PENNSYLVANIA SECURITY GUARD COMPANY LICENSING (LOCAL)

The license. No separate guard-company license class: the business of 'watch, guard, or patrol agency' is licensed as a 'private detective business' under The Private Detective Act of 1953. Counties title the certificate 'Private Detective License' (Bucks County's web page: 'Private Investigator License'). 'Patrol agency' expressly includes security guards, uniformed or nonuniformed. [1]

Who needs it. Any person, partnership, association or corporation that engages in (or advertises) the business of watch, guard or patrol agency, i.e. furnishing guards or patrolmen or other persons to protect persons or property for hire or reward. Exemptions in § 15 (e.g., persons employed exclusively by one employer in connection with that employer's own affairs, public officers, insurance adjusters, credit bureaus) - read § 15 in the saved statute for the exact list. Operating without a license is a misdemeanor of the third degree (§ 16.1). [1]

Local licensing. There is NO state agency that licenses guard companies and NO state guard card for unarmed guards in Pennsylvania. A uniform state statute (Private Detective Act of 1953) creates the license, but it is granted county-by-county by each of the 67 counties' Court of Common Pleas through the Clerk of Courts, after a District Attorney investigation and (in practice) a court hearing. Statutory items are uniform statewide: license fee $200 individual / $300 partnership-association-corporation per certificate (each office/branch), $10,000 corporate surety bond, 2-year initial term, renewal by the Clerk for up to 5 years, age 25, 3 years' qualifying experience. Clerk filing fees, fingerprint-card handling, badge fees, hearing practice and renewal fee/term practice vary by county (verified only for Chester, Bucks and York). The statute requires filing in the county of the principal office and a license for each office/branch office; York's web page says 'county of residence' (the statute controls). The Act does not say whether a licensee needs additional county licenses to post guards in counties where it has no office. State overlays: armed guards need individual PSP Act 235 certification and employers must verify it (37 Pa. Code § 21.4); companies supplying school security guards must be commission-approved third-party vendors under the Public School Code. Philadelphia, Allegheny and other counties, and any municipal security-business licenses, are unverified.

Your guards. No state guard card for unarmed guards. Each employee must give the licensee a verified 'employe's statement' (name, age, address, citizenship, 3-year work history, no disqualifying convictions, Act 235 certification if armed); the licensee takes two sets of fingerprints, keeps one with the statement and files the other with the county court (Clerk of Courts where the main security office is located), plus proof of Act 235 certification for armed employees; the court runs the prints against PSP records. Armed guards must hold PA State Police Lethal Weapons Training Act (Act 235) certification; employers must verify it (37 Pa. Code § 21.4). [1]

Role

No 'qualifying agent' title. Individual: the applicant. Partnership/association: each member signs and at least one member must have the 3-year experience. Corporation: the president, secretary and treasurer each sign and verify the application and each must meet the clause (a) requirements; at least one member of the corporation must have the 3-year experience. [1]

Experience

Not less than three years regularly employed as a detective, or as a member of the U.S. government investigative service, a sheriff, a member of the Pennsylvania State Police, or a member of a city police department of a rank higher than patrolman; proven by at least two duly acknowledged certificates. [1]

Age & background

Minimum age 25; each signer must state U.S. citizenship; court must be satisfied of good character, competency and integrity; fingerprints compared with PA State Police criminal records; no felony or listed-offense conviction (see disqualifiers_and_waivers). [1]

• Application must be approved by not less than five reputable citizens who have known each signer at least five years, are not related by blood or marriage, and sign verified, acknowledged certificates. [1]
• Each signer must state that he is a citizen of the United States. [1]
• Each signer submits two passport-size photographs and fingerprints of both hands. [1]
• Corporations: application signed and verified by the president, secretary and treasurer; must state incorporation details and paid-up capital stock and include a certified copy of the certificate of incorporation; officer changes must be reported to the court. [1]
• A licensee may not hold an employment agency license or have a financial interest in or control of another private detective business. [1]
• Licensee is legally responsible for the good conduct and reasonable supervision of every employee. [1]
• Strike-related restrictions: licensees may not furnish armed guards (other than those regularly employed before) for property operated during a strike, furnish armed guards on highways in labor disputes, or engage in listed anti-union activities. [1]
• 10-day waiting period after filing before issuance; pending applications posted weekly on the clerk's bulletin board; verified objections must be heard before a license issues. [1]

