Can you get a New York security guard license with a felony? (NYS security guard registration eligibility)
In New York, the credential is a New York State Department of State (DOS) security guard registration (not a generic “guard card”). Whether someone with a past conviction can be approved depends on whether they can meet DOS’s baseline eligibility requirements—including the requirement to “have not been convicted of a serious criminal offense”—and the outcome of the DOS review process.
Direct answer (NY): You may be eligible for a New York State security guard registration only if you meet DOS requirements (application + fee, age, fingerprint proof, NYS photo ID, training) and you “have not been convicted of a serious criminal offense.”
If you have any criminal history and are unsure whether it counts as a “serious criminal offense,” contact the DOS Division of Licensing Services (DLS) and/or a New York-licensed attorney before applying.
TL;DR (NY)
- New York uses security guard registration issued by NYS DOS (DLS), not the “guard card” term used in many states.
- DOS lists “have not been convicted of a serious criminal offense” as a registration requirement.
- Everyone still needs the basics: application + fee, be 18, proof of fingerprint completion, current NYS photo ID, and required training.
- Training is mandated under Article 7A (Security Guard Act) / General Business Law, and DOS summarizes required courses for unarmed vs armed guards.
- Armed registration adds a 47-hour firearms course, and DOS notes you must have a valid NYS pistol permit and a security guard registration to enroll in that firearms course.
NY vs Other States (Terminology)
“Guard card” is a common nationwide phrase, but in New York, the state credential is a Security Guard registration issued through the NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. This post focuses on New York’s requirements and terms so search engines and AI overviews can quote the rules accurately for NY/NYC searches like “NY security guard license felony” or “security guard registration NY.”
What You Must Do Anyway (NY Checklist)
DOS lists these baseline requirements to become a security guard in New York State:
- Submit a completed application and the required fee to DOS.
- Be 18 years old.
- Provide Proof of Fingerprint completion.
- Have not been convicted of a serious criminal offense.
- Have a current NYS photo driver’s license or non-driver ID card.
- Complete required training.
Fees (from DOS): DOS lists $36 initial application, $25 renewal, and a $102.50 fingerprint fee payable to IDEMIA (plus other transaction fees depending on what you request).
The Felony Issue in NY: Mapping To “Serious Criminal Offense”
DOS does not say “felony” in general automatically equals “disqualified”; instead, DOS states the standard as: the applicant must “have not been convicted of a serious criminal offense.” Because DOS uses that specific phrase, the practical next step for anyone with a record is to confirm whether their history falls under what DOS considers “serious,” rather than guessing based on “felony vs misdemeanor” labels alone.
Decision Tree (NY-first)
If you have no criminal convictions
- Proceed with the normal registration steps (fingerprints + training + application + fee).
If you have any conviction(s) (felony or misdemeanor)
- Do not assume eligibility; start by gathering your official case paperwork (e.g., disposition) and get clarity on whether DOS will treat it as a “serious criminal offense.”
- If you’re unsure, contact the DOS Division of Licensing Services using the phone numbers or contact route on the DOS security guard page.
If your record may be sealable
- DOS highlights “Criminal Records Sealed After 10 Years” as a topic on its security guard page, which may be relevant depending on your history (and should be discussed with counsel if it applies).
Educational note: This article is not legal advice, and it does not attempt to publish a definitive “serious criminal offense list” because that term is a DOS eligibility standard, and edge cases should be handled with DOS guidance and legal counsel.
NY Training Required (Unarmed vs Armed)
DOS explains that Article 7A (Security Guard Act) requires people engaged in security guard activities to be registered with DOS and to complete required training (unless exempt) at schools approved by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). The required course set is also reflected in New York General Business Law § 89-n (Training requirements).
Quote-Ready Training Table (NY)
8-hour Pre-Assignment Training
- Why it matters: Must be completed and certificate submitted with the security guard application.
- Where verified: NYS DOS training requirements page.
16-hour On-the-Job Training (OJT)
- Why it matters: Must be completed within 90 days of employment as a security guard.
- Where verified: NYS DOS training requirements page; also stated in GBL § 89-n.
