Certifications › Guard card › New York
New York guard card requirements
Security Guard Registration · Last verified November 1, 2026
Not legal advice. This guide is general information, not legal or career advice. Licensing rules, hours and fees change and vary by state and employer. Verify every requirement with the issuing body before you enroll, apply or work.
Issuing agency
New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
Requirements and training
- Minimum age
- Check with New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
- Training and requirements
- 8-hour pre-assignment course before you apply; 16-hour on-the-job training within 90 days of employment; 8-hour annual in-service course every calendar year. Fingerprints required.
Training is set by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services; schools must be DCJS-approved.
Cost and time
- Fees
- $36 application fee; $25 renewal fee.
- Time
- Check with New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
Renewal
Registration is issued for 2 years. Complete two 8-hour annual in-service courses during the term and renew by the expiration date; after 6 months lapsed you must re-apply and re-qualify.
Sources
Last verified November 1, 2026. Where a field says "Check with", we couldn't confirm it from an official source.