Minnesota Security License

Security Licensing Information For Minnesota

Licensing information is available from the State of Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services.
Click below for information regarding a Minnesota security license.

State of Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services

1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul MN 55106

Phone: (651) 793-2669

Starting a security company in Minnesota can be a lucrative business venture for entrepreneurs with a keen interest in the security industry. However, before you can start offering security services in Minnesota, you need to obtain a security license. The Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agents regulates the security industry in the state and issues licenses to companies that meet the necessary requirements.

To obtain a security license in Minnesota, you must meet the following requirements:

Listed below are some of the basic requirements for all applicants (including Qualified Representatives, Minnesota Managers, and all parties required to sign the application form):

– Each person signing the application must be at least 18 years of age.
– Each person must have a record free of felony convictions and no record of convictions of offenses
identified in statute (see Minn. Stat. §326.3381 subd. 3 (1)).
– A $10,000 Surety Bond (private detective or protective agent) at the time of application.
– Acceptable Proof of Financial Responsibility documentation (see Minn. Stat. §326.3382 subd. 3 (c), with options referenced in §326.3382 subd. 3 (d), (e), or (f)).
– Complete required application materials and supporting documents.
– Be of good character, honesty, and integrity.
– Mandatory employment experience (see below).

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

PRIVATE DETECTIVE: An Individual (sole proprietor), or the Qualified Representative (and Minnesota Manager for an out-of-state applicant), must be able to document a minimum of 6,000 hours of investigative employment experience in one or more of the following:

– Employed as an investigator with a licensed private detective/investigative agency.
– Employed as an investigator with a U.S. government investigative service.
– Employed as an investigator for a city police department or sheriff’s office.
– Be employed in an investigative occupation the board finds equivalent in scope, responsibility, and training as one of the specific occupations listed above.

PROTECTIVE AGENT: An Individual (sole proprietor), or the Qualified Representative (and Minnesota Manager for an out-of-state applicant), must be able to document a minimum of 6,000 hours of
security/protective employment experience in one or more of the following:

– Employed in a protective/security capacity with a licensed protective agent, or in a protective/security for investigative capacity for a licensed private detective.
– Employed in a protective/security or investigator capacity with a U.S. government investigative service.
– Employed in a protective/security or investigator capacity with a city police department or sheriff’s office.
– Be employed in an occupation the board finds equivalent in scope, responsibility and training as one of the specific occupations listed above.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: EACH PERSON signing the application (Individual Applicant, Qualified Representative, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Minnesota Manager if applicable) must comply with the following:

– Complete all application forms for the license for which you are applying.
– Complete an informed consent criminal history form.
– Submit a recent (durable) photograph and a full set of fingerprints.
– Provide five (5) references (from people who are not related by blood or marriage) who have known the subject for a minimum of five (5) years.
– The Qualified Representative and Minnesota Manager must include documentation of work experience (with completed releases).

Note: Each of the protective agent employment items referenced above must include experience in security systems, audits, and supervision of security personnel.

NOTE: License holders and their employees are subject to mandated training. For more information go to
https://dps.mn.gov/entity/pdb or contact the board office

If you’re ready to start your own security company in Minnesota, contact Start a Security Company today to schedule a consultation with one of our experts. We’re here to help you every step of the way.