category: Business, License Type: Private Detective/Security Agency, Application Method: New Licensure.8
  2. Upload Form 3039 and, for each required individual, Form 2687, a recent photo and fingerprints (instructions follow).8
  3. Upload proof of insurance (Form 1482 + certificate) or a bond (Form 1483), the DFI Certificate of Authority and, if armed, a firearms policy.8

Renewal

When it expires
Renew by August 31 of odd-numbered years in LicensE, with current liability insurance (Form 1482) or bond (Form 1483).7
Renewal fee
$82
If it expires
After revocation, surrender or more than five years expired, reapply using "Renewal After 5 Years".7

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

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license
license.wi.gov1
File a complaint
dsps.wi.gov1

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. Private Security PersonWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  2. Credential Fees and Renewal DatesWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  3. Private Security Person - New LicensureWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  4. Military Reciprocity - LicensEWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  5. Firearms Permit - New LicensureWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  6. Firearms PermitWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  7. Private Detective/Security AgencyWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  8. Private Detective/Security Agency - New LicensureWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Private Security Person - Renewal After 5 YearsWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Firearms CertifierWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026