Montana Private Security Program

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We are available to assist customers through our public portal for Professional and Occupational Licensees. For all renewals, please renew online. We can be reached at (406) 444-6880.

Welcome to the Montana Private Security Program

    • Applications remain valid for one year under normal circumstances. If you submit your application and an item is missing, our licensing specialist will work with you to complete the application. We do not deny applicants for submitting an incomplete application. By completing the application’s remaining parts, exempting exams, etc., you can get ahead on the licensure process.
    • Online applications are the most efficient application method and allow you to upload your own supplemental forms directly into your application at any time.  Click here to go to our online system to create an account and begin your application.
    • Paying the fee triggers the beginning of the staff review process. Be aware that to verify authenticity, some documents such as exam results, and transcripts must be sent to the department directly from the source and cannot be uploaded by the applicant.

  • Effective July 1, 2024, each private security firm and electronic security firm must now furnish Photo ID Cards for each security guard or alarm installer they employ. Private investigators and private investigator trainees must have ID cards. This change is the result of recent Administrative Rules update 24.182.403. Please note, the Department will no longer issue ID cards to individual licensees. As a licensed firm, you are now responsible for creating ID cards for your staff. For your convenience, we have provided an updated template that you may choose to use: PSP ID Card Template. Using this template is not required, as long as all of the following elements are present:

    • Must be the size of a standard credit card.
    • Must be laminated or made with durable material.
    • Contain a clear and recent photograph of the individual displayed prominently on the card.
    • Contain the first and last name of the individual.
    • Specify the individual’s license type.
    • Specify the individual’s license number, preceded by the words ‘Department of Labor & Industry License Number’.
    • The date of issuance.
    • List the employer.
    • List the supervising private investigator, if applicable.
    • The QR code from the Department issued license.

    In addition to furnishing the Photo ID Cards, employers must:

    • Update the card when the photograph does not clearly and accurately represent the appearance of the individual.
    • Require the individual to wear or carry the card while performing services and show it upon request.
    • Collect the card when the employment relationship ends.

  • Also, effective July 1, 2024, private security firms must adhere to the following uniform requirements, see 24.182.407:

    1. Provide and require a private security guard to wear a uniform while on duty. Uniforms must:
    • Clearly display the words “security,” “security officer,” or security guard” across the front of any cap and across the back of any shirt, vest, or overcoat.
    • Wording must be in block letters in a color and reflective material that contrasts with the fabric color; be visible at night, in low light, and at a reasonable distance.
    • Clearly display the company name in full and the words “security guard” above the left chest pocket area on the front of any shirt, vest, or overcoat on a patch no less than one-inch by three-inches. 
    1. Security vehicles must have the word “security” clearly displayed on each side of the vehicle.
    2. Uniforms, vehicles, and equipment must not display any accessory, emblem, insignia, patch, seal, or term that is like any used by any foreign, tribal, federal, state, or local law enforcement agency.
    • Make sure your address and e-mail information are up-to-date. You can update your information at any time by logging into your online account.
    • E-mail is the Department's primary form of communication so a current e-mail helps ensure you stay current on program information.

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