How to Renew an Expired NY Security Guard License

Your NY State Security Guard license is good for two years. If it has already expired, your next step depends on how long ago that happened. There are two paths, and they are very different.

If your license expired less than 6 months ago

You can still renew. The same process applies as if you had renewed on time, with a few extra steps.

What you need to do:

1. Make sure your two 8 Hour Annual In-Service classes are on file. NY requires two of these courses within your 2 year registration period. If you missed one, you cannot renew until it is completed. We can help you sign up for one.

1. Request a renewal form from the NY Department of State Division of Licensing Services. Normally these are mailed 90 days before expiration, but if your license is already expired you almost certainly need a new one. Request via email. The email must include:

• Your full name
• Your mailing address
• License type (Security Guard)
• Unique Identification Number (UID)
• Expiration date

1. Submit the renewal form to the address on the form, along with payment (check, money order, or credit card depending on submission method).

1. Wait for the state to process. Until your renewal is approved and your license shows Active in the public lookup, you are legally not permitted to work as a security guard in NY.

If your license expired 6 months ago or more

You can no longer renew. You must reapply for a new registration from scratch.

NY DOS is explicit about this: "If your registration is expired for 6 months or more, you will be required to reapply for a new registration."

What "reapply" means in practice:

• You start over as if you were brand new
• You may need to retake the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training (depending on how long it has been)
• You go through the full application, fingerprinting, and fee process again
• Any existing UID will not be reused

This is more time-consuming and costs more in fees, but it is the only legal path forward once you cross the 6 month mark.

A few important things to know

Your training records are submitted by your school, not by you. If your annual in-service courses are not showing up at the state, do not call NY DOS. Contact the training school first. The school is required to submit roster information to the NY Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), who electronically transfers it to NY DOS.

Your name on your application must match official documents exactly. Many guards cannot find their record in the public lookup because of nickname variations or maiden name changes. Use your full legal name.

The public DOS lookup only shows ACTIVE licenses. If yours is expired, it will not appear in any search. This is also why our tracker cannot auto-load your record once you have expired.

Who to call if you have questions

For any question about your specific renewal status, call NY DOS directly. They are the only authoritative source.

NY DOS Security Guard and Armored Car Guard Information Phone: (518) 474-7569 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:45 AM to 4:30 PM (except legal holidays) Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-disabled callers: dial 7-1-1

For general Division of Licensing Services questions: Phone: (518) 474-4429

Mailing address for renewal forms: NYS Department of State Division of Licensing Services PO Box 22001 Albany NY 12201-2001

Next steps with Happy Pro - Security Training

Need to take your 8 Hour Annual In-Service class to be eligible for renewal? We teach it. Sign up at happyprotraining.com/classes.

Reapplying as if you were new? Start with the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training, also at happyprotraining.com/classes.

Have questions specific to Happy Pro - Security Training? Email us at support@happyprotraining.com.

---

Last updated 2026-05-22. State requirements and contact information sourced from NY DOS (dos.ny.gov/security-guard, dos.ny.gov/renew-or-update-security-guard-license). Always verify your specific situation with the state directly.