How to become a security guard in Connecticut
Here's exactly what Connecticut requires, and the official portal to apply. Finish it and you can start getting booked on XGuard.
Get your Connecticut Security Officer Training Certification ID Card
You must be registered under a licensed security service company (your own or an employer's) before you can actually work — the training card alone doesn't authorize duty.
- 1Complete approved trainingComplete a course of instruction approved by the Commissioner of DESPP (waived for active military or police officers) at your own expense.
- 2Gather required documentsPrepare a 2"x2" color photo, a copy of your current driver's license, and naturalization papers if applicable.
- 3Submit your DPS-135-C applicationFile the Security Officer Training Certification ID Card application with DESPP's Special Licensing & Firearms Unit (SLFU), pay the $100 fee plus fingerprint fees, and sign the FBI Privacy Act Statement.
- 4Register with an employerOnce issued (valid 5 years), a licensed security service company must register you with SLFU before you can work — or register yourself if you hold your own agency license.
Get the Connecticut armed "Blue Card" firearm endorsement
This is a security-specific endorsement (Conn. Gen. Stat. §29-161z) layered on top of a state pistol permit — a general CT pistol permit alone does not authorize armed security work.
- 1Hold a CT Security Officer Training Certification ID CardYou must already hold (or be applying for) the base unarmed security officer card, and be at least 21.
- 2Complete the armed training courseComplete the 8-hour DESPP-approved firearms training and qualification course through an approved instructor.
- 3Apply for the Blue Card endorsementSubmit your application for the firearm (Blue Card) endorsement on your state pistol permit through SLFU, with the $62 fee.
- 4Complete annual refreshersTake the required annual refresher course to keep your armed endorsement valid.
License your own one-person private security service in Connecticut
This individual 'security service license' (as opposed to the corporate 'security service agency license') is Connecticut's sole-trader route — you don't need to incorporate to hold it.
- 1Check eligibility to be the licensed principalBe at least 25 years old with good moral character, and have 5 years of supervisory security experience or 10 years as a police officer with a federal, state, or municipal department.
- 2Choose your license typeAs a solo operator, you apply for the individual 'security service license'; a corporation/partnership instead needs the 'security service agency license.'
- 3Submit your application to SLFUFile your Private Security Service license application with DESPP's Special Licensing & Firearms Unit and pay the initial 2-year fee ($1,450 individual).
- 4Register your employeesAs a licensed principal, you must register and certify any security officers you hire under your license before they can work.
Once you're licensed
Create your free XGuard profile now — upload your license the moment you have it, and we'll verify it and start matching you to paid security work near you.
Start your XGuard profileXGuard guides you to the official process; the state issues your license. Figures are sourced from official regulators and verified before publishing, but requirements can change — always confirm on the official portal linked above.