Security licensing · Virginia
Virginia security license renewal: DCJS rules for unarmed and armed officers
A Virginia DCJS security officer registration lasts up to 24 months, and renewal requires a 4-hour in-service course finished before it expires. If the registration lapses, DCJS can reinstate it only when the renewal arrives within 60 days.
Who issues the registration
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) regulates private security through its Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services (DCJS division page). Businesses hold a license. Individual officers hold a registration, and no one may be employed by a licensed security business as an armed or unarmed security officer without a valid one (Va. Code §9.1-139). The rules sit in Chapter 174 of Title 6 of the Virginia Administrative Code.
How long a registration lasts
| Credential | Term | Renewal training |
|---|---|---|
| Unarmed security officer registration | Up to 24 months | 4-hour in-service course (01I) once in each 24-month period |
| Armed security officer registration | Up to 24 months | The same 4-hour course, not counting range retraining |
| Firearms endorsement | Up to 12 months | Annual firearms retraining; handgun is 4 hours plus requalification |
Sources: 6VAC20-174-50, -170, -220, -330, -60, -420, and DCJS unarmed officer FAQ. The endorsement is required for anyone who carries or has access to a firearm on duty. Retraining must fall within the 90 days before the endorsement expires, or the officer repeats entry-level training.
How to renew
- Finish the in-service training first. DCJS's renewal form says the application and in-service training must be complete before the expiration date (DCJS renewal form).
- File early. The rule says DCJS should receive the renewal at least 30 days before expiration. DCJS sends a notice to the last mailing or email address on file, but the officer is still responsible for filing if no notice arrives (6VAC20-174-50). DCJS also asks credential holders to start about 90 days out because background checks can run long (DCJS).
- Renew online. Renewals go through DCJS's Lotus system (DCJS Lotus resources). Paper filings carry a $5 manual processing fee (6VAC20-174-20).
DCJS lists the renewal fee at $34 for a two-year registration (DCJS fee schedule; renewal form; DCJS Lotus renewal guide). The fee table in the regulation shows $20, so confirm the amount at checkout. Registrants must also tell DCJS about a new mailing address, email, or phone number within 10 days (6VAC20-174-140).
If a registration expires
- Within 60 days. DCJS can reinstate a registration if the renewal reaches it within 60 days after expiration, with all renewal requirements met and a reinstatement fee (6VAC20-174-90). The reinstatement fee is 50% of the renewal fee, added on top of it (6VAC20-174-20(B)), and DCJS lists it as $17 (DCJS).
- No work in the gap. It is unlawful to operate without a valid registration, including during the reinstatement period (6VAC20-174-90(B)).
- After 60 days. The officer must meet all initial requirements again, including entry-level training. For unarmed officers that is 18 hours (6VAC20-174-330).
- Firearms endorsements cannot be reinstated at all. A lapsed endorsement means initial firearms training again.
- Extensions. On written request, DCJS can extend the renewal period by up to 12 months for extended illness or injury, military or foreign service, or an emergency assignment. The officer generally cannot work during the extension (6VAC20-174-100).
Employer duties and penalties
A licensed business's compliance agent must keep documents showing each registrant met the minimum training standards (§9.1-139(J)). Practicing without a required registration is unlawful, and a willful violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor (§9.1-147). A person who is not criminally prosecuted can still face a Board monetary penalty of up to $2,500 per violation (§9.1-150). New unarmed hires may work up to 90 days while finishing training, if fingerprints are submitted and the employer provides a 90-day authorization document (DCJS).
What to track for each Virginia officer
- Registration expiration, with a reminder at 120 days so the background check and 4-hour course fit in.
- The date of the last in-service course, since it must fall in the current 24-month period.
- For armed officers, the firearms endorsement date, which runs on a 12-month cycle apart from the registration.
Frequently asked questions
What is DCJS in Virginia?
DCJS is the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Its Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services oversees five programs, including Private Security Services (DCJS).
Is a DCJS license the same as a registration?
No. Businesses are licensed, and individual officers are registered. People often say "DCJS license" for the officer's registration card.
How do I renew a DCJS registration in Virginia?
Complete the in-service course, then renew through DCJS's online Lotus system before the expiration date.
How can I reach DCJS?
Call 804-786-4700 or email ora.info@dcjs.virginia.gov (DCJS private security FAQs). The DCJS website is dcjs.virginia.gov.
Rules change. This guide summarizes public sources and is not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services before acting on them.