Armed Security Officer

An armed security officer means a natural person employed to safeguard and protect persons and property or deter theft, loss, or concealment of any tangible or intangible personal property on the premises he is contracted to protect, and who carries or has access to a firearm in the performance of his duties.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Must be 18 years of age or older.
  2. Successful completion of all initial training requirements for each registration category, including a firearms endorsement if applicable.
  3. Must be United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States.

Training Requirement (18 hours)

Registration Steps

  1. Apply online at https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/licensure-and-regulatory-affairs/online-regulatory-licensing, and pay applicable non-refundable fees.
    NOTE: A Criminal History Processing form is part of the on-line initial application. There is a separate processing fee that will be reflected on your invoice.
  2. Schedule an appointment for fingerprints.  Schedule an appointment at www.fieldprintvirginia.com or call 877-614-4364.  DCJS will automatically be notified once you have been fingerprinted.

Additional On-line Applications

  1. Those who will have access to a firearm must complete the requirements for a Firearms Endorsement. For more information: Firearms Endorsement
  2. Individuals already registered with DCJS who wish to add categories to his/her current registration must:
  • Complete the requirements for an Additional Registration Category. 
  • Successfully complete all initial training requirements for each additional registration category.
  • The Additional Registration Category list can be found at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online.
  1. Current registered individual who have lost their registration card may apply for a replacement one at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online, and pay the applicable replacement fee.
  2. Individuals convicted or found guilty of a felony or misdemeanor (not to include minor traffic violations) in Virginia or any other jurisdiction to include military court martial or currently under protective orders must submit a Criminal History Supplemental Form. For more information, view the Criminal History page)
  3. Certain training exemptions may be granted for required training courses. Refer to the Regulations related to the area of interest to check the eligibility for a training exemption.

NOTE:  You may be eligible to waive a portion of your entry-level training if you have completed certain private security services training or if you are a qualified law enforcement officer.

Before a registration will be issued, individuals must complete all required training for each category of their registration.

Training Requirements (4 hours)

Renewal Steps

  1. Renew online at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online, and pay applicable non-refundable fees.
  2. Complete in-service training. The school will submit a roster – please do not send your training completion form to DCIS.

Additional Applications

  1. Those who will have access to a firearm must complete the requirements for a Firearms Endorsement. This endorsement must be renewed every 12 months. For more information: Firearms Endorsement
  2. Individuals already registered with DCJS who wish to add categories to his/her current registration must:
  • Complete the requirements for an Additional Registration Category. 
  • Successfully complete all initial training requirements for each additional registration category.
  • The Additional Registration Category list can be found at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online.
  1. Current registered individual who have lost their registration card may apply for a replacement one at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online, and pay the applicable replacement fee.
  2. Individuals convicted or found guilty of a felony or misdemeanor (not to include minor traffic violations) in Virginia or any other jurisdiction to include military court martial or currently under protective orders must submit a Criminal History Supplemental Form. For more information, view the Criminal History page
  3. Individuals who meet limited circumstances, may apply for a renewal extension.  For more information: Extension
  1. Certain training exemptions may be granted for required training courses. Refer to the Regulations related to the area of interest to check the eligibility for a training exemption.

NOTE:  You may be eligible to waive a portion of your entry-level training if you have completed certain private security services training or if you are a qualified law enforcement officer.

Before a registration will be issued, individuals must complete all required training for each category of their registration.

A person employed to safeguard and protect persons and property or deter theft, loss, concealment of any tangible or intangible personal property on the premises he is contracted to protect, and who carries or has access to a firearm in the performance of his duties. 

A private security registrant who carries or has immediate access to a firearm in the performance of his duties.

Any armed person who transports or offers to transport from one place to another documents or other papers, negotiable or nonnegotiable instruments, or other small items of value that require expeditious service. 

You must possess a valid registration in this category and a firearms endorsement. 

Yes. You must have a current registration in order to work in this registered category. 

Yes. You must have completed all required training and have a current registration in order to work in this registered category. 

50 hours -- 01E security officer core subjects (18 hours) + 05E armed security officer arrest authority (8 hours) + 75Esecurity officer handgun training (24 hours) + 08E shotgun training if applicable (3 hours)

8-11 hours -- 01I security officer core subjects in-service (4 hours) + 07R handgun retraining (4 hours) + 08R shotgun retraining, if applicable (3 hours)

Yes, Title 9.1-146 of the Code of Virginia limits the power of arrest for an offense occurring in his presence on such premises or in the presence of a merchant, agent, or employee of the merchant the private security business has contracted to protect, if the merchant, agent, or employee had probable cause to believe that the person arrested had shoplifted or committed willful concealment of goods. 

Yes, if it is required by your employer. The uniform must not contain the word "police" or any other word suggesting a law-enforcement officer; be worn while on duty; and include at least 1 insignia clearly identifying the name of the licensed firm, and a name plate or tape bearing, as a minimum, your last name, as described under 6 VAC 20-171-320.17 of the state regulations.