The NYS armed guard license lets you work jobs that require carrying a firearm, like protecting cash transport or high-risk buildings. To qualify, you need a pistol permit, security guard registration, and firearms training. 

This guide walks you through the full process, including how to get an armed security guard license in NY, requirements, costs, renewals, and the license waiver.

In this article, we’ll cover: 

• What the NYS armed guard license is and who needs it
• NYS armed security guard training requirements
• How to apply for your license
• NYS armed guard license renewal
• The NYS armed guard license waiver

Let’s start by discussing what the NYS armed security license is.

Disclaimer: The information in this article, including laws, regulations, salaries, prices, and other figures, is subject to change. While we strive to keep our content current and accurate, we recommend always consulting official sources, government websites, or qualified professionals for the most up-to-date and authoritative information before making important decisions.

What is the NYS armed guard license?

The NYS armed guard license is a state-issued certification that allows security guards to carry a firearm while on duty in New York. It’s sometimes called an armed guard card. 

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) oversees the licensing process. To get the armed license, you must first register as an unarmed guard and complete the next steps.

This license is different from the standard unarmed guard registration. Unarmed guards aren’t allowed to carry weapons and don’t need firearms training.

Who needs an armed guard license in NY?

Anyone who carries a firearm while working security in New York needs an NYS armed guard license. This includes guards who protect armored trucks, banks, luxury retail, or VIP clients. It also applies to individuals working in hospitals, government buildings, or other high-risk settings.

Retired police officers, military veterans, and federal agents often apply for this license when moving into private security. Many use it to start second careers or stay active in part-time roles.

Requirements for a NYS armed guard license

To qualify for an NYS armed guard license, you must meet all the following requirements:

• NYS pistol permit: You need a valid New York State pistol permit before starting firearms training or working armed posts. Some applicants apply for the permit while completing other licensing steps, depending on local rules.
  
  
• Unarmed security guard registration: You must be registered as an unarmed guard through the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). This includes finishing the 8-hour pre-assignment course and submitting your registration.
  
  
• Legal work status: You must be a U.S. citizen or have legal authorization to work in the United States.
  
  
• 47-hour firearms training certificate: Before applying for armed guard status, you must complete a 47-hour firearms course through a DCJS-certified school or instructor.

You can start the licensing process while working on your pistol permit, but both the permit and firearms training must be complete before you can take an armed guard post.

Getting a pistol permit

Your local police department, sheriff’s office, or county clerk handles pistol licensing, depending on where you live. Check the following list to find the appropriate office for your county:

• NYC: Obtain from NYPD Pistol License Bureau, One Police Plaza
• Nassau County: Obtain from Nassau County Police Department Pistol License Bureau, Mineola
• Western Suffolk County: Obtain from Suffolk County Police Department Pistol License Bureau, Yaphank
• Eastern Long Island: Obtain from Suffolk County Sheriff Department Pistol License Bureau, Riverhead
• Other counties: Contact your local police department or county clerk's office for information‍

Each county processes pistol licenses at its own pace, so your wait time might range from a few months to over a year. Be prepared for a wait and factor this into your overall timeline.

Training requirements: 47-hour firearms course

To qualify for an NYS armed guard license, you must complete a 47-hour firearms training course approved by DCJS.

The course covers key topics like firearm safety, legal use of force, and marksmanship. You’ll spend time in the classroom and on the range learning how to handle a weapon responsibly while on duty.

Only certified instructors or DCJS-approved training schools can offer this course. You must pass both a written test and a live-fire qualification to receive your certificate.

After you get your license, you must complete annual training to stay active. DCJS requires 8 hours of in-service training each year to keep your firearms status valid.

Step-by-step: How to apply for a NYS armed guard license

If you're wondering how to get an armed security license in New York, here’s the full process. Each step must be completed in order:

1. Take the 8-hour pre-assignment training: Start by completing the basic training required for unarmed guard registration.
   
