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Free Texas Security Licensing Guide

Comprehensive guide for Texas Security Guard Licensing 

No paywalls. No gimmicks. Everything you need to start or upgrade your Texas private security license — with official links to DPS TOPS, fingerprinting, training, FAQs, and more.

Level II — Non‑Commissioned
Level III — Commissioned (Armed)
Level IV — Personal Protection Officer
Official TOPS Links
FAQ

How this guide works

Each license level follows the same high‑level flow through DPS Texas Online Private Security (TOPS), with level‑specific training and documents. Use the quick steps below, then expand the section for full detail.

Level II — Non‑Commissioned Security Officer

Entry‑level license for unarmed officers. Apply in TOPS and complete Level II training with a licensed school.

  1. Go to DPS TOPS and start a new individual application. Open TOPS
  2. Choose the correct category (Non‑Commissioned / Unarmed). Fill out the application truthfully. If a company will employ you, add their license number.
  3. Notify the company owner/representative so they can approve you in TOPS (if applicable).
  4. Pay the application fee (you or your employer). Save/print your receipt.
  5. Create your TOPS login using the email link from DPS. Check spam folders.
  6. Locate and save your receipt number from the payment screen and the email confirmation — you’ll use it for fingerprints.
  7. Watch for the fingerprinting email from DPS with instructions.
  8. Book fingerprints with IdentoGO (closest location). Schedule at IdentoGO
  9. Use your receipt number when booking. Bring a valid government photo ID (DL, Passport, LTC) to your appointment.
  10. After fingerprinting, return to your TOPS checklist and complete any pending items.
  11. Upload your Level II training certificate from a licensed security academy/school.
  12. For non‑U.S. citizens, upload your work authorization or green card; DPS may also request a hunting license for specific cases.
  13. Review your checklist for completeness and submit. Monitor email for DPS updates.
  14. Wait ~1 week (typical) for DPS review. Timelines vary.
  15. Once approved in TOPS, you can begin work immediately. Print the approval and keep it with you until your pocket card arrives by mail.

Level III — Commissioned Security Officer (Armed)

Requires Level III training at a licensed school, firearm proficiency, and psychological evaluation (MMPI) by a licensed clinician.

  1. Go to DPS TOPS and start a new Commissioned (Armed) application. Open TOPS
  2. Select Commissioned category, complete the application, and add the employing company license number if you are being hired.
  3. Contact the company owner/rep to approve your employment in TOPS.
  4. Pay the fee (you or employer). Save the receipt number.
  5. Create/confirm your TOPS login from the DPS email link.
  6. Book fingerprints with IdentoGO using your receipt number; bring valid government photo ID to the appointment.
  7. Complete a licensed Level III Training Course and pass the exam and course of fire; obtain your training certificate and firearms proficiency.
  8. Complete a psychological evaluation (MMPI) with a licensed Psychologist or Psychiatrist and obtain form PSP‑13.
  9. Upload all required documents to your TOPS checklist: Level III certificate, firearms proficiency, MMPI/PSP‑13, and any employer approvals.
  10. For non‑U.S. citizens, upload work authorization or green card; additional items may be requested by DPS.
  11. Submit for DPS review and monitor email for updates.
  12. Maintain firearms proficiency for renewals per DPS rules; re‑qualification required at intervals specified by DPS.
  13. Once approved in TOPS, you may work immediately. Carry a printout of the approval until your pocket card arrives.

Level IV — Personal Protection Officer (PPO)

Advanced license for executive protection. Requires Level IV training at a licensed school; MMPI evaluation; and firearms proficiency maintained via Level III standards.

  1. Go to DPS TOPS and start a new Personal Protection Officer application. Open TOPS
  2. Select PPO category; complete the application accurately and include employing company license info if applicable.
  3. Have your company owner/rep approve you in TOPS.
  4. Pay the application fee and save your receipt number.
  5. Set up or confirm your TOPS login from the DPS email.
  6. Schedule fingerprints with IdentoGO using your receipt number; bring a valid government photo ID.
  7. Complete licensed Level IV training and obtain the course certificate (PPO curriculum).
  8. Complete the MMPI psychological evaluation (licensed Psychologist/Psychiatrist) and obtain form PSP‑13.
  9. Upload your Level IV certificate, MMPI/PSP‑13, and firearms proficiency (if required for your role) to your TOPS checklist.
  10. For non‑U.S. citizens, upload work authorization or green card; DPS may request additional documentation.
  11. Submit for DPS review. Monitor email and TOPS dashboard for status.
  12. Maintain continuing education and (if armed) firearms re‑qualification per DPS rules.
  13. Once approval posts in TOPS, you can begin working; carry printed approval until the pocket card arrives.
Security Guard Gear

Optional Gear Checklist

Not required for every role, but having quality gear makes you a stronger candidate. Verify employer policies before purchase.

  • Duty belt & keepers
  • Handcuffs & case
  • Expandable baton (where permitted)
  • Pepper spray (duty size)
  • Flashlight (duty‑grade) & charger
  • Body‑worn camera
  • Soft armor vest (III‑A) — carrier
  • Taser/CEW (agency‑approved)
  • Multi‑tool & basic first‑aid/IFAK
  • Comfortable duty boots
  • Radio earpiece (if used)
  • Notebook & CIT cheat cards
  • Gloves (search & nitrile)
  • Armed (Level III / PPO)
  • Duty handgun (LE‑standard: SIG / Glock / Smith & Wesson)
  • Retention holster (Level II+)
  • 3 magazines & mag pouches
  • Range belt & ear/eye pro
  • Weapon‑mounted & handheld lights

Always follow Texas law, local policy, and your employer’s SOPs for weapons and defensive tools. Maintain firearms proficiency for renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fast answers — expand for details.

Where do I apply or check my status?

All individual applications, status checks, and employer approvals are handled in TOPS. After you submit and pay, TOPS generates a checklist of everything you must upload before DPS can approve you.

Do I need fingerprints?

Yes. DPS requires electronic fingerprints via IdentoGO. Use your TOPS receipt number when booking. Bring a valid government photo ID.

What training is required?

Level II (non‑commissioned) requires Level II training at a licensed school. Level III (armed) requires the Level III course, exam, and course of fire. Level IV (PPO) requires the Level IV course. Always verify current requirements on the DPS Training page.

What is the MMPI and who can give it?

The MMPI is a psychological evaluation required for Commissioned (Level III) and PPO (Level IV) applicants. It must be administered by a licensed Psychologist or Psychiatrist. See the DPS MMPI FAQ.

When can I start working?

After DPS posts your approval in TOPS, you may work immediately. Print the approval and keep it with you until your pocket card arrives in the mail.