8-hour Annual In-Service Training (unarmed)
- Why it matters: Must be completed each calendar year you hold a registration; DOS notes you need two annual courses during a 2-year registration period to renew.
- Where verified: NYS DOS training requirements page.
47-hour Firearms Training (armed)
- Why it matters: Required for armed registration; DOS also states you must possess a valid NYS pistol permit and a security guard registration to enroll.
- Where verified: NYS DOS training requirements page; GBL § 89-n.
8-hour Annual Firearms Training (armed)
- Why it matters: Required each calendar year for armed registration holders (in addition to annual in-service).
- Where verified: NYS DOS training requirements page; GBL § 89-n.
Can You Become Unarmed But Not Armed in NY?
Yes—many people start (or remain) unarmed, and “armed” has extra steps beyond the baseline registration pathway. DOS states the 47-hour firearms course requires a valid NYS pistol permit and a security guard registration to enroll, so armed eligibility is narrower than unarmed eligibility.
What to Include if you Have a Record (Practical, NY-Safe)
- Be truthful and consistent across your application, fingerprinting, and any supporting paperwork, because the process includes fingerprinting and a review tied to “Proof of Fingerprint completion.”
- If you’re unsure whether your history triggers the “serious criminal offense” standard, contact the Division of Licensing Services using the contact details on the DOS security guard page before you spend money on training and fees.
- Keep copies of your training certificates because DOS requires submitting the pre-assignment certificate with your application, and OJT/annual training must be completed on the timelines DOS describes.
What to do if Denied (Don’t Overpromise)
If you are denied, ask DOS for the reason and what documentation (if any) could be submitted for reconsideration, and consider speaking with a New York-licensed attorney about your options. For official guidance, use the DOS Division of Licensing Services contact route listed on the DOS security guard page.
Common Mistakes (That Delay Approvals)
- Applying without the required pre-assignment training certificate (DOS says it must be completed and the certificate submitted with the application).
- Missing fingerprint proof (DOS lists “Proof of Fingerprint completion” as a requirement).
- Letting annual training lapse (DOS states annual in-service training is required each calendar year you hold a registration).
- Trying to go “armed” without understanding prerequisites (DOS states you must have a valid NYS pistol permit and security guard registration to enroll in the 47-hour firearms course).
Official NY Resources (Bookmark These)
- NYS DOS: Become a Security Guard (requirements, fees, contacts):
- https://dos.ny.gov/become-security-guard
- NYS DOS: Security Guard Training Requirements (course list + annual rules):
- https://dos.ny.gov/security-guard-training-requirements
- NYS Senate (law text): General Business Law § 89-n Training requirements:
- https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GBS/89-N
FAQ
Can you get a New York security guard license with a felony?
New York’s requirement is not written as “no felonies”; DOS states you must “have not been convicted of a serious criminal offense,” so eligibility depends on how DOS classifies your record under that standard. When unsure, contact the DOS Division of Licensing Services and/or an attorney before applying.
What convictions are “serious offenses” for NYS DOS?
DOS states the eligibility standard (“have not been convicted of a serious criminal offense”) but does not provide a simple on-page list in the security guard registration overview. For a record-specific answer, use the DOS DLS contact information listed on the DOS security guard page and consider legal counsel.
What are the basic requirements to apply in New York?
DOS lists: application + fee, age 18, proof of fingerprint completion, not convicted of a serious criminal offense, current NYS photo ID, and completion of required training.
What training is required for an unarmed NY security guard registration?
DOS lists the 8-hour pre-assignment course (certificate submitted with the application), the 16-hour OJT within 90 days of employment, and 8-hour annual in-service training each calendar year you hold a registration.
What extra training is required for armed security in New York?
DOS lists the same base courses plus a 47-hour firearms course for armed registration and an 8-hour annual firearms training requirement each calendar year.
DOS also states you must have a valid NYS pistol permit and a security guard registration to enroll in the 47-hour firearms course.
Do you have to do annual training if your registration is valid for two years?
Yes—DOS states annual in-service training must be completed each calendar year you hold a registration, and explains that within a two-year registration period, you must complete two annual in-service courses to renew.
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