How to reinstate your security guard license in New York
To reinstate a security guard license in New York, you submit an process to the Department of State's Division of Licensing Services along with proof that you meet current requirements — usually a clean background check, proof of training completion, and the reinstatement fee. The process takes roughly 4 to 8 weeks. You cannot work as a security guard while your process is pending, so timing matters if you need to return to work quickly.
New York distinguishes between a lapsed license (expired but not revoked) and a suspended or revoked license. A lapsed license is simpler to reinstate. A suspended or revoked license requires additional steps, including sometimes a hearing or proof that the reason for suspension no longer applies. You need to know which category yours falls into before you start.
Key Takeaways
- A lapsed license (one that straightforward expired) reinstates through a straightforward process to the Department of State, while a suspended or revoked license requires additional documentation or a hearing.
- You must complete a background check, provide proof of current training (usually 8 hours of refresher training), and pay the reinstatement fee, which varies depending on license type and how long it has been inactive.
- The Department of State processes reinstatement applications in 4 to 8 weeks, and you cannot legally work as a security guard until your new license arrives.
- If your license was revoked for cause (criminal conviction, violence, or theft), reinstatement may be denied or require a formal hearing before the department.
Check your license status with the Department of State
Before you submit anything, you need to know whether your license lapsed, was suspended, or was revoked. Contact the Department of State's Division of Licensing Services directly — they maintain the official record. You can call them or visit their website to search the license database by your name and license number. This step takes 10 minutes and tells you exactly what you are dealing with.
If your license straightforward expired and was never suspended or revoked, reinstatement is a standard process. If it was suspended or revoked, the department will tell you the reason and what conditions (if any) must be met before you can reapply. Write down the reason and any conditions they mention — you will need this information for your process.
Gather required documents for a lapsed license
For a standard reinstatement of a lapsed license, you will need: a completed process form (available from the Department of State website), a government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and a background check authorization form. The department uses fingerprinting for the background check, so you will also need to schedule an appointment at an approved fingerprinting location — many police precincts and private security companies offer this service.
You will also need proof of training. New York requires security guards to complete 8 hours of refresher training within the year before reinstatement. This training must be provided by a course approved by the department. Many security training companies offer these courses online or in-person; the cost is typically $50 to $150. Once you complete the course, you receive a certificate of completion — keep this with your process.
Finally, include the reinstatement fee. The fee depends on your license type and how long it has been inactive. For most security guard licenses, the fee ranges from $50 to $100. Check the Department of State website or call to confirm the exact amount for your situation.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended, the suspension has a defined end date. Once that date passes, you can explore for reinstatement using the same documents as a lapsed license — process, ID, background check, training certificate, and fee. However, you must also include a letter explaining what you have done since the suspension to show you have addressed the reason for it. If the suspension was for incomplete training, show proof of completion. If it was for a conduct issue, explain the steps you have taken.
If your license was revoked, reinstatement is more difficult. Revocation is permanent unless the department grants a petition to restore the license. You will need to file a formal petition with the Department of State explaining why you believe the revocation should be lifted. This petition must address the specific reason for revocation — whether it was a criminal conviction, dishonesty, violence, theft, or another cause. You may need to provide documentation showing the issue has been resolved (for example, a letter from a court if a conviction was overturned, or evidence of rehabilitation). The department may grant a hearing on your petition, and you may need to appear in person or submit written testimony.
Submit your process and wait for processing
Mail your completed process, documents, and fee to the Department of State's Division of Licensing Services at the address listed on their website. Include a cover letter listing everything you are sending so the department can verify they received all materials. Keep a copy of everything for your records.
Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks from the date the department receives your process. During this time, you cannot legally work as a security guard. If you need to work sooner, some employers may hire you as an unarmed security worker or in a different role while your license is pending, but confirm this with your employer first — it depends on the job and the employer's insurance requirements.
The department will mail your new license to the address you provided on the process. If you do not receive it within 10 weeks, contact the Division of Licensing Services to confirm the status.
What happens if your process is denied
The department will send you a written notice explaining why your process was denied. Common reasons include an incomplete background check, failure to complete required training, or a disqualifying criminal history. If the reason is something you can fix — missing documents, incomplete training — you can resubmit after addressing it.
If the denial is based on a criminal conviction or conduct issue, you have the right to request a hearing. The notice will explain how to request one. At a hearing, you can present evidence and testimony about why you believe you should be reinstated. An administrative law judge will hear your case and make a recommendation to the department.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a security guard license stay expired before I cannot reinstate it?
New York does not set a hard important date for reinstatement of a lapsed license, but the longer it has been expired, the more scrutiny your process may receive. If your license has been inactive for several years, the department may require additional documentation or training. Contact them directly to ask about your specific situation.
Do I need to take a new exam to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the security guard exam. You need to complete 8 hours of refresher training and pass a background check, but not the full licensing exam.
Can I work while my reinstatement process is being processed?
No. You cannot legally work as a licensed security guard until your new license is issued. Some employers may offer you other work during the waiting period, but confirm this with them first.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended or revoked?
Call the Department of State's Division of Licensing Services and ask them directly. They will tell you the reason and any conditions attached to reinstatement. Have your license number ready when you call.
Is there a faster way to reinstate my license?
The standard 4 to 8 week timeline is set by the department and applies to all applications. There is no expedited process. However, submitting a complete process with all required documents reduces the chance of delays caused by missing information.