⚠ SECURITY ALERT Following the Dec 2024 UnitedHealth CEO shooting: Meta, Broadcom, and Walmart all disclosed increased executive protection budgets in 2025–2026 SEC filings. Demand for EP services up 340%. Cost Guide →
Verify a Private Security Firm's Licence | PrivateSecurityList.com
Licence Verification — Our Moat

How to Verify Any Private Security Firm's Licence

No federal private security database exists. Every state runs its own. This guide shows you exactly where to check any firm operating in any US state — and what unlicensed operation actually means for your liability.

Why this matters for clients: If you hire an unlicensed private security firm and an incident occurs — an agent injures a third party, an accident involving their vehicle, a failure to prevent harm — your organisation's legal exposure is dramatically higher than if you used a licensed and insured firm. Vendor due diligence is not optional for corporate security procurement.

State-by-State Licence Verification

StateLicensing AuthorityDatabase / LookupWhat to Check
CaliforniaBureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)bsis.ca.gov — public licence lookupGuard registration, PPO licence, firearms qualification
TexasTexas Department of Public Safetydps.texas.gov — PSB licence searchCompany licence (C) + individual guard registration
New YorkNY Division of Licensing Servicesdos.ny.gov — licence verificationSecurity guard registration + armed guard permit
FloridaFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Servicesfdacs.gov — licence searchD (unarmed), G (armed), B (investigator)
IllinoisIllinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulationidfpr.illinois.gov — licence lookupAgency licence + individual registration
All other statesState DPS, BSIS equivalent, or SOSSearch "[state name] private security licence lookup"Company + individual + armed endorsement

What to Ask Any Firm Before Signing a Contract

Step 1

Request the company licence number and state of issue

Every state that licences private security requires company-level registration separate from individual agent licences. Get this number upfront — a legitimate firm provides it immediately without hesitation.

Step 2

Verify against the state database yourself

Do not accept a copy of a licence document — these can be forged. Go directly to the state database and run the number yourself. Confirm the licence is current, not suspended, and matches the company name exactly.

Step 3

Request certificates of insurance

General liability (minimum $2M), professional liability/errors and omissions, workers compensation for all agents, and umbrella coverage. Request certificates naming your organisation as an additional insured for the contract period.

Step 4

Verify individual agent credentials for EP assignments

For executive protection specifically, request guard card numbers for assigned agents. Run these against the state database. Also verify any claimed federal law enforcement or military background — these can be checked via SF-86 reference verification or direct background check vendors.

Step 5

Check multi-state compliance if relevant

A firm based in Texas providing services in California must hold a California licence as well. Multi-state operations require multi-state licences. Ask explicitly: "What states are you currently licensed to operate in?" and verify each one.

Our verification standard: Every firm listed as Verified on PrivateSecurityList.com has had their operating licence confirmed in their stated operating states, insurance certificates reviewed, and named principals background-checked via public records. We update verification annually.

Only Get Quotes from Pre-Verified Firms

Skip the verification work — every firm we send your RFQ to has already passed our licence and insurance check.

Request Pre-Verified Quotes →