How to Get Your Level 2 Security License in Texas

To get a Level 2 security license in Texas, you need to meet the state’s eligibility rules, finish a 15-hour approved training course, and submit an application with fingerprints through the Texas Department of Public Safety’s online licensing system. The Level 2 credential is formally called a non-commissioned security officer registration, and it authorizes unarmed security work: patrolling property, controlling access, observing and reporting, and assisting with emergency response.

Who Qualifies

You must be at least 18. Beyond age, several things will block an application outright. You cannot apply while charged with a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or a disqualifying felony. You are also ineligible if a court has found you mentally incompetent and not restored your competency, if you received a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. armed services, or if you are required to register as a sex offender in any state.¹

Any prior arrest for a felony or Class A or Class B misdemeanor means you’ll need to submit court documents with your application so DPS can confirm the outcome.²

Conviction Look-Back Periods

A past conviction can disqualify you depending on severity and how recently it happened:

Felony conviction: 10 years from the date of conviction
Class A misdemeanor: 5 years from the date of conviction
Class B misdemeanor: 2 years from the date of conviction

Offenses that trigger these windows include assault, theft, fraud, burglary, robbery, sexual offenses, criminal homicide, kidnapping, arson, perjury, bribery, and obstructing governmental operations. Attempting one of these offenses or acting as an accomplice counts the same as committing it, and any unlisted offense substantially similar to a listed one triggers the same disqualification period.³

Complete the 15-Hour Training Course

Before you apply, take a Level 2 training course of at least 15 classroom hours. It has to be taught by a school and instructor approved by the DPS Private Security Bureau, using the department’s current training manual.⁴

The curriculum covers Texas laws and definitions relevant to security work, the role of private security, documentation and report writing, use of force, the authority to detain, and crisis intervention. When you finish, the school issues a completion certificate. Keep it somewhere safe. DPS cannot process your application without it.

Apply Through TOPS

Applications go through the Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) system on the DPS Private Security Bureau website.⁵ Paper applications exist but take four to eight weeks. Online applications are processed much faster.⁶

TOPS walks you through personal information, endorsement type, employment details, and acknowledgment questions. If you already have a job offer from a licensed security company, entering that company’s business license number links your application to the employer, and the employer can choose to pay your fees. If you don’t yet have a job lined up, you can apply unaffiliated and leave the employment section blank.⁷

Fingerprints

A fingerprint-based FBI background check is required and handled separately. After you start the TOPS application, you’ll get a service code to schedule an appointment with IdentoGO, the exclusive live-scan vendor for DPS. Book this early. The background check has to clear before your license can be issued.

What You’ll Pay

The non-commissioned security officer registration itself is $37. That’s a $30 license fee, a $5 pocket card fee, and a $2 subscription fee. The FBI fingerprint check adds $28.25.⁸ IdentoGO charges its own vendor fee for the appointment. Budget at least $100 in total; the actual amount depends on the current IdentoGO rate and any document fees specific to your situation.

Active-duty military members and veterans may qualify for reduced fees. TOPS collects military status information and adjusts fees during the application.

You Still Need an Employer

Holding a Level 2 license does not let you work independently. Texas law requires you to be employed by a company that holds its own private security license before you perform any security work. Doing licensed security work without being affiliated with a licensed company is grounds for suspension or revocation of your registration, and so is working for a licensed company that isn’t listed on your registration without promptly updating your records with DPS.¹

When you change employers, log in to TOPS and submit an affiliation update. If a new employer is paying your next renewal, complete the affiliation update before you submit the renewal.⁹

If Your Application Is Denied

A denial letter will explain the specific reasons. Your employer is notified as well, though the notification does not include any criminal history details.²

You have 30 calendar days from the date of the denial letter to request a hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings. You can represent yourself or hire an attorney and can present witnesses and evidence. The administrative law judge issues a proposed decision within 60 days of the hearing, either party can file objections, and the final order comes from the Public Safety Commission after reviewing the judge’s recommendation.¹⁰

Keeping the License Active

A new Level 2 license is good for two years from the date of issuance. You can start renewal in TOPS up to 180 days before expiration. If you let it lapse, you can still renew up to one year after expiration with late fees. Past one year, DPS treats you as a new applicant, and you’d have to start the full process over.⁹

Renewal requires eight hours of continuing education: seven hours related to unarmed security work and one hour on ethics.¹¹ Keep your address and employment on file current between renewals. Outdated contact information means missed renewal notices, and failing to report a change of employer is itself grounds for disciplinary action.

1
State of Texas. Texas Occupations Code Title 10 Chapter 1702 – Section 1702.113 General Qualifications for Company License or Security Officer Commission
2
Department of Public Safety. Eligibility/Compliance Questions
3
Legal Information Institute. 37 Texas Administrative Code 35.4 – Guidelines for Disqualifying Criminal Offenses
4
Legal Information Institute. 37 Texas Administrative Code 35.141 – Training Requirements
5
Texas Online Private Security. TOPS License and Endorsement Application
6
Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) FAQs
7
Texas Department of Public Safety. Starting a New Individual Application
8
Texas Department of Public Safety. Regulatory Services Division Private Security Fee Schedule
9
Department of Public Safety. Individual License Questions
10
Department of Public Safety. Private Security Hearings
11
Legal Information Institute. 37 Texas Administrative Code 35.161 – Continuing Education Requirements