How to renew your NY security guard license

The NY Department of State runs guard registrations on a 2-year cycle. You become eligible to renew 90 days before your expiration date. Here is what has to be on file, and how the filing actually works.

What has to be on file first

You cannot renew until your required training is complete and on file with the state. For an unarmed registration:

1. 8-Hour Pre-Assignment, once.
2. 16-Hour On-the-Job Training, once, if you have worked as a guard for more than 90 days.
3. Two 8-Hour Annual In-Service courses completed within your current 2-year registration period.

Armed guards also need the 47-Hour Firearms course plus two 8-Hour Annual In-Service for Armed Guards within the period.

Most renewals stall on that second annual. Only a state approved training school can submit your completion to the state, you cannot mail or fax a class certificate to DOS yourself. So if you are missing an annual, book it first and let the school file the roster.

Book your Annual In-Service at Happy Pro Training.

How the renewal itself works

NY guard renewal is done by mail, not online. DOS mails you a personalized renewal notice about 90 days before your license expires, already printed with your ID number, term, and training on file. You sign it, include the fee, and mail the original back to the address printed on the form.

If you did not get your notice, or you lost it, request a personalized copy from DOS rather than printing a generic blank. Call DOS at (518) 474-7569 with your name and Unique ID Number, or use the request option on the official page below.

Start here: NY DOS, Renew or Update Security Guard License.

A few things that trip people up

Your current ID card stays valid until its printed expiration date. If you let the registration lapse for 6 months or more, you have to reapply from scratch instead of renewing, so do not sit on it.