   
2. Register as an unarmed security guard: Submit your application to the DCJS and complete fingerprinting for your background check.
   
   
3. Apply for a New York State pistol permit: You must have this permit before moving forward. It’s handled at the county level and may include an interview, references, and background screening.
   
   
4. Complete the 47-hour firearms training course: After receiving your pistol permit, enroll in a DCJS-approved 47-hour course. It includes classroom instruction, firearm safety, live fire drills, and a written exam.
   
   
5. Submit your NYS armed guard license application: After you complete the 47-hour training, your employer will file your armed guard application with DCJS. Some training centers help coordinate the paperwork, but you’ll need a sponsoring security company to move forward.
   
   
6. Get fingerprinted again if needed: If your prints aren’t current, DCJS may ask for a new fingerprint scan with your application.
   
   
7. Wait for approval: Once your paperwork is submitted, DCJS will review your file. 

How to renew your armed guard license in NY

You need to renew your NYS armed guard license every two years to stay active.

To qualify for renewal, you must complete an 8-hour annual in-service training. This refresher covers firearm handling, safety rules, and updates to legal standards.

DCJS also requires proof that you’ve requalified with your firearm. You must complete range time and submit your requalification record with your renewal.

You can renew online through the DCJS website or by mailing your renewal application. Some training schools and employers also help process renewals if you're on their roster.

What is the NYS armed guard license waiver?

The NYS armed guard license waiver lets retired police and peace officers in New York skip certain training steps. If DCJS approves your waiver, you may skip parts of the 47-hour firearms course or unarmed guard training.

You still need to get a valid NYS pistol permit before you can work an armed post.

To apply, submit proof of your qualifying law enforcement service with your application. DCJS reviews your documents and confirms which training requirements you can skip.

Military veterans and federal agents usually don’t qualify unless they have approved law enforcement experience in New York.

How much does an armed guard license cost in NY?

The total cost to get your NYS armed guard license depends on where you train and apply, but here’s a general breakdown:

• Training: The 47-hour firearms course usually costs between $500 and $1000. Prices vary by school and location.
  
  
• Fingerprinting: Expect to pay around $100 for fingerprinting, which is required for both unarmed and armed registration.
  
  
• Application fees: DCJS charges a registration fee when you apply. Some training centers may also include a processing fee.
  
  
• Ongoing renewal and training: You’ll need to take an 8-hour annual in-service training every year. This can cost $50 to $150 depending on the provider.

Career outlook and armed guard salary in NY

ZipRecruiter lists the average hourly pay for armed security officers in New York City at $22 per hour.

Here’s the typical pay range reported by workers in the area:

• Low end: $13/hour
  
  
• High end: $30/hour

At the average salary, that works out to about $45,000 per year.

Higher-paying roles include VIP protection, hospital security, and armored transport. These jobs often pay over $40 per hour, depending on the employer and your experience.

How Belfry supports armed guard licensing and compliance

Managing the NYS armed guard license process takes time and attention to detail. Tracking pistol permits, verifying training hours, and staying ahead of annual renewals can quickly become a burden for busy teams.

Belfry helps security companies stay organized and compliant by giving them tools to manage licensing, scheduling, and reporting all in one place.

Here’s how:

• Simpler incident reporting: Belfry’s mobile app allows guards to submit incident reports using detailed forms with evidence attachments. 
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• Lessen downtime: Belfry’s automated scheduling assigns shifts based on site requirements, officer certifications, and training so you can fill shifts with qualified guards.
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• Easier time and payroll management: Avoid extra administrative work. Belfry automates time and attendance tracking to ensure accurate payroll, as well as ACA compliance.
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• Easy communication: Communicate easily with your guards and dispatchers using the instant messaging feature on Belfry’s mobile app.
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• Licensing compliance: Stay on top of your guards’ licenses and certifications. You can input and track them within Belfry and get timely notifications when they’re up for renewal.

Curious to see how our software can help simplify your security operations? Schedule a demo with Belfry today.