So, you’re looking into the New York State security guard application. Honestly, it’s one of those things that looks like a total nightmare on paper but is actually pretty manageable if you don’t trip over the small stuff. Most people think they can just fill out a form, pay a fee, and start standing at a door the next night.
That’s not how it works. Not even close.
📖 Related: Secretary of Defense Salary 2025: What the Pentagon Chief Actually Makes
In New York, being a security guard isn’t just a job title; it’s a regulated profession. You’re basically a registered "agent" of the state’s Division of Licensing Services. Because of that, the state is extremely picky about how you apply. If you miss one signature or use the wrong "service code" for your fingerprints, they’ll toss your application faster than a bad fake ID.
The Reality of the New York State Security Guard Application
You’ve gotta be at least 18. That’s the hard floor. You also need to be a U.S. citizen, a resident alien, or have a valid work authorization card. If you’ve got a felony on your record, things get complicated. New York isn’t an automatic "no" for everyone with a record, but they will look at the "moral turpitude" of your past.
Basically, they want to know if they can trust you with a flashlight and a radio.
Before you even touch the application, you need to sit in a classroom for eight hours. This is the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course. It’s mandatory. You’ll learn about the role of a guard, legal powers (and the many things you can’t do), and how to handle emergencies without losing your cool. Once you pass the test at the end, you get a certificate. Hold onto that piece of paper like it’s gold. You cannot apply without it.
The Paperwork and the Prices
The actual form you need is DOS-1206-f-a, also known as the Employee Statement and Security Guard Application. It’s a bit dry.
Let's talk money because this is where people get surprised. It’s not just one fee. It’s a series of hits to your wallet.
- Application Fee: $36 (Payable to the NYS Department of State).
- Fingerprinting Fee: $101.25 (Payable to IdentoGO).
That’s $137.25 before you’ve even bought a pair of boots. And keep in mind, the application fee is non-refundable. If you mess up, they keep the thirty-six bucks.
The Fingerprint Trap
You can’t just go to a local police station and get ink on your thumbs. New York State requires electronic fingerprinting through a vendor called IdentoGO.
When you schedule your appointment, they’ll ask for a "Service Code." Write this down: 1545R1. If you use the wrong code, your background check goes to the wrong department, and your application will sit in a pile of "who knows what this is" for months.
When you finish at IdentoGO, they’ll give you two receipts. You need to mail one of those original receipts with your application. Don't send a photocopy of the receipt; send the real thing.
Why Your Application Might Get Rejected
Most rejections happen because of "The Photo."
👉 See also: Where Did Papa John's Start? The Real Story Behind the Broom Closet
If you have a New York State Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID, you’re usually fine. The Department of State pulls your photo from the DMV database. But if you don’t have a NYS ID, you have to go to a DMV office just to get a photo taken for their records. They’ll give you a receipt with a 9-digit ID number. You put that number on your New York State security guard application.
Another big one? Missing the 16-Hour On-the-Job Training (OJT).
You actually apply for your license after the 8-hour course, and once you get hired, you have 90 days to finish another 16 hours of training. If you don't, your license can be suspended. It’s a "get the job first, finish the training later" kind of deal, but the clock starts ticking the second you're on the payroll.
Getting the Job Done
Once you’ve got your 8-hour certificate, your IdentoGO receipt, and your $36 money order (no personal checks!), you mail the whole packet to the Division of Licensing Services in Albany.
The address is:
🔗 Read more: Roche Brothers in Wellesley: What Most People Get Wrong About This Local Legend
New York Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
P.O. Box 22052
Albany, NY 12201-2052
Don't expect a card the next day. It usually takes about 15 to 21 days for them to process everything and for your name to pop up in the public "Licensee" database.
Actionable Next Steps
- Find a DCJS-Approved School: Look for a training center near you that is licensed by the Division of Criminal Justice Services. Don't just pick the cheapest one; pick one that helps you with the paperwork.
- Schedule Fingerprints Now: IdentoGO locations in NYC and Albany fill up fast. Use code 1545R1.
- Get a Money Order: Go to the post office or a bank. The state will not take your personal check or cash.
- Double-Check Your ID: If your driver's license is expired or from out-of-state, head to the DMV for a "photo-only" visit before you mail anything.
Completing the New York State security guard application is really just a test of your ability to follow instructions. If you can handle this paperwork, you’re already halfway to being a professional guard. Just stay organized, keep your receipts, and remember that 90-day deadline for your OJT once you’re hired.