How to get a security license in the state of Texas
Start with the services you plan to offer. We help you work through company licensing, individual requirements, training and qualified representation. You submit your applications to Texas DPS through TOPS.
From planning to approval
01 / Review
Tell us about your company, owners, team and experience. We review your proposed alarm, camera and access control work so the application and representative qualifications match your intended services.
02 / Structure
The company must designate a qualified individual. For an entity applicant, DPS rules require a qualifying company role: an officer overseeing security operations, or a partner or shareholder with at least 25% ownership. Formal documentation and actual oversight are essential.
03 / Prepare
We help assemble the applicable information and checklists. Complete role-specific individual applications, company affiliations, background checks, fingerprints and company insurance requirements as applicable. Your business also applies for its own company license.
04 / Submit
You submit the paperwork directly through TOPS and respond to DPS requests. A company representative must meet the applicable experience requirements and pass the DPS Private Security examination. Installer training and course assessments are separate requirements.
05 / Approval
Wait for the required company and individual authorizations before performing regulated work. When your business license is issued, monthly billing starts at $375 and the 24-month term begins on that same date.
06 / Grow
Use ongoing support to strengthen your work and keep records of experience. Before a representative change, your proposed replacement must meet DPS qualifications, examination and approval requirements. Maintain qualified representation throughout the transition.
Understand the two-year requirement
DPS lists two consecutive years of verifiable, full-time experience in each applicable service category for this Class B representative path. A 24-month program or payment history alone does not establish that experience.
Your company obtains its own license at the start. The later goal is to qualify your own representative and request an approved change, while keeping the company properly licensed.
Read the DPS representative experience and exam requirements ↗Official starting points
TOPS
Use the official Texas Online Private Security portal for company and individual applications, affiliations and license searches.
Open TOPS ↗DPS
Use DPS checklists and instructions to understand your required documents and follow-up steps.
View DPS instructions ↗Rules
Review the Texas Occupations Code and administrative rules that govern private security services.
View official rules ↗Your next step
Tell us what you install and where you want to go. We’ll help you understand the licensing path and whether our program fits.