Surety bond

$10,000 corporate surety bond, executed to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, written by a corporate surety company authorized in PA, approved by the court as to form/execution/sufficiency, filed with the Clerk of Courts; conditioned on faithful and honest conduct of the business. Filed after court approval and before the license issues (Chester, Bucks; York: within 30 days of appointment). A bond in the equivalent amount is filed on each renewal (§ 11(a)). [1]

Branch offices

A separate license is required for each bureau, agency, sub-agency, office and branch office (statutory fee per certificate of license). Relocation requires written notice to the court within 24 hours and endorsement of the certificate; the certificate may only be posted at the licensed premises. [1]

• Statutory license fee, paid on issuance for each certificate of license (each office/branch), for the use of the county: $200 individual; $300 partnership, association or corporation. Initial license lasts 2 years. [1]
• Statutory renewal: fee and surety bond 'equivalent' to the original amounts; Clerk may reissue for up to five years. [1]
• York County Clerk manual: the statutory license fees are not subject to Act 36-2000 and cannot be increased by the clerk fee schedule. [18]
• PA State Police fingerprint-card processing fee $17.50 (effective July 1, 1992) for license applicants and for individuals applying for employment with a private detective/security agency; payable to 'Commonwealth of Pennsylvania'. [18]
• Chester County fee schedule (updated 2/1/26): application or renewal filing fee $27 (includes $5 automation fee); new license $200 individual / $300 partnership-corporation-association; renewal license $100/year individual ($500 for 5 years) and $150/year entity ($750 for 5 years); fingerprint processing $17.50 per individual to Commonwealth of PA. [27]
• Chester County license page (older, undated figure): $26.00 filing fee to 'Clerk of Courts'; $17.50 per officer to 'Commonwealth of Pennsylvania'; $200 individual / $300 corporate license fee for 2 years after court approval. [13]
• Bucks County: initial filing fee $60 ($55 plus $5 automation fee); renewal filing $22.50; initial license $200 individual / $300 partnership-corporation (2 years); renewal license $300 individual / $450 partnership-corporation (3 years); $17.50 to 'Commonwealth of PA' and $13 to 'Clerk of Courts' (application PDF: per fingerprint card). [14]
• Bucks County renewal license fees: $300 individual / $450 partnership-corporation, issued for 3 years. [14]
• York County: filing fee $55.00 (non-refundable); fingerprint card $17.50 per person; appointment (license) fee $200.00 individual / $300.00 partnership-corporation; badge fee $20.00 per person. Renewal: filing $20.00, appointment fee $200/$300, badge $20.00 per person; renewals active 5 years. [17]
• Armed guards only (individual, not the agency): PSP Act 235 fees - $50.00 application, $24.95 fingerprinting, $30.00 certification = $104.95 total. 37 Pa. Code § 21.19 still says $25 certification fee. [10]

1. Prepare a verified written application/petition (Chester: petition original + 1 copy; Bucks: legal petition + 1 copy) and file it with the Clerk of Courts of the county where the principal office is located; a separate license is needed for each office/branch office. [1]
2. Attach for each signer/officer two passport-size photographs and fingerprint cards (blank cards from the county Clerk bearing its ORI number), with the $17.50 PSP fingerprint fee and the county filing fee. [13]
3. Attach two notarized certificates confirming the required 3 years' experience and five notarized certificates of approval from reputable citizens. [13]
4. Investigation by the District Attorney / county detectives (Chester: interview by Chester County Detectives; Bucks: DA authorization for release of information). Pending applications are posted weekly on the Clerk's public bulletin board; verified objections must be heard before a license issues; at least 10 days must pass after filing. [1]
5. Court hearing on the petition (Chester: scheduled roughly 8-12 weeks after filing; applicant must appear). [13]
6. After the court order approving the license: file the original $10,000 surety bond and pay the license fee; the Clerk then issues the certificate and ID card(s). [13]
7. Court issues to each individual licensee/partner/corporate officer a pocket card (photo, court seal) and a metal shield or badge. [1]
8. Post the license certificate conspicuously at the licensed office; report address changes within 24 hours. [1]

