How to Apply for a Security Guard License in Ohio

Step 1: Gather Requirements

Start by collecting the necessary documentation for both your company and the Qualifying Agent (QA). Ensure all documents are saved in electronic format (e.g., Word, PDF, JPG) on your computer.

Company Requirements:
1. Certificate of Registration
– Obtain a certificate from the Ohio Secretary of State confirming your company’s registration. If registered more than six months ago, you will need a certificate of good standing.

2. Acceptable Company Name
– No licensee shall use a company or trade name that includes terms suggestive of a law enforcement or government agency, such as:
– Homeland Security
– Highway Patrol or “patrol” used with “Ohio” or “State”
– Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Police, Private Police, SWAT
– Peace Officer, Trooper, Deputy, Agent, Constable, Cop, etc.
– If you have any questions regarding the acceptability of your company name, reach out to PISGS at [email protected] before registering it with the Ohio Secretary of State.

3. Trade Name Certificate
– If using a trade name, include a certificate from the Ohio Secretary of State indicating the trade name.

4. Insurance Acord for Comprehensive General Liability
– Minimum coverage: $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 general aggregate.
– List the following as the certificate holder:
DPS, PISGS Unit
PO Box 182001
Columbus, OH 43218
– Proof of insurance is not required at the time of application but must be received before the license is issued.
(Refer to the Sample Insurance Acord for guidance.)

Qualifying Agent (QA) Requirements:
– A recent 2×2 photo (passport style) of your head and shoulders.
– Five character reference letters from individuals (not relatives) who have known the QA for over five years. Each letter must specify the nature of your relationship (friend, work, church, etc.) and should be signed and dated within the last three months. Include the reference’s email, phone number, home address, and signature.
– Verification of Experience (VOE) will be sent to current and past employers listed on the QA application. The categorization is as follows:

– Class A: Full-time work in security and investigation for the two years preceding the application date. Relevant law enforcement, military police experience, or a college degree in law enforcement or criminal justice may apply (refer to ORC 4709.03 and OAC 4501:7-1-06 for specifics).
– Class B: Full-time work in investigation during the two years prior to the application date. Similar qualifications to Class A apply.
– Class C: Full-time work in security in the two years leading up to the application. Relevant experience and education may count.

– Military police experience must be validated with a DD 214 or current work orders.
– Law enforcement experience requires submission of an Ohio peace officer basic training certificate.
– Attorneys must provide a letter of good standing from the State Supreme Court, demonstrating active practice for at least two years.
– A college degree should be at least an associate’s in criminal justice or law enforcement, accompanied by a diploma or transcript.
– BCI fingerprint results must be no older than 30 days from the date of application and sent directly to PISGS. It is advisable to bring the PISGS WebCheck Instruction Sheet for proper delivery of results.

Refer to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for WebCheck locations. Additional requirements apply for QAs wishing to carry a firearm.

Reciprocity for Out-of-State Applicants:
Please note that there is no reciprocity for licenses held in other states. When applying, you must provide copies of your current licenses from other states along with letters of good standing from the relevant state licensing boards. Additional information regarding out-of-state fingerprinting is available.

Step 2: Request Online Access
After confirming you meet the requirements from Step 1, request online access with the Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS) to begin your license application.

– Request online access through the ODPS Identity Manager.
– (Refer to the Identity Manager User Guide for assistance.)

Step 3: Complete the Application
Navigate to the New Company License Application and log in using your User Name and Password created in Step 2.

– (Refer to the License Application User Guide for detailed instructions on completing online applications and submitting fees.)

Step 4: Examination
Once your license application and all required documents are verified, you will be notified to schedule an examination covering the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4749 and Ohio Administrative Code 4501:7-1.

Study Materials for the Exam:
– Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4749
– Ohio Administrative Code 4501:7-1

A QA has three attempts to pass the exam within a 90-day period. The exam is conducted once a month at the Ohio Department of Public Safety, located at 1970 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223. Alternate testing dates and locations may be arranged upon request.

Important Notes:
– The exam is waived only if the applicant was an approved Ohio QA within the last six months.
– If you fail the exam, additional testing fees will apply for each subsequent attempt.

Step 5: Proof of Insurance
Submit your Certificate of Liability Insurance (Acord) form.

– The comprehensive general liability must meet the following requirements:
– At least $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 general aggregate.
– The PISGS address must be listed as the Certificate Holder:
DPS, PISGS Unit
PO Box 182001
Columbus, OH 43218
– Proof of insurance is essential after passing the exam and must be received prior to the issuance of your license.
(Refer to the Sample Insurance Acord for your insurance provider to follow.)
– Email the Certificate of Liability Insurance to [email protected].

Step 6: License Approval
Upon successfully passing the QA exam and receipt of your proof of insurance by PISGS, your license application will be approved. PISGS will then print your wall license and QA registration card. At this stage, your company is licensed to operate and solicit work in Ohio.

You will then need to register all security guards and private investigation employees through the PISGS online system. Once logged in, refer to the “User Guide” for detailed steps.

By following these steps carefully, you will navigate the application process smoothly and successfully obtain your security guard license in Ohio.