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 

Apply for license

Click to apply for a license.

Items Needed for Application

Security Agency

• Register agency name with the Corporations Division, (202) 442-4432, via CorpOnline.

• Fact Sheet for Attorney in Fact or General Agent Form (if physical business address is outside of the District of Columbia); or
• Occupancy Permit/Current Lease Agreement (if physical address is located in the District of Columbia)
• Proof of Registration Document/ Certificate of Good Standing
• Government-Issued ID
• Birth Certificate; or Proof of Immigration Status
• Notarized Arrest Affidavit
• Notarized Authorization to Release Information Form
• Fingerprint Receipt
• Confirmation Receipt of Payment
• Proposed Patch Design
• Proof of Insurance

Security Officer

• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
• Either be a United States citizen or have in his or her possession a valid Immigration and Naturalization Service work permit;
• Be able to read, write, and speak the English language; and
• Must be affiliated with a licensed Security Agency Business

• Government Issued ID
• United States Passport, United States Birth Certificate, and Immigration and Naturalization Service Work Permit
• 2x2 photo 
• Proof of Military Service (DD214 - if applicable)
• Notarized Arrest Affidavit (including dispositions for arrests)
• Notarized Authorization to Release Information Form
• Drug Screening (6 panel with levels)
• Health/Physical Examination
• Security Officer’s Passed Examination Results
• Fingerprint Receipt
• Confirmation Receipt of Payment

Private Detective Agency

• Register agency name with the Corporations Division, (202) 442-4432, via CorpOnline.

• Fact Sheet for Attorney in Fact or General Agent Form (if physical business address is outside of the District of Columbia); or
• Occupancy Permit/Current Lease Agreement (if physical address is located in the District of Columbia)
• Proof of Registration Document/ Certificate of Good Standing
• Government Issued ID
• Birth Certificate or Proof of Immigration Status
• Notarized Arrest Affidavit
• Notarized Authorization to Release Information Form
• Fingerprint Receipt
• Confirmation Receipt of Payment
• A Bond in the penal sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000)

Private Detective

• Government Issued ID
• United States Passport, United States Birth Certificate, or Immigration and Naturalization Service Work Permit
• 2x2 photo 
• Proof of Military Service (if applicable)
• Notarized Arrest Affidavit (including dispositions for arrests)
• Notarized Authorization to Release Information Form
• Fingerprint Receipt
• Confirmation Receipt of Payment

Special Police Officer

• Have reached the age of twenty-one (21) years;
• Be a citizen of the United States;
• Be of good moral character; 
• Possess a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma, or one year of experience as a special police officer in the District of Columbia;
• Be able to read, write, and speak the English language;
• Must be affiliated with a licensed Security Agency;
• Be certified by a licensed physician as physically and psychologically fit to perform the duties of a special police officer;
• An applicant who has been dishonorably discharged from the military shall be ineligible to be commissioned as a special police officer;
• Special police officers shall be required to satisfactorily complete pre-assignment, on the-job, and in-service training programs which have been prescribed and approved by the Mayor;
• Pre-assignment training shall include at least sixteen (16) hours of training on arrest powers, search and seizure laws, the District of Columbia Official Code, and the use of force. Pre-assignment training shall include an additional twenty-four (24) hours of training generally relating to the special police officer's duties and specifically including:
  • Terrorism awareness, including building evacuation, unattended packages, and unknown substances;
  • Emergency procedures, including evacuation and first-aid; and
  • Customer service and interaction with tourists.
• Special police officers shall satisfactorily complete a 16-hour, on-the-job training course within ninety (90) working days following employment, and an 8-hour annual in-service training course;
• Special police officers shall also satisfy all additional initial and re-qualification training standards for firearms and other equipment, as applicable;
• Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit a security agency from voluntarily providing training programs and courses which exceed the minimum requirements. Upon satisfactory completion of a required training course, a special police officer shall receive from his or her employer a certificate evidencing satisfactory completion thereof.