Renewal

Initial license lasts 2 years. Renewal by the Clerk of Courts on a brief form prescribed by the Attorney General (York uses AOPC 2235; Bucks forms marked OAG-93), with fee and surety bond equivalent to the original; no fingerprints or references; reissued for up to five years without a waiting period unless the Clerk refers it to the court; renewal period = six months from expiration. County practice varies: Bucks 3 years at $300/$450 + $22.50 filing; Chester $100/$150 per year (2-5 years) + $27 filing; York 5 years at $200/$300 + $20 filing + $20 badge. [1]

Disqualifiers & waivers

No license to anyone convicted (in PA or elsewhere) of a felony or of: illegally using/carrying/possessing a pistol or dangerous weapon; making/possessing burglar's tools; receiving stolen property; unlawful entry; aiding escape; unlawful narcotics possession/distribution; pickpocketing; soliciting sodomy/lewdness; recklessly endangering another person; terroristic threats; or simple assault - nor to anyone whose license was revoked for such a conviction. Only waiver: executive pardon removing the disability. Same list bars employees (§ 13(a)); knowingly employing such a person is a misdemeanor (fine up to $5,000) and grounds for revocation (mandatory on second conviction). [1]

• 2025-11-12 (§ 28 is not listed in § 72(1)-(3), so it falls under § 72(4): 'remainder of this act shall take effect immediately'; Act approved Nov. 12, 2025)Act 47 of 2025 (SB 315) § 28 amended Public School Code § 1314-C(b)(1) and § 1315-C(1): a school security guard (including one supplied by a commission-approved third-party vendor) must, before starting duties, complete training for school security personnel meeting standards approved by the PCCD commission with an approved provider (replacing the prior NASRO Basic SRO course reference). Relevant only to guard companies serving schools; does NOT amend the Private Detective Act. Already in effect before 2027-01-01. Act of Nov. 12, 2025, P.L.244, No.47 (SB 315), § 28; 24 P.S. § 13-1314-C(b)(1) [5]
• 2026-02-01Chester County Clerk of Courts fee schedule updated: private detective application/renewal filing fee $27; renewal license fees prorated $100/yr individual, $150/yr entity (local administrative change, not a law change). Chester County Clerk of Courts Fee Schedule [27]
• 2026-01 (per form footer)Bucks County private detective application packet revised (local form update; fees on page unchanged at $60 filing, $200/$300 license). Bucks County Application for a Bucks County Private Detective License [15]
• n/aNo 2025-2026 enactment amends the Private Detective Act of 1953 or the Lethal Weapons Training Act (the General Assembly's 'Legislation that amends this act' lists for Act 361/1953 and Act 235/1974 show only unenacted 2015-2021 bills; re-checked 2026-11-09). The only 2025-26 bill found referencing the Private Detective Act, HB 1579 (constables), remains in House Judiciary; LWTA-referencing bills HB 2298, HB 579, HB 575 are in committee. Act 95 of 2026 (SB 418) concerns DA/county-detective vacancies, not private detectives. Nothing already enacted takes effect later in 2027. PA General Assembly bill-text keyword search, 2025-2026 session [23]

• Act of Aug. 21, 1953, P.L. 1273, No. 361, as amended through Act 132 of 1992 (22 P.S. §§ 11-30) — The Private Detective Act of 1953 (licenses watch, guard or patrol agencies) [1]
• Act of Oct. 10, 1974, P.L. 705, No. 235 (22 P.S. §§ 41-50) — Lethal Weapons Training Act (Act 235) - individual PSP certification of armed privately employed agents; not the agency license [2]
• Pa. Const., Schedule to Judiciary Article, § 4 — Courts of quarter sessions abolished; courts of common pleas exercise their jurisdiction [4]
• Public School Code of 1949, Art. XIII-C, §§ 1301-C, 1314-C, 1315-C (24 P.S. § 13-1301-C et seq.), as amended by Act 47 of 2025 — School security guards; commission-approved third-party vendors (only for companies supplying school security guards) [5]
• 37 Pa. Code Chapter 21 (§§ 21.1-21.61), incl. § 21.4 Employer responsibilities — Administration of the Lethal Weapons Training Program (PA State Police) - governs Act 235 armed-agent certification, not the agency license [3]

