Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
An applicant for a permit as a private security person may be granted a permit under s. 440.26, Stats., if the applicant:
b. Has not been convicted in this state or elsewhere of a felony, unless pardoned.
c. Is not a user of drugs or alcohol to an extent dangerous to the applicant or others or to an extent which would impair the applicant's ability to responsibly perform private security activities.
d. Does not have a physical, emotional or mental condition that might adversely affect the applicant's ability to responsible perform private security activities.
TO OBTAIN A PRIVATE SECURITY PERMIT:
1). Complete the application and all required documentation or obtain these from a private detective or security agency. The employing agency must either be bonded or covered by a comprehensive general liability policy approved by the department, in the amount of at least $100,000.
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2007
2). Effective January 1, 2007, applicants applying for a private security guard permit with the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing will be required to be electronically fingerprinted. With the digital process, results should be back within hours of the submission if no criminal record is found. Inked, hard copy fingerprint cards will not be accepted. The need and expense of temporary permits should be eliminated. If the search reveals a criminal background, the applicant will be requested to submit further information or a Notice of Denial will be sent as appropriate.
DIGITAL FINGERPRINTS ARE NOT REQUIRED IF YOU ALREADY HOLD A CURENT PRIVATE SECURITY PERMIT.
3). The Department of Regulation and Licensing has contracted with PearsonVUE as the vendor to provide the digital fingerprint process. To schedule an appointment, visit the IBT Reservation Center or call 866-416-4896. Please allow up to 5 days for an appointment to have your fingerprints taken. The cost for the digital fingerprints will be $56.25 and is expected at the time of the reservation in the form of a major credit/debit card, electronic check or prepaid voucher.
Electronic fingerprinting sites are in Duluth, Minnesota and various sites in Wisconsin.
Two forms of signature identification are required: one must be a government issued identification with a photograph. Qualifying government issued identification includes a state driver's license, state identification, military photo ID, passport, valid school ID for minors only. Your reservation must be made in your legal name and your identification must match the reservation. If you do not present the appropriate identification, your fingerprints will not be taken and you will be held responsible for the fee. The staff at the IBT facilities are not permitted to make any exceptions. Plan to arrive at the test center fifteen minutes before the scheduled start time of the appointment for check- in.
Attention Out of State Applicants Only: If you currently reside outside of the state of Wisconsin and are unable to have digital fingerprints taken at an IBT test center site, you may submit your fingerprints using the Wisconsin Easy Path Network (Form #2823). You will be required to hve your fingeprints taken at a local law enforcement facility. You must submit the Wisconsin Easy Path Network (Form #2823), two fingerprint cards and the $56.25 fee to the address listed on the form. You must submit your application to the Department within 14 days of being fingerprinted.
4). Your completed application, fee, Authorization for Release of FBI Information, and a recent photograph of your head and shoulders must be submitted to the Department within 14 days after submission of your fingerprints. If there is no criminal background history and all supporting documents have been submitted, a private security permit will be issued. If the search reveals a criminal background, the applicant will be requested to submit further information or a Notice of Denial will be sent as appropriate.
5). A separate permit must be obtained in order to carry a firearm (see Firearm Permit).
6). Renewal of private security permit: Effective January 1, 2007 any private security person whose credential has been expired for more than 5 years must submit a new Application for Private Security Permit (form #2271) and have digital fingerprints taken by IBT before the credential can be renewed.
Check the FAQs to determine if a credential can be transferred from other States/Countries.
Biennial renewal due by August 31 of even-numbered years
Common Denial Reason: Incomplete or unacceptable application; convictions of crimes substantially related to practice as a private security guard; use of controlled substances or alcoholic beverages to an extent dangerous to others; felony conviction in Wisconsin or any other jurisdiction, unless pardoned.