• Government Issued ID
• Unites States Passport, United States Birth Certificate or Naturalization Document
• 2x2 photo 
• Proof of Military Service (DD214 - if applicable)
• Notarized Arrest Affidavit (including dispositions for arrests)
• Notarized Authorization to Release Information Form
• Drug Screening (6 panel with levels)
• Physical Examination
• Range Certificate (if armed)
• Fingerprint Receipt
• Confirmation Receipt of Payment

Campus Special Police

• Have reached the age of twenty-one (21) years;
• Be a citizen of the United States;
• Be of good moral character; 
• Possess a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma, or one year of experience as a special police officer in the District of Columbia;
• Be able to read, write, and speak the English language
• Must be affiliated with one of the 9 licensed College/Universities Business;
• Be certified by a licensed physician as physically and psychologically fit to perform the duties of a special police officer;
• An applicant who has been dishonorably discharged from the military shall be ineligible to be commissioned as a special police officer;
• Special police officers shall be required to satisfactorily complete pre-assignment, on the-job, and in-service training programs which have been prescribed and approved by the Mayor;
• Pre-assignment training shall include at least sixteen (16) hours of training on arrest powers, search and seizure laws, the District of Columbia Official Code, and the use of force. Pre-assignment training shall include an additional twenty-four (24) hours of training generally relating to the special police officer's duties and specifically including:
  • Terrorism awareness, including building evacuation, unattended packages, and unknown substances;
  • Emergency procedures, including evacuation and first-aid; and
  • Customer service and interaction with tourists.
• Special police officers shall satisfactorily complete a 16-hour, on-the-job training course within ninety (90) working days following employment, and an 8-hour annual in-service training course.
• Special police officers shall also satisfy all additional initial and re-qualification training standards for firearms and other equipment, as applicable.
• Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit a security agency from voluntarily providing training programs and courses which exceed the minimum requirements of this chapter. Upon satisfactory completion of a required training course, a special police officer shall receive from his or her employer a certificate evidencing satisfactory completion thereof.

• Government Issued ID
• United States Passport, United States Birth Certificate or Naturalization Document
• 2x2 photo 
• Proof of Military Service (DD214 - if applicable)
• Notarized Arrest Affidavit (including dispositions for arrests)
• Notarized Authorization to Release Information Form
• Drug Screening (6 panel with levels)
• Health/Physical Examination
• 250 Consortium Academy Training or Jurisdictional Police Academy
• Range Certificate (if armed)
• Fingerprint Receipt
• Confirmation Receipt of Payment

Examination

Exams may be scheduled online or by phone.

To schedule online, visit psiexams.com. New users will need to create an account and register prior to scheduling an exam. Once registered, select “Schedule and examination” and then:

1. Select Government/State Licensing Agencies
2. Select District of Columbia exams
3. Select Account for the type of licensing exam that you are seeking

Applicants may also schedule by phone at 1 (855) 557-0616.

Fingerprints: Call to schedule an appointment with the Metropolitan Police Department (202) 671-6705

Agencies located outside the DC Metropolitan Area must have a local agent and District of Columbia address (Post Office Boxes are not accepted).

Fees*

Agency

Private Detective Business

• New – $1,000.⁰⁰
• Renewal – $935.⁰⁰

Security Agency Business

• New application – $1,000.⁰⁰ (5 or more officers)
• Renewal – $935.⁰⁰

Security Agency Campus University

• New application – $1,000.⁰⁰ (5 or more officers)
• Renewal – $935.⁰⁰

Security Agency Individual (4 or less officers)

• New – $500.⁰⁰
• Renewal – $435.⁰⁰

Individual

Campus Special Police Officer

• New – $84.⁰⁰
• Renewal $84.⁰⁰

Private Detective

• New – $500.⁰⁰
• Renewal – $435.⁰⁰

Private Detective Agency

• New – $500.⁰⁰
• Renewal – $412.⁰⁰

Security Officer

• Exam – $69.⁰⁰ (New Applicants Only)
• New – $103.⁰⁰
• Renewal – $103.⁰⁰

Special Police Officer

• New – $84.⁰⁰
• Renewal – $84.⁰⁰

**

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]  

