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The Full Path

How to become a security guard in New York.

Plain-language walkthrough. What courses to take, what to file with the Department of State, what it costs, and how long it takes. No fluff.

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The Path

Become a NYS guard, step by step.

This is for people who have never held a New York security guard license. Here is the full unarmed path, in order.

1

Meet the basic requirements

Before anything else, make sure you qualify:
  • At least 18 years old.
  • Eligible to work in the United States.
  • No serious criminal convictions. Not sure where you stand? Call NYS at 518-474-4429.
  • A current NYS photo driver license or non-driver ID card.
2

Complete the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment

This is the first required course, and you must finish it before you apply. It can be completed online. You finish with your certificate of completion.
Schedule the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment
3

Get fingerprinted at IdentoGO

New York runs your background check from fingerprints you schedule with IdentoGO. When they ask for it, the ORI code for fingerprinting is:
1545R1
Schedule fingerprints

Optional step

Apply for a job

Many employers will send the required paperwork to the state for you. If you file it yourself, you must wait until the license is issued before you can work, which can take up to six months. If an employer files it for you, you can start working right away.

Apply with a partner
4

Submit your application and DMV consent form

File the NYS Security Guard Application along with the DMV Consent Form, which lets the state use your DMV photo for your ID. Add the Credit Card Authorization Form if you are paying by card.

Mail to: NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, PO Box 22001, Albany NY 12201-2001.

5

Once hired, complete the 16-Hour OJT

After you are hired, New York requires the 16-Hour On-the-Job Training within 90 days of your employment date.
Schedule the 16-Hour OJT

Going Armed

Armed guard, extra steps.

You can only carry on post once you have an armed registration on top of your unarmed registration. New York requires more training and a pistol permit issued by the county or NYPD before the state will add the armed endorsement.

1

Get a New York pistol permit

For NYC, that is the NYPD License Division. For the rest of New York, that is the county-level issuing officer (a judge or sheriff). The process is separate from your guard registration and takes time, plan ahead.
2

Take the 47-Hour Armed Guard Training Course

Classroom plus range time with a certified firearms instructor. You walk out with the certificate that goes to NY DOS with your armed application.
Course details and dates →
3

Apply to add the armed endorsement to your registration

File the upgrade with NY DOS. Once approved, your registration card shows you are licensed to work armed posts.
4

Annual Firearms In-Service, twice per registration period

Two Annual Firearms In-Service courses inside your two-year registration period keeps the armed registration current along with the unarmed renewal.
Course details and dates →

Staying current

What NY requires every two years.

Unarmed renewal

Two 8-Hour Annual In-Service courses on file with NY DOS inside your current two-year registration period. Plus the renewal application and fee with NY DOS.

Armed renewal

Two Annual Firearms In-Service courses on file with NY DOS inside the same two-year registration period (on top of the unarmed in-services). Plus the renewal application and fee.

The Tracker at my.happyprotraining.com watches DOS for you and reminds you before your registration is about to lapse. Sign up to stay ahead of it.

Already licensed and coming up on your expiration? Here is how to renew your NY security guard registration.

Costs and timeline

What it costs and how long it takes.

Course costs

  • 8-Hour Pre-Assignment: $65
  • 16-Hour OJT: $140
  • 8-Hour Annual In-Service: $65
  • New Guard Bundle (Pre-Assignment + OJT): $179

New York charges its own application and fingerprinting fees, which are separate from course tuition and paid to the state.

Rough timeline

  • Day one: finish the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment.
  • Next few weeks: apply to NY DOS, get fingerprinted, clear the background check.
  • After hire: complete the 16-Hour OJT within 90 days.
  • Most people are working a paid post within a month or two.

Go deeper on a specific course

The 8-Hour Pre-Assignment in New York →The 47-Hour Armed Guard course in New York →See all courses →

Common questions

Real answers, not legal copy.

The 8-Hour Pre-Assignment is one day. The DOS application typically takes a few weeks for fingerprinting and approval. Once you are hired, the 16-Hour OJT is two days inside the first ninety. Most people are working a paid post within a month or two of starting.
No. NY DOS requires that you be employed by a registered security company before you take the OJT. The clock starts on your hire date.
DCJS approves the training schools and the courses. DOS issues your guard registration card. We are DCJS approved. You apply to DOS for your card.
There is a window where you can renew late with a penalty. If you are far past it, you have to re-apply from scratch. Call us, we can help you figure out where you stand.
We are online right now, with live instruction from certified instructors. Check the course list for the current format of each class. We are also working toward an approved in-person location, and we will post it here once it is ready.

Start the path

Book the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment.

That is the first course every NY guard takes. Pick a date and get started.

Pre-Assignment datesCall 631-250-6707