The Texas Level 3 Security License is required for individuals working as armed security officers within the state. This license authorizes the holder to carry a firearm while performing security duties. The process is strictly regulated by state law to ensure only qualified individuals are commissioned for armed service. Aspiring armed guards must complete training, psychological evaluations, background checks, and administrative submissions. Securing this license is mandatory for a professional career in armed private security in Texas.
Understanding the Texas Level 3 Security License
Regulatory oversight for all private security professionals falls under the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), specifically the Private Security Bureau (PSB). The PSB administers regulations established under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702. The Level 3 license is designated as a “Commissioned Security Officer License,” granting the legal authority to carry a firearm while on duty.
The Level 2 license permits an officer to work only in an unarmed capacity. The Commissioned Level 3 license builds upon basic unarmed training by introducing the legal and tactical responsibilities associated with carrying a weapon. This elevated status requires a higher standard of training and scrutiny, defining the scope of their authority and limitations.
Confirming Basic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet several prerequisites to qualify for a commissioned license. A candidate for the armed Level 3 license must be at least 21 years of age. Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident authorized to work in the country.
The state maintains strict criteria regarding criminal history that can disqualify a candidate. A felony conviction is a bar to licensure, as are certain Class A or Class B misdemeanors related to the duties of a security officer. A history of violent crimes or a documented lack of mental competency can also prevent an individual from proceeding. These pre-training checks ensure the integrity of the security force.
Mandatory Training and Firearm Qualification
The training curriculum for the Level 3 Commissioned Security Officer license requires a minimum of 45 hours of instruction. This instruction must be administered by an instructor who is licensed by the DPS Private Security Bureau to teach the Level 3 course. The comprehensive classroom portion covers subjects including state laws, civil liability, use of force, arrest procedures, and detailed report writing techniques.
Recent legislative updates require that a portion of this training, specifically focused on defensive tactics and firearms, must be conducted in person, typically spanning 10 to 15 hours. This hands-on segment ensures the officer is prepared for high-stress situations. The course culminates in a mandatory written examination that tests the applicant’s knowledge of the curriculum and legal limitations.
The firearm proficiency requirement is an integrated part of the training and must be completed successfully within 90 days of the application submission. This involves a live-fire range qualification test, where the officer must demonstrate competence with the specific weapon they intend to carry on duty. Upon passing the range qualification, the licensed instructor must sign the official Firearm Proficiency Certificate of Completion (form PSP-31), which is a required document for the license application.
The Official Application Submission Process
Once all training and qualification requirements have been met, the applicant proceeds to the administrative phase by submitting their information through the Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) portal. This online system is the primary method for processing all individual security licenses and commissions. The application must be accompanied by several essential documents, including the training certificate for the Level 2 unarmed course, the Level 3 Commissioned course completion form, and the signed PSP-31 Firearm Proficiency Certificate.
The application for the armed license requires a mandatory psychological evaluation. The state requires all Level 3 applicants to undergo an assessment, typically using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), to ensure they are mentally fit for armed duty. The psychologist who administers the test must complete and sign the required form, PSP-13, which is then submitted with the application package. Applicants are required to pay the specified application fees, which are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the license review process.
Fingerprinting and Background Verification
The application is not considered complete until the applicant has submitted their fingerprints for a background check. This process mandates electronic fingerprinting through the state’s authorized vendor, currently IdentoGO, which transmits the prints directly to the appropriate agencies. The digital fingerprint submission initiates a state and federal criminal history check, running the applicant’s data through DPS records and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) database.
The DPS Private Security Bureau uses the results of this background investigation to confirm that the applicant has no disqualifying criminal history. The application is held in a pending status until the results of the federal background check are received and cleared by the DPS.
License Maintenance and Renewal
The Texas Level 3 Commissioned Security Officer license is issued for a duration of two years. To maintain the license, officers must track their expiration date and initiate the renewal process in advance. The state mandates continuing education and re-qualification to ensure that all commissioned officers remain proficient and current on legal and tactical standards.
The renewal process requires mandatory re-qualification of the firearm proficiency test. Every two years, the officer must repeat the range qualification test under a licensed instructor and submit a new, signed PSP-31 form to the DPS. Failure to complete this re-qualification and submit the renewal application by the deadline results in the license expiring, requiring the officer to cease armed duties immediately.