License requirements for becoming a security guard in the state of Texas:
- Complete the Level II Training Course and test.
- Training must be taken at a licensed school and taught by a licensed instructor.
The Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Bureau (PSB) regulates the private security industry in the state of Texas.
You must first be employed or be in the process of being employed by a licensed Private Security Company before you can apply.
The Licensing section of the PSB handles all applications for a registration. After you are employed, you can submit your application to the PSB two ways:
Manually send in your application and all required documents by mailing your completed application to the following address:
Texas Department of Public Safety
Private Security Bureau
5806 Guadalupe, Building I
Austin, Texas 78752
-OR-
2. You can visit the PSB website and apply for your application online. This way incurs online costs, but it will allow you to complete your basic application online, and schedule an electronic fingerprint appointment, to save time on background check. Please note that when you apply online, you will still need to manually send in any supplemental forms from employer.
Your registration expires every 2 years from the date of issue, in which case you’d have to renew, which can be done online as well.
Commissioned (Armed) Requirements:
To become a commissioned (armed) security officer, you must complete the Level II and Level III Training. If you are interested in becoming a Personal Protection Officer (bodyguard), this requires you to complete the Level IV Training courses. All of these courses and the next available training class can be found here