Step-by-Step Instructions (2025)

Follow the steps below to complete your license application.

Step 1 -Requirements

Gather the required documentation for the company and Qualifying Agent and save all documents in electronic format (i.e., Word, PDF, jpg, etc.) to your computer.

Company Requirements

1. Certificate from Ohio Secretary of State affirming the company is registered. (If registered more than six months prior, a certificate of good standing letter is required.)
   • No PISGS licensee shall have a company name or trade name which includes phrases or words that could be construed as a law enforcement or government agency such as, but not limited to:
     • Homeland Security
     • Highway patrol or the word "patrol" used in conjunction with "Ohio" or "State"
     • Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Police, Private Police, SWAT, etc.
     • Peace Officer, Trooper, Deputy, Agent, Constable, Cop, etc.
   • If you have questions on whether or not your company name is acceptable, please email PISGS at pisglr@dps.ohio.gov, before registering it with the Ohio Secretary of State.
2. If using a trade name, certificate from Ohio Secretary of State indicating trade name.
3. Insurance Acord for Comprehensive General Liability:
   • Must be for at least $100,000 each occurrence, $300,000 general aggregate
   • Must list DPS, PISGS Unit, PO Box 182001, Columbus, OH 43218 as certificate holder (proof of insurance not required at time of application, but must be received prior to license being issued).
   • SampleInsuranceAcord

Qualifying Agent (QA) Requirements

1. 2.2 photo (passport style– see our photo tips) of head and shoulders.
2. Five character reference letterfrom people (not relatives) who have known QA more than five years. Letter must state in what capacity they know you (friend, work, church, etc.), and must be signed and dated within last three months. These letters must also include email, phone number, home address and signature of individual providing the character reference.
3. Verification of Experience (VOE) will be sent to current and past employers listed on QA application:
   • CLASS A – Work full-time in security and investigation in the two years immediately preceding date of application for license. Prior law enforcement and military police experience, as well as relevant college degree (law enforcement, criminal justice), might count toward the required work experience (refer to ORC 4709.03 and OAC 4501:7-1-06 for specific details)
   • CLASS B – work full time in investigation in the two years immediately preceding date of application for license. Prior law enforcement and military police experience, as well as relevant college degree (law enforcement, criminal justice), might count toward the required work experience (refer to ORC 4709.03 and OAC 4501:7-1-06 for specific details)
   • CLASS C – work full-time in security in the two years immediately preceding date of application for license. Prior law enforcement and military police experience, as well as relevant college degree (law enforcement, criminal justice), might count toward the required work experience (refer to ORC 4709.03 and OAC 4501:7-1-06 for specific details)
   • Military police experience must provide DD 214 or current work orders.
   • Law enforcement experience must provide Ohio peace office basic training certificate
   • Attorney must provide letter of good standing from the State Supreme Court showing actively practicing for minimum two years.
   • College degree must be at lease an associate in criminal justice or law enforcement, and must provide diploma or college transcript.
4. BCI fingerprint results – must not be older than 30 days from date application is submitted and sent DIRECT COPY to PISGS.
   • We recommend taking this PISGSWebCheckInstructionSheet to ensure proper delivery of results.
   • Ohio Attorney General's Office WebCheck Locations
5. SeeadditionalrequirementsforQAswhowishtocarryafirearm.

Reciprocity and Out-of-State Applicants

There is no reciprocity for licenses held in other states.

• When applying for a license, you must provide a copy of licenses from states where currently licensed along with letter(s) of good standing from applicable state licensing boards.
• See out-of-state fingerprinting information.
• Out of State License Verification

Step 2 -Request Online Access

After determining you meet the requirements in Step 1, you will need to request online access with Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS) to complete the license application.

• Request online access through ODPS Identity Manager
• IdentityManagerUserGuide

Step 3 - Complete Application

Go to the New Company License Application and log in using the User Name and Password you created in Step 2.

• LicenseApplicationUserGuide – step-by-step instructions for completing online applications and submitting fees
• PISGS Fees

Step 4 - Examination

Once the license application and all required documents have been verified, you will be notified to schedule and attend an examination covering Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4749 and Ohio Administrative Code 4501:7-1.

Study materials for the exam:

• Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4749
• Ohio Administrative Code 4501:7-1

A QA has three attempts to pass the exam within a 90-day period. The exam is scheduled once per month at the Ohio Department of Public Safety, 1970 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223. It may be proctored on a different date at a different location by request.

Please note:

• The exam is only waived if the applicant was an approved Ohio QA within the prior six months.
• If the exam is failed, additional testingfees are required for each additional attempt.

Step 5 - Proof of Insurance

1. Submit Certificate of Liability Insurance (Acord) form
2. Comprehensive General Liability: (required limits)
   • Must be for at least $100,000 each occurrence, $300,000 general aggregate
3. PISGS address must be listed as Certificate Holder
   • DPS, PISGS Unit, PO Box 182001, Columbus, OH 43218
4. Insurance required after passing exam
   • Proof of insurance must be received prior to license being issued
5. Sample for insurance company to follow
   • SampleInsuranceAcord
6. Email Certificate of Liability Insurance (Acord) to pisglr@dps.ohio.gov

Step 6 - License Approval

Upon passage of the QA exam, and receipt of proof-of-insurance by PISGS, your license application is approved. PISGS will then print a wall license and QA registration card. At that point, your company is licensed to work and solicit work in Ohio.

You must then register all security guards and private investigation employees using the PISGSonlinesystem. Once you log in, you can reference the “UserGuide” for step-by-step instructions.