In Delaware, individual security guards must register and obtain an identification card.
See: DE Code §1313(a)

As per definition security guards must be employed by a private security agency.
See: DE Code §1302(20)

$85   Application and processing fee
$49   Testing fee (must be paid in advance to reserve seat)
$10 Replacement License
The cost for the 16 hour class training varies by instructor.

Under no circumstances will a security guard/armored car guard be permitted to be employed by more than two agencies at a time. It is also the responsibility for each licensed security guard/armored car guard to advise his/her employer(s) of whom he/she is employed with.
For more information see:
Delaware State Police Security Guards

According to the DSP website, the security license is valid for five (5) years. Your license expires on your actual birthdate. Your security license can be used for employment at any private security company licensed in Delaware.

ARMED GUARDS:

An individual seeking an armed status must obtain a commissioned security guard license.
See: DE Code §1321(d)

It shall be unlawful for a commissioned security guard to carry a firearm unless:
(1)   The security guard is engaged in the performance of duties as a security officer or is engaged in traveling directly to or from a place of assignment;
(2)   The security guard is wearing a distinctive uniform indicating that the person is a security guard;
(3)   Such uniform has a distinctive patch that indicates the company by whom the person is employed;
(4)   The firearm is in plain view; and
(5)   The firearm is the type of weapon that the commissioned security guard qualified with pursuant to this chapter.
See: DE Code §1321(e)

Fees:
$85.00   Application and processing fee
$30.00   Firearms upgrade
$49.00   Testing fee (must be paid in advance to reserve seat)
$10.00   Replacement License
$85.00   Renewal fee

The cost for the 16 hour training varies by instructor.

See: Delaware State Police Security Guards/Firearm Guards

One must apply for a Delaware License. Delaware does not have reciprocity with any other states.

See: Security Guard FAQs

The applicant must be at least 18 years of age
See: DE Code §1314(1)

Armed Guards must be at least 21 years of age.
See: DE Code §1315.

Citizenship requirement is not mentioned in the legislation, however, the application form does ask for a Driver’s License state/number and social security number.

Retrieved from: Application Form

Not required

None mentioned for unarmed guards.

For ARMED guards,

Section 1300 of the DE Administrative Code, Firearms policy, states that the 40-hour firearms training requirement may be waived depending upon the applicant’s professional credentials, training and/or work experience (i.e. prior law enforcement).

See: Delaware Code Title 24, Chapter 13, 1.0 (1.2) Firearms Policy

None mentioned for unarmed guards.

For ARMED guards, according to DE Code, Title 24, Chapter 13, §1321 Firearms:

(a) It shall be unlawful for anyone licensed, under this chapter, to carry a concealed deadly weapon as defined in § 1442 of Title 11, unless they have been issued a concealed deadly weapons permit.

(b) It shall be unlawful for anyone licensed, under this chapter, to carry any type of weapon unless the Board has approved the use of such weapon and, if approved, the person has been trained in the use of such weapon, by a board-approved instructor.

(c) It shall be unlawful for an individual, employed as a security guard, to carry a firearm during the course of performing their duties as a security guard, if they have not been issued a commissioned security guard license.

Delaware Code Title 24, Chapter 13, § 1324 and 1325:
Anyone required to be licensed under this chapter shall be issued, by the Board of Examiners, an identification card which shall expire and be renewable on the fifth anniversary date of the birth of the applicant next following the date of its issuance, unless the birth date is February 29, in which event the license shall expire and be renewable on February 28 every fifth year.

Any person who has been issued an identification card by the Board of Examiners shall be required to have such card in their possession while in the performance of the person’s duties.

Must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.

See: Delaware Code Title 24, Chapter 13, § 1314(3)

Complete the application and send to Professional Licensing.

 According to the General application information from Delaware State Police web site:

Individuals must appear for an appointment at State Bureau of Identification. On the appointment day, individuals will come into one of our two (2) locations (Delaware State Police Troop 2/Newark or Dover) for fingerprint and picture processing. Address locations are listed below.

State Bureau of Identification – Walk-In Availability
600 S. Bay Road
Suite 1
Dover, DE 19901

Delaware State Police Troop 2 – By Appointment Only, please call (302)-739-2528
100 Cpl/1 Stephen J. Ballard Way
Newark, DE 19702
(front lobby to the left)

The applicant must meet and maintain the following requirements:
(3) Must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor involving a theft-related offense, drug offense, or moral turpitude within the last 7 years, and there are no more than 2 of such misdemeanors during such person’s lifetime
See: DE Code Title 24, Chapter 13 § 1314

The legislation does not designate this requirement. However, the application form includes an “Authorization to Release Information to Contributor” section in which the applicant authorizes the Division of Mental Health or any institution to release the applicant’s mental health history to the Delaware State Police.
See: Application form.

