Effective January 2, 2014, the processing of all license applications, including license renewals, for private detectives, private investigators, special police officers, and security officers will be handled by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), although final signoff of each application will still be done by the Metropolitan Police Department, Security Officers Management Branch (SOMB).
As a result, individuals or agencies interested in working in the private security industry should visit the Security website at the following link: dcra.dc.gov/security. The website will provide general licensing information, news updates, security regulations, and allow individuals and agencies to apply for licensure via DCRA’s online credential management system.
DCRA staff will be working at the current Security Officers Management Branch location of 2000 14th Street, Northwest, Suite 302. The DCRA staff will be willing to assist individuals with questions and concerns as it relates to the initial application and renewal processes for security officers and special police officers.
For Special Police Officer renewal, or any new applicants, you can schedule to have your fingerprints completed at the Civilian Fingerprint Section, 441 4th Street, NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC, 20001.
Schedule your fingerprinting appointment online:
SOMB will continue to issue licenses for Firearms Instructors per the fee schedule below.
DCRA is moving toward online filing of the entire license application and renewal process. This will assist in faster processing of applications and renewals. This webpage will be updated to reflect any new online processing changes.
Regulations
All Special Police Officers, Security Officers and Private Detective Agency Owners are required to have knowledge of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Title 6A, Chapter 11 and Title 17 Chapters 20 and 21.
Contact the Security Officers Management Branch:
Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs Hours of Operation (at the Security Officers Management Branch location):
Firearms Instructor License Fees
| License Type | License Fees |
|---|---|
| Firearms Instructor License Application | $400 + $35 (for fingerprinting) payable to the DC Treasurer |
| Firearms Instructor License Renewal | $400 payable to the DC Treasurer |