How to verify a security licence
Private security is licensed state by state. Here is how to check a company's licence is active and in good standing — in a few minutes, for free.
How to verify a security company’s licence
Private security is licensed at the state level, and every state publishes a way to check a company’s licence. Verifying takes a few minutes and it is the single most important check you can make before hiring. Here is how.
The steps
- Ask the company for its agency licence number and the state that issued it.
- Open that state regulator’s public licence lookup (a few of the biggest are below).
- Search by licence number or company name, and confirm the status reads active or in good standing.
- Check the expiry date, and that the licensed name matches the company you are actually contracting with.
- If you need armed officers, confirm the separate armed permits your state requires.
A legitimate company will hand over its licence number without hesitation. If it is reluctant, or the record does not match, walk away.
Where to check, state by state
These four states run some of the largest security-licensing programs. Use the official regulator — never a third-party site that charges a fee.
Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS)
BSIS, part of the Department of Consumer Affairs, licenses guard companies and registers guards. Look for a Private Patrol Operator (PPO) licence that is active and in good standing.
Open the state licence lookupDepartment of State, Division of Licensing Services
The NY Department of State licenses guard agencies and registers security guards. Look for a Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency licence that is active and in good standing.
Open the state licence lookupDepartment of Public Safety, Private Security Program
The Texas DPS Private Security Program licenses security companies and registers individuals. Look for a Security Services Contractor (Company) licence that is active and in good standing.
Open the state licence lookupDept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing
FDACS licenses security agencies (Class “B”) and individual officers (Class “D”). Look for a Class “B” Security Agency licence that is active and in good standing.
Open the state licence lookupNot in these states?
Almost every state licenses private security through a similar body — often the Department of Public Safety, the Department of State, or a dedicated private-security board. Search “[your state] security guard company licence lookup” and use the official .gov result. A handful of states license only at the local level; if you cannot find a state licence, ask which city or county authority issued theirs.
Licensing is the first gate, not the whole decision. Use the compare guide to weigh insurance, rates, response and supervision.
Frequently asked questions
Does a licence guarantee good service?
No — it confirms the company is legally allowed to operate and is accountable to a regulator. Insurance, supervision and references tell you about quality.
Should I pay a website to run a licence check?
No. Every state regulator offers a free public lookup. Third-party “verification” sites charge for information the state gives away.
What if the officers are licensed but the company is not?
Both must be licensed. Contracting with an unlicensed agency can expose you to liability even if the individual guards hold cards.