Virginia Security License

Virginia security and private investigator business licenses are attained through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services. Click below for information regarding an Virginia security and private investigator license.

Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services

1100 Bank Street
Richmond VA 23219

Phone: 804.786.4700

When it comes to starting a security company in Virginia, obtaining a security license is a crucial step in ensuring the legality and legitimacy of your business operations. In Virginia, security licenses are issued by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

The DCJS offers a range of licenses for different types of security services, including unarmed security guards, armed security guards, private investigators, and security training schools. Each license has its own set of requirements and qualifications, which you will need to fulfill before applying.

To obtain a security license in Virginia, you will need to submit these items to DCJS:

1. Initial Business License Application after logging into or creating an account at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online, and pay applicable non-refundable fees.
2. For each principal and supervisor of the applying business:
   submit a Criminal History Processing Form with the applicable non-refundable processing fee, and schedule an appointment to have your fingerprints scanned at www.fieldprintvirginia.com or call 877-614-4364.  DCJS will automatically be notified once you have been fingerprinted.
3. Documentation verifying that the applicant has a Certification of Insurance reflecting DCJS as a certificate holder, that shows a policy of comprehensive general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 of general aggregate liability insurance issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in Virginia.
4.  Irrevocable Consent for Service for each non-resident applicant.
5.  Identification number issued by the Virginia State Corporation Commission for verification that the entity is authorized to conduct business in Virginia.
6.  A physical address in Virginia where records required to be maintained by the Code of Virginia and the Virginia Administrative Code are kept and available for inspection by DCJS, and the physical address for all locations in Virginia in which regulated services are offered. A post office box is not considered a physical address.
7. Designate at least one individual as the compliance agent who is certified or eligible for certification. For more information, view the Compliance Agent page.
8.  Designate on the license application the type of private security business license you are seeking. The initial business license fee includes one category. A separate fee will be charged for each additional category. The separate categories are identified as: Security Officers/Couriers (Armed and Unarmed); Private Investigators; Electronic Security; Armored Car; Personal Protection Specialists; Locksmiths and Detector Canine or Security Canine Handlers. Alarm Respondents crossover into both the Security Officer and Electronic Security categories, therefore if you are licensed in either of these categories, you may provide these services without purchasing an additional category.

If your application is approved, you will receive your security license from the DCJS. It is important to note that your license will need to be renewed periodically.

In summary, obtaining a security license in Virginia is a necessary step in starting a security company. It is important to ensure that you understand the specific requirements for your desired license type and comply with all applicable regulations to operate your security company legally in the State of Vermont.