Wisconsin DSPS Private Security Permit (Guard Card) Application Process
Anyone wishing to work as Private Security Person for a Private Security Agency must submit a complete application to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and is not eligible to practice until receiving a permit from the DSPS. Filing an application is not authorization to practice.
Contents
- Who Needs a Private Security Permit (Guard Card) in Wisconsin?
- Application Steps
- Fingerprinting
- Forms
- Private Security Permit Renewals
- Online Licensure Application System (OLAS)
Who Needs a Private Security Permit (Guard Card) in Wisconsin?
Direct Employment
Private Security Personnel who are directly employed by businesses and industrial companies are not required to obtain a permit as a Security Person. In other states, these employees are known as "proprietary private security guards."
Direct employment means that the business or industrial company controls the person's work, withholds state and federal taxes, and complies with worker's compensation and unemployment compensation requirements.
For example, the individual works as loss prevention for a retail company (Ross, Target, Walmart, etc.) and is a direct employee (paid by) the retail company.
Agency Employment
An individual working for a Private Security Agency must have a Private Security Permit before the individual can stand a post.
Employment by a Private Security Agency means that the agency controls the person's work, withholds state and federal taxes, and complies with worker's compensation and unemployment compensation requirements.
For example, the individual works for a security agency (Allied Universal, G4S, Securitas USA, etc.) and is placed at a contracted post (apartment complex, bank, shopping mall, corporate complex, etc.).
Application Steps
- Complete the Private Security Permit Application.
The Agency Employer must complete and sign page 3. - Complete the Authorization for Release of FBI Information form.
- Complete the Convictions and Pending Charges form.
- Submit application fees.
- Submit packet.
- Complete digital fingerprinting.
Fingerprinting
All applicants must submit their fingerprints electronically for a background check. The applicant will receive information on how to obtain digital fingerprints after the Department has received the completed application and a signed Authorization for Release of FBI Information.
Forms
Private Security Permit Application. (Form 2271)
Authorization for Release of FBI Information. (Form 2687)
Convictions and Pending Charges (Form 2254)
Private Security Permit Renewals
Private Security Permits must be renewed by 8/31/ every even-numbered year. For example:
- 8/31/2022
- 8/31/2024
- 8/31/2026
- 8/31/2028
Renewals are completed online using the DSPS Online Licensure Application System (OLAS)