Private Security FAQs

We are here to answer any questions you may have. You can contact our Customer Service Unit at 804-786-4700. You may also email us at ora.info@dcjs.virginia.gov. 

To review the legislation change refer to §9.1-102.1 of the Code of Virginia by clicking here.

To obtain a duplicate ID, you may submit and pay for a Duplicate Replacement Application by creating and logging into your online account here or by submitting the paper application and applicable fee to our office for processing. If your current registration was issued prior to July 1, 2017 but you would like to obtain the new photo ID prior to your next renewal, you can also submit the Duplicate/Replacement Registration Application and applicable fee for that purpose.

Please allow 7-14 business days to receive your card once all registration requirements have been satisfied.

The new fee schedules only apply to Private Security Registrants. The fee schedule will be effective July 1, 2017 and is as follows:

• Renewal Registration Application Fee: $34.00
   
• Initial Registration Application Fee: $39.00
   
• Reinstatement Fee: $17.00
   
• Additional Registration Category Fee: $34.00
   
• Replacement Registration ID Fee: $34.00
   
• Firearm Endorsement Fee (renewal or additional category): $24.00

No problem! If there is no photo on file, you will be issued a letter that serves as your approved registration – no card is needed. However, if you still want a photo-identification card your letter will provide instructions on what is needed to obtain a card.

Please note: you will be required to visit a Virginia DMV to take a photo. 

DCJS has partnered with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to make this process easy and convenient for you. If you already have a photo on file with the DMV, you don’t need to do anything! If there is no photo on file, you will be issued a letter that serves as your approved registration. This letter will also instruct you on what to do in order to have your photo taken so a card can be issued to you.

You will be issued a new photo-identification card if you submit an application on or after July 1, 2017 that would result in the issuance of a new credential. Examples are:

• Initial Registration Applications
   
• Renewal Applications (including firearm endorsement renewals)
   
• Additional Category Applications
   
• Firearm Endorsement Applications
   
• Replacement Registration Applications

Please note: If you submit your application prior to July 1, 2017, you will not be issued a photo-identification card. To take advantage of the new photo-identification card, submit your registration renewal application on or after July 1^st. If you are not yet due for renewal you can submit a replacement/duplicate registration application and fee on or after July 1, 2017.

All Private Security Services Registrants will be able to obtain the new photo-identification card. This includes:

• Armored Car Personnel
• Canine Handlers (Detector and Security)
• Central Station Dispatchers*
  • See FAQ below ("What if I live outside of Virginia?")
• Electronic Security Technicians
• Electronic Security Technician Assistants
• Electronic Security Sales Representatives
• Locksmiths
• Personal Protection Specialists (Armed and Unarmed)
• Private Investigators\
• Security Officers (Armed and Unarmed)

Please note: this does not include Compliance Agents or Instructors who are certified by our Department.

Effective July 1, 2017, Private Security Services Registrants shall be issued a photo-identification card.