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How to verify a private security company's license

Before you hire private security, make sure the company is properly licensed and authorized to operate in your state.

Why verifying matters

In most US states, contract security companies must be licensed by a state regulator — such as the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) in California or the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) in Illinois. Hiring an unlicensed company can expose you to legal, operational and liability risks. Unlicensed operators also skip the training, background-check and insurance standards the law requires.

Steps to verify

1

Ask for the license number

In most states, contract security companies must hold a state license — for example, a Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license from the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), or a Private Security Contractor Agency license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Ask for the company's license number. A legitimate company will provide it without hesitation.

2

Look it up on the state licensing board

Check the license on the official state lookup: in California, use the BSIS license search on the Department of Consumer Affairs website (search.dca.ca.gov); in Illinois, use the IDFPR License Lookup. Confirm the license is active, matches the exact business name you're dealing with, and covers the right license class for the work.

3

Verify insurance and bonding

A professional security company should carry liability insurance covering damages that could occur while providing the service, and many states set minimum coverage requirements. Ask for a current certificate of insurance (COI) directly from the company or its insurer, check the coverage dates and limits, and — for larger contracts — ask to be named as an additional insured.

4

Check complaints and disciplinary history

State licensing boards publish disciplinary actions such as citations, suspensions and revocations — check the company's record when you look up the license. It's also worth checking the Better Business Bureau and online reviews for unresolved complaint patterns.

5

Confirm the guards themselves are registered

Individual officers usually need their own state credential — a BSIS security guard registration ("guard card") in California, or a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) in Illinois. Ask how the company screens and trains its officers, and request references from current clients you can actually call.

Look up a company's license status

Search the companies in our directory and check their state license status, sourced from official licensing records.

Red flags

  • The company won't provide its license number, or dodges the question
  • It doesn't appear in the state licensing board's lookup, or the license is expired, suspended or revoked
  • It can't produce a current certificate of insurance
  • Officers don't carry their state credential (e.g., a guard card in California or a PERC card in Illinois) or an identifiable uniform
  • You're pressured to sign before you have time to verify
  • Prices far below market rates with no explanation

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