How to become a security guard in Delaware

Every Delaware credential

All 7 individual credentials this regulator issues to security workers, from the entry-level card to specialty and instructor registrations. Rows marked ◇ are drafted from the regulator’s pages and await our reviewer’s sign-off.

Steps to get started

1. Complete the mandatory training program through a board-approved facility or licensed agency.
2. Pass the state exam (75%+) administered at a Delaware Technical Community College campus.
3. Complete fingerprinting and photo ID processing through IdentoGO and apply with the $105 fee.
4. Begin renewal at least two months before the 5-year expiration, it includes retraining and retesting.

Security Guard License: Renewal every 5 years repeats the retraining and retesting process.

Baton / Chemical Spray / Handcuff Training Certification: 24 DE Admin. Code 1300 §3.1: licensed security guards and armored car guards may carry law-enforcement-style batons, inflammatory/chemical sprays and handcuffs only after completing the manufacturer-required training program with a certified instructor; the guard must carry the training credential on duty and maintain requalification per manufacturer standards. This is a training certificate, not a DSP-issued card; the Board may reject certifications outside accepted practice.

Armored Car Guard License – Unarmed (Yellow Card): Individual license under 24 Del.C. ch. 13 for unarmed armored car personnel; no outside training required for the yellow card. Valid two years, expiring on the holder's birthdate; usable at any licensed DE armored car agency; no reciprocity with other states. May carry baton/OC/handcuffs only after manufacturer-standard training with a certified instructor.

Certified Security Guard Instructor: 24 DE Admin. Code 1300 §4.2: instructors for the security guard training program must be employed by a Board-approved training facility or a Class B/C agency, complete a security guard instructor certification course and pass the mandatory test at 75%; a refresher course every 5 years is required to stay certified. Facilities report certified instructors' names and scores to Professional Licensing.

Approved Professional Licensing Firearms Instructor: 24 DE Admin. Code 1300 §1.13: firearms instructors who train/qualify armed guards and armored car guards must be NRA law-enforcement-instructor certified or certified through a POST-type commission (other institutions need Board approval), be approved by the Professional Licensing Section before instructing, and may only qualify licensees on the firearm type matching their certification. Fee and term not stated.

Working armed in Delaware

Armed guards (21+) complete a 40-hour firearms course with daylight and low-light certification; the firearms Red Card must be requalified each calendar year.

Armed Security Guard (Red Card): 40-hour firearms course including daylight and low-light qualification; the Red Card is valid through the end of the calendar year.

Armored Car Guard License – Armed (Red Card): Armed endorsement for armored car guards; requires firearms training/qualification with an approved Professional Licensing firearms instructor (day and low-light shoots per 24 DE Admin. Code 1300 §1.0). Valid one year; the agency must document each armed guard's certification/recertification by January 15 for the prior calendar year.

Keep your Delaware credential alive

The free wallet computes your renewal deadline from Delaware's rules and reminds you at 60, 30, and 7 days. Exam prep for Delaware follows.