1. The Private Detective Act of 1953, Act of Aug. 21, 1953, P.L. 1273, No. 361 (22 P.S. §§ 11-30), as amended through Act 132 of 1992 · retrieved 2026-11-09
2. Lethal Weapons Training Act, Act of Oct. 10, 1974, P.L. 705, No. 235 (22 P.S. §§ 41-50) · retrieved 2026-11-09
3. 37 Pa. Code Chapter 21 - Administration of the Lethal Weapons Training Program (PA State Police) · retrieved 2026-11-09
4. Constitution of Pennsylvania, Schedule to Judiciary Article (abolition of courts of quarter sessions; jurisdiction to courts of common pleas) · retrieved 2026-11-09
5. Public School Code of 1949, Art. XIII-C §§ 1301-C, 1314-C, 1315-C (school security guards; third-party vendors), current through Act 47 of 2025 · retrieved 2026-11-09
6. Act No. 47 of 2025 (SB 315, PN 1310), approved Nov. 12, 2025 - School Code amendments incl. school security guard training · retrieved 2026-11-09
7. HB 1579 of 2025-2026 (PN 1874), pending constables bill referencing the Private Detective Act; plus 2025-26 bill keyword search results · retrieved 2026-11-09
8. PA General Assembly Law Information pages for Act 361 of 1953 and Act 235 of 1974 (lists of amending legislation) · retrieved 2026-11-09
9. PA State Police - Lethal Weapons Training Program (Act 235) page · retrieved 2026-11-09
10. PA State Police - Apply for Act 235 Lethal Weapons Training Certification (steps and fees) · retrieved 2026-11-09
11. PA State Police - Act 235 Applications and Certification Renewal pages · retrieved 2026-11-09
12. PA State Police - Act 235 Frequently Asked Questions · retrieved 2026-11-09
13. Chester County Clerk of Courts - Private Detective License (Individual & Corporate Application General Information) · retrieved 2026-11-09
14. Bucks County Clerk of Courts - Private Investigator License page · retrieved 2026-11-09
15. Bucks County Clerk of Courts - Application for a Bucks County Private Detective License (updated 1/2026; OCR text) · retrieved 2026-11-09
16. Bucks County Clerk of Courts - Private Detective Renewal Application (updated January 2025; OAG-93 forms; OCR text) · retrieved 2026-11-09
17. York County Clerk of Courts - Private Detectives page (steps, costs, renewal) · retrieved 2026-11-09
18. York County Clerk of Courts - Clerk of Courts' Procedure Manual re: Private Detective Filings · retrieved 2026-11-09
19. The Private Detective Act of 1953 (Act 361 of 1953), official PA General Assembly PDF · retrieved 2026-11-09
20. Lethal Weapons Training Act (Act 235 of 1974), official PA General Assembly PDF · retrieved 2026-11-09
21. Public School Code of 1949, Art. XIII-C §§ 1301-C, 1314-C, 1315-C · retrieved 2026-11-09
22. 37 Pa. Code Chapter 21 - Administration of the Lethal Weapons Training Program · retrieved 2026-11-09
23. PA General Assembly bill-text keyword search results 2025-2026 session + Act 361 Law Information page · retrieved 2026-11-09
24. Bucks County Clerk of Courts - Private Investigator License · retrieved 2026-11-09
25. Bucks County Application for a Private Detective License (Updated 1/2026), OCR · retrieved 2026-11-09
26. Chester County Clerk of Courts - Private Detective License · retrieved 2026-11-09
27. Chester County Clerk of Courts - Fee Schedule (updated 2/1/26) · retrieved 2026-11-09
28. York County Clerk of Courts - Private Detectives · retrieved 2026-11-09
29. York County Clerk of Courts' Procedure Manual re: Private Detective Filings · retrieved 2026-11-09
30. York County Partnership/Association/Corporation Private Detective License Renewal Form (AOPC 2235) · retrieved 2026-11-09
31. PA State Police - Lethal Weapons Training Program · retrieved 2026-11-09
32. PA State Police - Act 235 FAQ · retrieved 2026-11-09
33. PA State Police - Apply for Act 235 Certification · retrieved 2026-11-09

Compiled from the primary government sources above, retrieved on the dates shown. This page is a research summary, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the issuing authority before you file.