How to get a security guard license in Connecticut

Connecticut licenses unarmed security guards individually. The credential is the Security Officer license (DESPP card: Security Officer Training Certification Identification Card), issued by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU).

Licensing agencyConnecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU) official source
Credential for unarmed guardsSecurity Officer license (DESPP card: Security Officer Training Certification Identification Card) official source
Credential for armed guardsSpecial permit to carry firearms as a security officer ('blue card' endorsement on the state pistol permit), CGS 29-161z official source
Minimum age, unarmed18 (CGS 29-161q) official source
Minimum age, armed21 (DESPP FAQ) official source
Training, unarmedMinimum 8 hours, from a commissioner-approved instructor (CGS 29-161q(b)); waived for recent military training official source
Training, armed8-hour training and firearms qualification course, plus annual refresher (DESPP FAQ on CGS 29-161z) official source
Background checkYes: state and national criminal history records checks; two sets of fingerprints for initial applicants (CGS 29-161q(c)); fingerprint fees paid online official source
State feeUSD 100 (security officer licensing fee or renewal fee (CGS 29-161q(c); DESPP FAQ), waived for some recent-military applicants); USD 25 (late renewal fee (CGS 29-161q)); USD 62 (special firearms permit application (CGS 29-161z(c))); separate (fingerprinting fee paid online to the vendor; amount not stated on the pages read) official source
Renewal5 years (CGS 29-161q; DESPP FAQ), 90-day validity after expiry official source
Working while the application is pendingYes, conditionally: while the application is pending the applicant may work if the employing security service has run a state and national criminal history check, the 8-hour training was completed or waived, and the applicant was not decertified as a police officer; not at preschool, school or child-care facilities (CGS 29-161q(h)). A temporary firearms permit may be granted for armed work (CGS 29-161z) official source

Official Connecticut application page

Checked against official Connecticut sources on Oct 18, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the licensing agency before you apply. This page lists only facts we could confirm on an official page.

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