Renewal private security employer

Online training videos are available for private security employer applications.

We recommend using Google Chrome or Safari browsers to complete the online application. 

Renew online

Step 1.Before you apply

You can renew a license as early as 90 days before it expires. The Department will try to remind license holders of the approaching deadline to the email provided at application. Failure of a reminder does not excuse any applicable late penalty.

Step 2.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below.

Important notes to keep in mind about your documents:

  • All materials must be digital files saved as a .pdf or .jpg. Do not include any other file types. The Department of Excise and Licenses cannot accept other file types.
  • Use numbers or letters but not characters such as symbols (/ ? < > \ : * | “ ^) or spaces that could cause complications.
    • For example:
      • Good file name: drivers-license-name-2022.pdf
      • Bad file name: last name/ id.pdf
  • In some cases, you might need to combine documents and upload them in a single .pdf. You can use a free, online tool to merge documents into a single file.
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (such as a lease) must be included in the application.
  • All materials must be legible.
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 3.Renew in Denver's Online Permitting and Licensing Center

In Denver’s Online Permitting and Licensing Center:

  • Click on the Business Licenses tab.
  • On the "My Records" page, select "Renew Application" for the license you want to renew and follow the prompts. "Renew Application" is on the right side of the page in the "Action" column.

This will begin and guide you through the application.

You can save and resume within 30 days any time during the application process. After 30 days, you must start again.

After the online application is complete, you will be prompted to submit fees in the online portal. These can be paid with a bank account or a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card.

Step 4.Pay required fees

License fee:

  • $100 - If you employ 1-24 guards in Denver
  • $200 - If you employ 25 or more guards in Denver

Step 5.City application review and next steps

Excise and Licenses tries to conduct an initial review of a complete application within seven business days. The review process might take longer if it is incomplete or requires police review (if applicable).

  • All application-related communications will be sent through email, from EXLNotifications@denvergov.org. Do not respond to these emails as this inbox is not monitored.
  • If the application is incomplete, the applicant will receive a "notice of deficiency" email. This allows 14 days for corrections. License endorsement requests and incidents on a background check need police review.
  • All applications will be closed if they are not completed within 12 months.

Step 6.License issuance

Once approved, the applicant is emailed a copy of the business license. This allows the license holder to start operating.

The licensee should read "Once you have your license" below and follow the requirements.

All private security employers

  • Declaration of uniform design(PDF, 1015KB) completed within the last 60 days.
  • Certificate of insurance or comparable proof of insurance.
    • All private security employers must maintain the following minimum insurance requirements for the entire term of their license:
      • Employer's liability insurance - minimum $100,000
      • General liability insurance - minimum $1,000,000 combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage per occurrence
      • Worker's compensation insurance - minimum $100,000
  • General manager Information:
    • For each general manager, a copy of their valid state or federally issued identification
    • A copy of their valid Denver security guard license. If the manager does not have an active Denver security guard license then they must provide an affidavit of criminal and employment history or declaracion de antecedentes penales e historial de empleo(PDF, 115KB) and an FBI background check within the past 60 days. FBI background check ran within the past 60 days. FBI documents must be uploaded as one file. The file must be in chronological order and the pages cannot be upside down. For example, pages 1-10 should all be right side-up and in one file. If they are not uploaded correctly, they will be returned to be uploaded correctly.
      • Applicants can get an FBI background check from the FBI website, Colorado Fingerprinting or IdentoGO.
      • You may go to the FBI website to pick the option that best fits your needs to obtain the FBI Background Check.
      • Colorado Fingerprinting has three locations open for 24-48 hour FBI background checks, locations below:
        • Downtown 110 16th St 8th Floor Denver CO 80202 Open M-F 8am-4pm
        • Kalamath 301 Kalamath St STE 102 Denver CO 80223 Open M-F 8:30am-6pm; Sat 9am-1pm
        • Belmar 8015 W Alameda Ave Lakewood CO 80226 Open M-F 9am-5pm
      • With IdentoGO, you can visit their website to find a location and schedule an appointment www.identogo.com
      • Colorado Fingerprinting and IdentoGO may ask you for an account number or service codes. Please let them know that this is not required to obtain your own FBI report. Also, since the FBI, Colorado Fingerprinting and IdentoGO are not a part of the City and County of Denver, we do not know how accurate this information is. We would suggest that you visit their website or call them to confirm any information prior to obtaining a FBI report.

Additional for a vehicle endorsement

A vehicle endorsement allows security guards to use vehicles while working.

Additional for a weapons endorsement

A weapons endorsement allows security guards to carry weapons while working, such as firearms, tasers, batons, or pepper spray.

Licenses must be renewed on or before the expiration date to avoid penalty fees.

90-day grace period

There is a 90-day grace period from the expiration date when licenses can be renewed by paying the license and the penalty fees. If a license is not renewed before it expires, operations must end until it is renewed.

First 30 days of grace period: 20% penalty fee

Days 31 to 90: 50% penalty fee

After 90 days: Licensees must apply for a new license

License must be displayed

Excise and Licenses will email a professional license to all licensees. This license (or a clear picture of it) must always be displayed.

Requirement to keep contact information up to date

File an online amendment application to notify the Department of any contact information changes (place of business, onsite manager, etc.). These updates must be filed within 72 hours of the change. 

Requirement to renew annually

Professional licenses expire annually. It is unlawful to operate with an expired license. Renewal applications must be filed online before a license expires.

Termination or changes in employment

Whenever the employment of a security guard is terminated, the employer must file an online license amendment application within 72 hours.

Requirement to notify the Department of convictions or use of force resulting in bodily harm

If a guard is convicted of a crime or engages in the use of force that results in bodily harm, they must file an online amendment application within 72 hours.

Municipal Code

Denver Revised Municipal Code

Definition 42-131

Requirements 42-132

Application requirements 42-133

Required training 42-134

Vehicles, uniforms, and badges 42-135

Minimum insurance requirements 42-138

Term of licenses; renewals 42-141

Fees 32-95

Stay informed

Compliments or complaints

If you have a complaint or concern about a business in Denver, complete the form below. We will investigate any complaint about a business license issued for the City and County of Denver.

Consumer complaint form

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