Governmental and Political Subdivisions with Internal Security – Registration Requirement

September 11, 2020

The security department of a governmental entity or political subdivision may not employ armed security officers unless the security department provides notice to the Department of Public Safety of the security department's intent to employee armed security officers.

A security department of a governmental entity or political subdivision must submit notice to the Department of Public Safety and be included in the department's registry to:

  • Employ commissioned security officers OR
  • Employ personal protection officers.

Pursuant to Occupation Code Section 1702.321, license is permitted but not required for an officer or employee of the United States, this state, or a political subdivision of this state while the employee or officer is performing official duties in a non-commissioned capacity.

Please note: Registry submission does not authorize the governmental entity or political subdivision to offer or provide services to any person, third party or entity as an Investigations Company, Guard Company, Alarm Systems Company, Courier Company, Locksmith Company, and/or Electronic Access Control Device Company required to be licensed under Chapter 1702, Texas Occupations Code.

For online registry information, please visit Application Instructions.