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Frequently Asked Questons:

Civilian Personnel:

Do I have to apply for the Security Guard License?

Yes. If you want to become a Security Guard in the State of New York you must obtain a security guard license.

Can I work as a Security Guard with just the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course Certificate?

Yes. You CAN start working as a Security Guard with just the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course Certificate but only if you are in the process of obtaining your license. The employer must contact the New York State, Department of State and obtain a transaction number while you are submitting your Security Guard Application to the state. You can NOT work as a Security Officer with just the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course Certificate and stop there.

How to apply for a Security Guard License?

Please see Security Guard Application Processing.

What is the phone number for the New York State Department of State?

The contact information for the New York State, Department of State is:

Tel: 518-474-7569

Mailing Address:
NYS Department of State
P. O. Box 22001
Albany, NY 12201-2001

Is it necessary to take the 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course?

Yes. In order to become a Security Guard in the State of New York you must complete both training courses; 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course and 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course. You must complete the 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course within 90 days from completion of the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course.

If my Security Guard License is expired do I have to take the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course again?

No. The 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course NEVER expires. If you took the course once and still have your certificate then you do not need to retake the course. The New York State, Department of State should have a copy of this course on file. However, if you never had a security guard license and also misplaced your 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course Certificate, you need to obtain another copy of your certificate. If you are not able to provide proof of taking the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course, you then may need to retake the course.

*Please note that the New York State, Department of State will allow you to submit your renewal fee of $25.00 for no longer then six (6) months after your security guard license expires.

How do I become an Armed Security Guard?

First you must hold a valid New York State / New York City pistol permit. Then you must complete a 47 Hour Firearms Training Course. After completing this course you must apply to the New York State, Department of State for your Armed Security Guard License. If you already hold a security guard license, you only need to amend your license for a fee of $10.00. If you do not already hold a security guard license, then you need to complete the New York State Security Guard Application. Please see Armed Security Guard Application Processing.

Do I have to hold both a Security Guard and Armed Security Guard license?

No. If you want to work both as a Security Guard and an Armed Security Guard you can carry just an Armed Security Guard License. This license will work for both positions. However, if you want to work as a Security Guard (armed or unarmed) and an Armored Car Guard then you must hold both Armed Security Guard License and Armored Car Guard License.

How do I amend my Security Guard License to read Armed Security Guard?

After completing the 47 Hour Firearms Course at Gold Shield Training Center, we will type up a letter requesting the amendment for you at no extra charge. Please see Armed Security Guard Application Processing

How do I become an Armored Car Guard?

First you must have a valid New York State / New York City pistol permit. Then you must complete a 47 Hour Firearms Training Course. After completing this course you must apply to the New York State, Department of State for your license with a fee of $125.00 payable to the New York State, Department of State. Gold Shield Training Center schedules appointments to complete this application, fingerprints, and also gives you a copy of the completed application for a fee of $40.00. Please see Armored Car Guard Application Processing.

How soon does a guard need to send his or her renewal form and $25 fee to the Department of State?

All Guards must renew their registration by the expiration date of their current registration or they cannot work as a security guard. If their registration has not been renewed within 6 months after the expiration date of their current registration, they must re-apply and re-qualify.

I have my guard license; what do I need to do to keep it?

If you have a Security Guard License you must attend an 8 Hour Annual In-Service Training Course every year. Not just on the year in which it is renewed.

If you have Armed Security Guard License you must attend the 8 Hour Annual In-Service Training Course for Security Guards and the 8 Hour Annual Firearms Training Course for Armed Security Guards.

What forms of payment does the Department of State accept?
Payments to the New York State, Department of State can be:

Postal Money Orders
Company Checks
Cashier's Checks
(Must be made payable to the NYS Department of State)
Do Not Mail Cash
"NO PERSONAL CHECKS"

Can I submit a photo with my Security Guard application rather than the DMV ID#?

No. ID cards are produced by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using the image on file in its office. Individuals with current NYS driver licenses or non-driver ID cards "with photos" must read the section "Informed Consent," sign and date it, provide their 9-digit DMV ID number, and return the bottom portion with their application packet.

Individuals who do not have a current NYS photo driver license or non-driver ID card must go to a DMV office and have their photo taken before submitting their application to the Department of State. This is referred to as an "image-only" transaction. When these individuals go to a DMV office, they must bring the insert (enclosed with their guard application) titled "If You Don't Have a NYS Driver or Non-Driver ID" with them. This insert provides instructions and will be retained by the DMV office. The "image-only" transaction produces an FS-6T receipt that displays the individual's 9-digit ID number for the new client record. Individuals who get "image-only" captures
should save their receipts and write that ID number on their Department of State original and renewal applications.

Once an individual is approved for licensure or registration, the Department of State sends his or her name and DMV number to the Department of Motor Vehicles to have an ID card printed. DMV sends the ID card to the residence
address on file with the Department of State.

If a Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency or Private Investigator qualifier does guard work, does the qualifier have to be registered as a security guard?

The qualifier of a Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency or Private Investigator does NOT need a separate registration as a security guard as long as the qualifier is providing guard services for the qualifier's own company. However, if the qualifier provides guard services for another Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency or Private Investigator, the qualifier must obtain a security guard registration in order to provide guard services to that company.

What is the fee and term of registration?

The nonrefundable fee for a Security Guard or Armed Security Guard registration is $141.25 payable to the New York State Department of State. There is a $25.00 renewal fee every two years.

Can anyone take Peace Officer Training Courses?

No. In order to complete any peace officer training courses you must already be hired as a peace officer. The company who hires you must add you on to their employee roster and then the peace officers training course may be conducted. The New York State, Division of Criminal Justice Services will mail your certificate of completion to your employer after successfully completing this course.

Do I have to have a permit in order to own or fire a handgun?

Yes. In order to own or fire a handgun in New York State you must have a pistol permit.

Do I have to have a permit in order to own or fire a rifle or shotgun?

If you live in New York State territory, then No, you do not have to be licensed. If you live in New York City territory, then Yes you have to hold a valid rifle and/or shotgun license.

Do I have to buy/own a handgun in order to obtain a pistol permit?

Yes. If you are applying for a Westchester County pistol permit, you must have the information on your handgun to add onto your permit. Westchester County licenses the applicant and serial number together.

No. If you are applying for a New York City pistol permit, you must purchase a handgun and have it inspected by New York City within 72 hours from obtaining your pistol permit.

*Please check with your county for specific requirements.

Can I rent a handgun in the State of New York?

No. In order to fire a handgun in New York State you must have a pistol permit, you are not allowed to rent a handgun.