Armed and Unarmed Guard Card Process
There are two methods to apply: paper and electronic. The paper application involves either delivering your application to DPS in person, or mailing it to them, whereas the online application allows you to complete all the paperwork digitally. Both are discussed bleow.
Unarmed & Armed
To work as a contracted security guard, that is, to work for a security guard and patrol company, you must be licensed. To get that license, you must take a mandatory training class for your unarmed license. It's 8 hours in length and can be taken online or in person.
For those looking to become an armed security guard, and additonal class must be taken. This is the 16 hour armed security guard course. It's two, eight hour days and includes a live fire range qualification and written test. The armed course cannot be taken online.
Further, unarmed training must be completed first, prior to taking the armed course. You do not need to have your paperwork submitted, but you must have completed the unarmed training, and have your training verification form to show it.
There are requirements and disqualifiers that DPS has in place when applying for the security licnese. It's the typical stuff: at least 18 years of age, citizen of the U.S. or legal resident, no felonies within the last 5 years and so on. You can find all of the preclusions in A.R.S. 32-2622.
The process on getting the security guard card(s) for Arizona is outlined below.
Requirements and Disqualifiers
We cannot offer legal advice, nor say if DPS will allow you to get your guard card if you have something in your background. You can call DPS and discuss your situation directly with them as we have no bearing on your application's disqualifications. On the guard card registration application form there is space to provide additional information, and we always suggest you give them as much info as possible, and include any copies of supporting paperwork you may have.
General Requirements
- Must be a minimum of 18 years of age or older
- Must be a US citizen or have a legal right to work in the US
- Must not be convicted of a felony, or under indictment of one
- Must not be on parole, probation or on a sex offender list
- Must not be a prohibited possessor
- Must not be deemed mentally incompetent
- No bad conduct, dishonorable or other than honorable discharge from military
Disqualifiers
- Personal violence against another or threats against another of personal violence
- Misconduct involving a deadly weapon as per ARS 12-3102
- Dishonesty or Fraud
- Arson
- Theft
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Misconduct
- Drug Related Offenses
THE PROCESS
This is the general overview to get your guard card
TRAINING
PAPERWORK
FINGERPRINTS
PHOTOS
MONEY
SEND IT
Training Courses
Unarmed guard card classes are offered both online and in-person (ground). Armed classes, are in-person only. Check our schedule for dates and times. You can also read more about these specific courses below.
Fingerprinting Information & Locations
AZSG offers ditial fingerprinting services to students for $15. You can select the option when registering for a ground class. Those students that take the unarmed guard course online can set an appointment with us to have them completed.
We use FBI approved equipment and standards to print your cards on the standard FBI form to submit to AZ DPS.
If you are unable to get your prints done with us, we have a list of approved locations around the valley that DPS authorizes. Each one of these locations will require an appointment, so please contact them prior to arrival.
Also note, we do not control the cost of fingerprinting at third party locations. We are not affiliated with these locations.
There may be additional locations around the valley, please visit the AZ DPS website to find out if there is a location closer to you than what we have listed here.
Phoenix, AZ 5015
M-F 8am-12pm & 1pm-5pm
Phoenix, AZ 85020
M-F 8am-12pm & 1pm-5pm
Chandler, AZ 85224
M-F 8am-12pm & 1pm-5pm
Avondale, AZ 85323
M-F 8am-12pm & 1pm-5pm
Peoria, AZ 85381
M-F 8am-12pm & 1pm-5pm
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
M-F 8am-12pm & 1pm-5pm
PASSPORT SIZE PHOTO
You can get a passport size photo taken at any Walgreens Photo center, you only need to send one to DPS
License Fees
The cost of training courses and classes do not include the actual cost of the license. DPS still requires the license fee be paid prior to issuing the license, and the student submits their payment to DPS with their packet. These pricing fees are effective as of January 1st 2020.
The upgrade to armed is for those with an issued and valid unarmed security guard card. Upgrading to armed only costs $50, but whatever date your unarmed card expires, your armed will also expire.
Unarmed Guard
New and Renew
Armed Guard
New and Renew
Armed Upgrade
From Valid Unarmed
Armed Refresher
Annual Re-Qualification
DPS & Packet Information
Once your training and paperwork is complete and done, you will need to send it to AZ DPS. If you are hand-delivering it, their physical address is where you want to go. If you are mailing it, be sure to use the mailing address to ensure it gets to where it needs to be. Please be aware that DPS is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19. Give them a call to determine if they are open for in-person drop-off or not.
AZ DPS Licensing Unit
Street Address
2222 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Mailing Address
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Licensing Unit
P.O. Box 6328 MD 3140
Phoenix, AZ 85005
Website
https://www.azdps.gov/services/public/licensing
Email Address
licensing@azdps.gov
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm
The office is closed on weekends and all state holidays
Phone & Fax
Phone: 602-223-2361
Fax: 602-223-2938
YOUR PACKET MUST HAVE THESE ITEMS
Online Application Process
AZ DPS offers an online application process. Instead of using the paper application process above, you can electronically submit your application and documents to them using the procedure below. The application fees are slightly higher when applying electronically.
GENERAL INFORMATION
There are some things to be aware of when applying online:
- The electronic process is only available to Arizona residents
- You must schedule a fingerprinting appointment at an approved location
- The fees are slightly higher
ONLINE PROCESS
- Start the online application process (link below)
- On vendor site, click the “Fingerprint Sites” (on the top right of page) to ensure there is a fingerprinting location near you.
- On vendor site, click "Register"
- Click security guard or private investigator for the type of application you are requiring. Continue to click the appropriate type. Please make sure you are selecting the correct type as FEES WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.
- Enter demographics
- Answer and electronically sign release and agreement
- Submit information
- A email with the link to pay with a credit card will be sent to the email you provided during registration.
- Another email with the receipt and the registration number will be sent. Please take this with you when you go to get fingerprinted and have your photo taken.
- After you are fingerprinted you will receive a notification that the application has been received and which additional documents will still be needed by DPS.
- Deliver additional documents to DPS Licensing.
- Your application will not be processed until these items are received.
- Please make sure that your FIRST and LAST name and DOB are clearly written on the documents so they can be matched up to your application.
- Can be mailed, delivered, emailed or faxed. Cannot respond to the email you receive.
Online Guard Card
Application Website
Online Application Fees
Processing the application for a guard card online will cost slightly more.
Unarmed Online
New and Renew
Armed Online
New and Renew
Armed Upgrade
From Valid Unarmed
Armed Refresher
Annual Re-Qualification
AZ DPS Licensing Unit
Check the status of your license on the DPS Licensing Unit website