Security Agency “Renewal” Application Requirements 

Security Agency Business (SAB) Application Requirements 

SAB New Required Documents  

New Application Fee: $1,000.00 

Security Agency Individual (Business) (SAI)  

SAI New Required Documents  

New Application Fee: $500.00 

Private Detective Business (PDB) 

PDB New Required Documents  

New Application Fee: $1,000.00 

Private Detective Individual Business (PAI) 

PAI New Required Documents  

New Application Fee: $500.00 

Security Agency Campus/University (SAC) 

SAC New Required Documents  

New Application Fee: $1,000.00 

Individual Officer “New” Application Requirements  

Security Officer 

SO New Required Documents  

Exam Fee: $69.00 (Paid directly to the PSI testing center) 

New Application Fee: $103.00 

Special Police Officer (SPO) 

SPO New Required Documents  

New Application Fee: $84.00 

Special University/Campus Police (SCP) 

SCP New Required Documents  

New Application Fee: $84.00 

Private Detective (PD) 

PD New Required Documents  

New Application Fee: $500.00 

License Renewal

Submit an application for renewal of an occupational or professional license.

• Request a Letter of License Certification
• Security License Designation/Transfer Request

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.

**

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]  

Security Agency “Renewal” Application Requirements 

Security Agency Business (SAB)  

SAB Renewal Required Documents  

Renewal Fee: $935.00 

Security Agency Individual (Business) (SAI)  

SAI Renewal Required Documents  

Renewal Fee: $435.00 

Private Detective Business (PDB) 

PB Renewal Required Documents  

Renewal Fee: $935.00 

Private Detective Individual Business (PAI) 

PAI Renewal Required Documents  

Renewal Fee: $412.00 

Security Agency Campus/University (SAC) 

SAC Renewal Required Documents  

Renewal Fee: $935.00 

Individual Officer “Renewal” Application Requirements  

Security Officer 

SO Renewal Required Documents  

Renewal Fee: $103.00 

Special Police Officer (SPO) 

SPO Renewal Required Documents  

Renewal Fee: $84.00 

Special University/Campus Police (SCP) 

SCP Renewal Required Documents  

Renewal Fee: $84.00 

Private Detective (PD) 

PD Renewal Required Documents  

Renewal Fee: $500.00 

Transfer Application

Click here to transfer a license 

How to Transfer an “Active” license between agencies 

Schedule Fingerprints (prior to application submission):  

Schedule Fingerprints with MPD  or Phone: (202) 671-6705  

For additional information regarding fingerprints email:  [email protected]  

Individual Officer “Transfer” Application Requirements    

Security Officer 

SO Transfer Required Documents  

Transfer Fee: $30.00 

Special Police Officer (SPO) 

SPO Transfer Required Documents  

Transfer Fee: $30.00 

Special University/Campus Police (SCP) 

SCP Transfer Required Documents  

Transfer Fee: $30.00 

Private Detective (PD) 

PD Transfer Required Documents  

Renewal Fee: $30.00 

Meeting Dates  

Find the schedule for DLCP Board Meetings here.

• Frequently Asked Questions 

District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR)  

• Title 6-A – Police Personnel – Commissioned Officers 

• Title 17 – Business, Occupations and Professions 

How to Start a Private Security Business 

• How to Start a Security Agency Business (5 or more officers)  

• How to Start a Security Agency Business (4 or less officers)  

• How to Start a Private Detective Business (5 or more officers)  

• How to Start a Private Detective Individual Business (4 or less officers)  

• How to Start a Security Agency Campus/University (SAC)  

• Security Website: https://dlcp.dc.gov/node/1617436​ 

• New Application:  https://govservices.dcra.dc.gov/oplanewlicense​ 

• Renewal Application:  https://govservices.dcra.dc.gov/oplarenewallicense​ 

• 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. ​ 

• License Search: https://govservices.dcra.dc.gov/oplaportal​ 

• MPD Security Snapshot