What happens when your security license is suspended or revoked
A suspended security license means you cannot work in security until the suspension ends and you take action to restore it. A revoked license is permanent — the issuing authority has terminated it, and you must meet specific conditions to get a new one rather than straightforward waiting it out.
The difference matters because suspension is temporary (usually 6 months to 2 years, depending on the reason), while revocation requires you to reapply from the beginning. Both prevent you from legally working as a security guard, armed or unarmed, until the license is active again.
The reason for suspension or revocation — a criminal conviction, failure to renew on time, a complaint investigation, or violation of security regulations — determines what you must do to get back to work. Some reasons require you to wait out a period; others require you to show you have fixed the underlying problem.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's security licensing board directly to learn whether your license is suspended (temporary) or revoked (permanent) and what caused it.
- Suspension reinstatement usually requires paying a reinstatement fee and submitting a written request; revocation requires reapplying as a new applicant and meeting all original requirements again.
- If your license was suspended for a criminal conviction or conduct violation, you may need to show proof that the conviction was overturned or that you have completed court-ordered programs.
- Processing times vary by state but typically range from two to eight weeks after you submit your reinstatement request or new process.
- Some states require you to retake the security licensing exam or complete additional training before reinstatement, even if you held the license before.
Find out why your license was suspended or revoked
Your first step is to contact the state agency that issued your security license — usually called the Department of Public Safety, Division of Licensing, or Board of Security. You can find the correct office through your state's official website or by calling your state's main licensing hotline.
When you call or visit in person, have your full name, date of birth, and license number ready. Ask the staff member to tell you the exact reason for the suspension or revocation and whether it is temporary or permanent. Write down the date the suspension began, the date it is scheduled to end (if applicable), and the name of the person who gave you this information.
If the reason involves a criminal conviction or a complaint investigation, ask for a copy of the official notice or decision letter. This document will tell you what specific violations led to the action and what you must do to restore your license. Some states mail this automatically; others require you to request it in writing.
Reinstatement steps for a suspended license
If your license is suspended rather than revoked, reinstatement is usually straightforward. Most states require you to submit a written reinstatement request to the licensing board, pay a reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $200, depending on your state), and wait for approval.
The reinstatement request is a straightforward form — often just a letter stating your name, license number, and request to reinstate. Some states provide a formal reinstatement process form on their website; others accept a letter. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee, made payable to the state licensing board. Mail both to the address listed on the state's licensing website.
If your suspension was due to a criminal conviction that has since been overturned, or if you were required to complete a program (such as anger management or substance abuse treatment) as a condition of reinstatement, include proof that you have done so. This might be a court order showing the conviction was dismissed, a certificate of completion from a treatment program, or a letter from a probation officer confirming you have met all conditions.
After you submit your request, the board will review it and send you a letter confirming reinstatement or asking for additional information. This typically takes two to six weeks. Once approved, your license will be reactivated and you can return to work when ready.
Reapplication process for a revoked license
If your license was revoked, you cannot straightforward request reinstatement — you must reapply as a new applicant. This means meeting all the original requirements: background check, fingerprinting, training hours (if your state requires them), and passing the security licensing exam.
Start by obtaining a new process from your state's licensing board website or office. The process will ask for your personal information, work history, and details about any criminal convictions or prior licensing actions. Be honest and complete — lying on the process can result in denial and may create additional legal problems.
You will need to undergo a new background check and fingerprinting, usually through the state police or a designated vendor. Some states require you to complete a certain number of classroom hours or online training before you can sit for the exam; others do not. Check your state's requirements before you pay for training, because requirements vary widely.
Once your background check clears and any required training is complete, you can schedule your licensing exam. The exam covers security law, liability, emergency procedures, and customer service. Study materials are usually available on the state board's website or through security training providers. After you pass the exam, the board will issue your new license.
Criminal convictions and license reinstatement
If your license was suspended or revoked because of a criminal conviction, the path to reinstatement depends on the outcome of your case. If your conviction was overturned on appeal, dismissed, or reduced to a lesser charge, you may be able to reinstate when ready by providing court documentation showing the change.
If your conviction stands but you have completed all court-ordered conditions — probation, restitution, counseling, or other requirements — you can request reinstatement by submitting proof of completion. This might be a letter from your probation officer, a court order showing probation has ended, or a certificate from a treatment program.
Some states have waiting periods even after conditions are met. For example, a state might require you to wait two years after probation ends before you can reapply for a security license. Check your state's specific rules by contacting the licensing board directly, because these policies vary significantly.
If your conviction is recent and conditions are still ongoing, you cannot reinstate yet. Focus on completing what the court ordered, and then contact the licensing board to ask when you become may be able to access to reapply.
Exam and training requirements for reinstatement
Some states require you to retake the security licensing exam as part of reinstatement, even if you held the license for years before it was suspended. Other states waive the exam if your suspension was short and unrelated to job performance. Your state's licensing board will tell you whether an exam is required when you submit your reinstatement request.
If an exam is required, you will need to study the same material as a first-time applicant: state security laws, use of force rules, liability and negligence, emergency response, and professional conduct. Most states provide a study guide or list of approved training providers on their website. Exam fees typically range from $50 to $150.
Training requirements also vary. Some states require a certain number of hours of classroom or online training before reinstatement; others do not. If your state requires training, you can usually complete it through community colleges, private security training companies, or online providers. Verify that any training provider you choose is approved by your state before you enroll, because only approved hours count toward reinstatement.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
After you submit your reinstatement request or new process, the licensing board will send you a confirmation letter or email within one to two weeks. This confirms they received your materials and tells you what happens next — usually a background check and review of your process.
The full process typically takes two to eight weeks from submission to final decision, depending on how busy the licensing board is and whether they need to request additional information from you. If they ask for more documents, respond as quickly as possible, because delays on your end will extend the timeline.
Once your reinstatement is approved, you will receive a new license card or a letter confirming your license is active. Some states issue the card when ready; others mail it within a few days. You can usually begin work as soon as you receive written confirmation from the board, even if the physical card has not arrived yet. Check with your employer about their policy on this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a security guard while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally work in security with a suspended or revoked license. Working without an active license can result in criminal charges, fines, and permanent revocation. Wait until you receive written confirmation from the licensing board that your license is active before you return to work.
What if I moved to a different state after my license was suspended?
You must contact the state that issued your license to reinstate it there first. Some states allow you to transfer a reinstated license to another state; others require you to explore for a new license in your new state. Contact both the original state's board and your new state's board to understand the process.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I was suspended by mistake?
If the licensing board made an error and your suspension was improper, you may be able to request a fee waiver. Contact the board in writing with evidence of the error and ask them to review your case. Some boards will waive fees in cases of clear administrative error, but this is not may provide.
How long does a suspension usually last?
Suspension lengths vary by state and reason. Most suspensions last six months to two years. Your licensing board will tell you the exact end date when you contact them. If no end date was set, you can request reinstatement when ready by submitting your request and fee.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
Contact your state's licensing board and ask whether they offer payment plans or fee reductions for financial hardship. Some states do; others do not. If your state does not, you may need to save the fee or seek information from a community organization before you can reinstate.