Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria in Section 1702.113 of the Private Security Act, and Board administrative rules 35.42 through 35.46 (and all other provisions applicable to the specific license being sought).  These can be found at the link for “Statutes and Rules” http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/psb/statutesandrules.htm

The eligibility criteria have recently changed.  Please refer to the materials provided elsewhere on this website, under the links for “New Legislation for PSB” http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/psb/laws/legislation.htm and “Statutes and Rules” http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/psb/statutesandrules.htm.  Specifically, we would suggest that you review the document entitled “New Eligibility Criteria,” which can be found at the link for “New Legislation for PSB.”

You may meet the eligibility requirements only if your pardon was granted for a wrongful conviction or proof of innocence.

• You may meet the eligibility requirements if you have successfully completed deferred adjudication probation.
• You are ineligible if you have not yet completed deferred adjudication probation.

No. A conviction “set-aside” and subsequent dismissal of the charges remains a conviction under Section 1702.371 of the Occupations Code.

Failure to comply is a Class A misdemeanor. If arrested and convicted, you will be disqualified until the 20th anniversary of your conviction.

No. The Private Security Bureau has suspended your license to work in the private security, locksmith or investigation industry.

No. Summary actions are based on disqualifying criminal histories, and the same criminal history criteria apply to all registrations under the Private Security Act.

According to the Occupations Code Chapter 1702, Section 1702.364 (a), the Private Security Bureau has the authority to summarily suspend a license or summarily deny an application on receiving written notice from the Texas Department of Public Safety or another law enforcement that an individual has been charged with a Class B misdemeanor, Class A misdemeanor or felony.

If you were charged with a misdemeanor, contact the County Clerk; or if the charge was classified as a felony, contact the District Clerk from the county of jurisdiction. You will need to request a copy of the final disposition, including the judgment, sentence or dismissal.

Yes. The notice letter facilitates the processing of your documents. If the letter has been lost, you will need to include your full name and date of birth on a cover sheet when faxing your documents.

Yes. We will need such documents in order to verify the disposition of the case. When submitting your original application, please attach your supporting court documents if you answered “yes” to having been arrested for a felony, Class A or Class B misdemeanor.

• Fax your court documents to the attention of the Criminal History Section at (512) 424-7729 or;
• Mail to the Private Security Bureau, PO Box 4087, Austin, Texas 78752
• Note: to ensure your documents are processed within 48 hours or 2 days after receipt, you must also include a copy of your order of summary suspension or denial. You may check your status by looking for the header “Searches” and select “Search Individual” on our website at www.txdps.state.tx.us/psb.

The Private Security Bureau will send a letter to you and your current employer requesting additional information.

• A letter of reinstatement will be sent to you and your employer.
• You may also check your status by looking for the header “Searches” and select “Search Individual” on our website.
• Note: If you recently faxed your documents, please allow two business days before checking our website for a status update.

Please read the following instructions on how to request a hearing.

Please complete and submit form PSB-22 (PDF) (Complaint Form) and fax to (512) 424-7729 or mail it to P O Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773. You can also obtain this form from our website at www.txdps.state.tx.us/psb/forms

Please submit a detailed request in writing to the Open Records Coordinator and fax this information to (512) 424-7221 or mail to Texas Department of Public Safety, PO Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773.