For the purposes of 24 Del. C. Ch. 13, the Board may deny an application for a license or suspend or revoke a license if the applicant or licensee has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime involving moral turpitude.
See: DE Admin Code Section 1300 6.2.1 for a full list of offenses.

The applicant must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor involving a theft-related offense, drug offense, or moral turpitude, within the last 7 years, and:

a.   There are no more than 2 of such misdemeanors during such person’s lifetime; and

b.   No misdemeanor conviction occurred during or as a result of employment in a capacity regulated by this chapter.

(4)   Must not have been, as a juvenile, adjudicated delinquent for conduct which, if committed by an adult would constitute a felony, unless and until that person has reached his or her twenty-first birthday;
See: DE Code §1314

No person will be issued a license unless that person submits, to the State Bureau of Identification, their name, Social Security number, age, race, sex, date of birth, height, weight, hair and eye color, address of legal residence and the provision of such other information as may be necessary to obtain a report of the person’s entire criminal history record from the State Bureau of Identification and a report of the person’s entire federal criminal history pursuant to the Federal Bureau of Investigation appropriation of Title II of Public Law 92-544.
See: DE Code §1313(b)

Not required

Each person licensed as a security guard under 24 Del. C. Ch. 13 shall undertake a total of sixteen (16) hours of training (see Security Guard FAQ’s) through a program approved by the Board, and any such additional training as the Board deems appropriate. The required training shall include instruction in:

•   Legal requirements and limitations
•   Use of force
•   Ethics
•   Emergency services
•   Diversity
•   Communication
•   Asset protection
•   Terrorism

There are three (3) methods available to complete this training certification.

1. Through Delaware Technical & Community College (DTCC). There is a fee for this course which is offered online.

Security Guard Mandatory TRAINING – DTCC Contact Information

2. Through Defencify Training. This is an interactive and comprehensive online training program that is completed at the student’s preferred pace and is available 24/7/365. There is a fee for this mandatory Delaware Security License Training Course.

Defencify Online Security Guard Training

3. Through the security agency which does or will employ the individual. Not all Security Agencies are able to provide training. Fees, if any, for taking the course through an agency are determined and applied at their discretion. Individuals are encouraged to inquire about training availability and fees through the security agency.

For a detailed course and training requirement outline see the Security Guard Certification Test Study Guide

The Board, in its discretion, may require such additional topics as it finds necessary. The Professional Licensing Section shall have the authority to require regular reports on training from licensees and employers, and shall report to the Board on compliance with this regulation. Training certifications shall be submitted with each new application or re-application and the training shall be completed no more than one year prior to submission of the application.

For ARMED GUARDS:

According to Delaware Code Title 24, Chapter 13, 1.0 Firearms Policy (1.2):

No individual licensed under 24 Del.C. Ch. 13 shall carry a firearm unless that individual has first passed an approved firearms course of instruction and an initial qualification administered by an approved firearms instructor. The course of instruction shall include a minimum 40 hours of training. The initial qualification course shall be used to fulfill one day and one low light requirement during the first year; however an additional day shoot must be completed at least 90 days after the date of initial certification, within the calendar year.

Pass 16-hour exam with a minimum of 75% prior to appearing at Delaware State Police for processing.
Testing Fee is $49
See: Security Guard FAQs

For ARMED GUARDS:

According to Delaware Regulations Administrative Code, Title 24, Section 1330, 1.0 Firearm’s policy:

The initial qualification course shall be used to fulfill one day and one low light requirement during the first year; however an additional day shoot must be completed at least 90 days after the date of initial certification, within the calendar year.

1.3 In order to open carry a firearm while in the performance of their duties, individuals licensed to carry a firearm under 24 Del.C. Ch. 13 must shoot a minimum of three qualifying shoots per calendar year, scheduled on at least two separate days, with a minimum 90 days between scheduled day shoots. Of these three, there will be one mandatory “low light” shoot which may be combined with a day shoot. Two day shoots shall not be completed on the same date. These qualifying shoots will be administered by an approved firearms instructor.

1.3.1 An individual not meeting the minimum qualifications set forth in subsection 1.3 may have their firearms license suspended until such time that they meet the minimum three qualifying shoots within the calendar year.

1.9 The minimum passing score is 80%.

The State’s Division of Child Support Services may revoke and suspend any professional licenses or registrations upon failure to meet child support obligations.
See: DE Code Title 13 Chapter 22 §2216

•   Delaware Code Title 24 Chapter 13

•   DE Administrative Code Title 24

•   Application (PDF)

•   Further Information