
District of Columbia Security Program The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) Occupational and Professional Licensing (OPL) Security Program oversees the licensure and regulatory guidelines for private and government security professionals operating within the District of Columbia. The program is dedicated to protecting both security professionals and the public by enforcing the District of Columbia Security License Laws and the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR). These regulations govern the conduct and licensing of:
- Security Agencies
- Private Detective Agencies
- Security Officers
- Special Police Officers
- Special University/Campus Police Officers
- Private Detectives
Important Updates
Applicant
Apply for license
Click here to apply for a new license
Security Agency “New” Application Requirements
Read requirements in the Publications and Resource tab below for instructions on how to start a new security business
Schedule Fingerprints (prior to application submission):
Click here to schedule online: Schedule Fingerprints with MPD or Phone: (202) 671-6705
For additional information regarding fingerprints email: [email protected]
(PLEASE NOTE: The italicized text referenced below for all license requirements is available here.)
Security Agency “Renewal” Application Requirements
Licensee
Security Agency and Security Agency Individuals
Documents needed to renew:
- Notarized Authorization to Release Information Form
- Confirmation Receipt of Payment
- Proof of Insurance
- List of worksite(s) with name and locations
Private Detective Agency
Documents needed to renew:
- Notarized Authorization to Release Information Form
- Confirmation Receipt of Payment
- Proof of Bond
- Must be affiliated with a licensed Private Detective Business (for individuals)
Individual License Renewal Documents
Security Officer Renewal Documents:
- Notarized Arrest Affidavit (including dispositions for arrests)
- Notarized Authorization to Release Information Form
- Drug Screening (6 panel with levels)
- Health/Physical Examination
- Fingerprint Receipt
- Confirmation Receipt of Payment Application
- Must be affiliated with a licensed Security Agency Business or Security Agency Individual
Special Police Officer Renewal Documents:
- Notarized Arrest Affidavit (including dispositions for arrests)
- Notarized Authorization to Release Information Form
- Drug Screening (6 panel with levels)
- Health/Physical Examination
- Fingerprint Receipt
- Confirmation Receipt of Payment Application
- If armed, a Range Certification is required
- If contracted to work at a DC Public Schools, a Letter of Designation is required
- Must be affiliated with a licensed Security Agency Business or Security Agency Individual
Campus Special Police Officer Renewal Documents:
- Notarized Arrest Affidavit (including dispositions for arrests)
- Notarized Authorization to Release Information Form
- Drug Screening (6 panel with levels)
- Health/Physical Examination
- Fingerprint Receipt
- Confirmation Receipt of Payment
- If armed, a Range Certification is required
- 250 Consortium Certification
- Must be affiliated with one of the 9 licensed College/Universities Business
Private Detective
- Notarized Arrest Affidavit (including dispositions for arrests)
- Notarized Authorization to Release Information Form
- Confirmation Receipt of Payment Application
- Must be affiliated with a licensed Private Detective Business or Private detective Individual
For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service number at (202) 442-4320.
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Click here to apply for a renewal license
Schedule Fingerprints (prior to application submission):
Schedule Fingerprints with MPD or Phone: (202) 671-6705
For additional information regarding fingerprints email: [email protected]
Meeting Dates
Meeting Dates
Find the schedule for DLCP Board Meetings here.
Members and Staff
Security Program Staff
Donna Harrod – Program Manager
Erin Underhill – Administrator/Program Analyst
Nakia Booker – Program Support Specialist
Kaila Neal - Program Support Specialist
Dontaine Shayton - Program Support Specialist
Jasmine Wilson – Program Support Specialist
Noel Bradford – Program Support Specialist
Arianna Taylor – Program Support Specialist
For more information, please contact Occupational and Professional Licensing (OPL) using our online inquiry form, via email at [email protected], or by phone at (202) 671-4500.
Direct Email: [email protected]
Publications and Resources
District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR)
How to Start a Private Security Business
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How to Start a Security Agency Business (5 or more officers)
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How to Start a Security Agency Business (4 or less officers)
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How to Start a Private Detective Business (5 or more officers)
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How to Start a Private Detective Individual Business (4 or less officers)
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How to Start a Security Agency Campus/University (SAC)
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Security Website: https://dlcp.dc.gov/node/1617436
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New Application: https://govservices.dcra.dc.gov/oplanewlicense
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Renewal Application: https://govservices.dcra.dc.gov/oplarenewallicense
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Transfer Application: https://govservices.dcra.dc.gov/oplaportal
For transfers, click on the link, go to "My Licenses" and click "Transfer" under the license you desire to transfer.
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License Search: https://govservices.dcra.dc.gov/oplaportal












