Arizona DPS Unarmed Security Guard Card Initial Application Process
- Requirements for Becoming an Unarmed Security Guard
- Fingerprinting/Background Check
- Application Steps
- Where do I get a money order?
- Where do I get a passport photo taken?
- What is the total cost of earning an Arizona Unarmed Guard Card?
- How long will it take for my application to be processed?
- How and when can I check the status of an application?
Initial Application
The unarmed security application process is prescribed in Arizona Revised Statute, Title 32, Chapter 26, Article 3, §32-2623.
AZ DPS Licensing Unit only accepts money orders, cashier's checks, company checks from the sponsoring agency, or the exact amount in cash. No personal checks.
Requirements for Becoming an Unarmed Security Guard
Click here to review the minimum requirements to become an Arizona Security Guard.
Application Steps
- Complete the mandatory training course.
- Complete the Security Guard Registration Application.
a. The DPS-licensed Security Guard agency/trainer completes and signs Parts A and C.
b. The applicant completes and signs Part B. - Complete a fingerprint card.
FBI fingerprint card FD-258 is recommended. - Take passport-sized color photographs of the applicant's face. This is the photograph that will appear on the Security Guard Identification Card issued by the DPS.
Photographs should no larger than 2-inches by 2-inches. - Proof of identification, such as a photocopy of your driver's license, passport, etc.
- Obtain application and background check fees of $72.
Payment must be in the form of a money order, cashier's check or business check from a DPS-licensed security guard agency. Personal checks, credit cards and debit cards are not accepted!
Checks should be made payable to "DPS."
Download the Arizona DPS Unarmed Security Guard Application (.PDF)
Download the Arizona DPS Security Guard Training Form (.PDF)
Where do I get a money order?
A money order is a pre-paid checks. It is equivalent to cash, with the exception it can only be deposited by the person or company it is made out to (payee).
Money orders can be purchased from any bank, US Post Office, Western Union, and Walmart Supercenters. Money orders are less expensive than cashier's checks, but they have an upper limit of $1,000.00.
There is a small service fee for creating the money order. For example, the US Post Office charges $1.30.
What do I need?
- Cash or debit card.
- The payee is: DPS
- Your personal information.
Keep the reciept, which is a carbon copy of the money order.
Where do I get a passport photo taken?
Passport photos can be taken anywhere. For example, many mailbox stores, CVS Pharmacy, WalMart, AAA, notary services, etc. Cost varies significantly, but is usually around $17.
Fingerprinting/Background Check
Click here for detailed information on fingerprinting for the Arizona Unarmed Guard Card.
What is the cost of earning an Arizona Unarmed Guard Card?
There are four (4) costs to earning a Arizona unarmed guard card:
- Training fees.
- Application fees.
- Background check fees (fingerprint cards).
- Passport photos.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial Training | $49.99 |
| DPS Application Fees | $72.00 |
| Fingerprint Cards | $25 (approximate) |
| Passport Photos | $17 (approximate) |
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
For applicants with no criminal history record, the processing time is currently less than 10-days. Please note, this average is subject to change at any time (can increase or decrease) depending upon the number of applications received by DPS.
For applicants with a criminal history record which will require research by the applicant, the processing time can vary. The applicant will be given 45-days to produce to requested documents, once the requested documents are received and verified the application can be approved or denied within 5 business days. Please note, this average is subject to change at any time (can increase or decrease) depending upon the number of applications received by DPS.
How and when can I check the status of an application?
How:
You can check the status of an electronic or paper application on-line at the Arizona Department of Public Safety's License Status tab.
You can also check the status by calling (602) 223-2361. Based on the number of callers ahead of you, you may experience a wait time.
When:
The status of a paper application will not be available on-line, or if you call, until it has been entered into the DPS database. How long before it is entered will vary daily, based on mail transport time and the volume of applications received by DPS. No specific time frame can be provided.
For electronic applications allow approximately 24 to 48 hours (could possibly take longer) after you have been fingerprinted for the status to be available online.