What Disqualifies You From a Texas Guard License?

Grounds in Texas Law (Occupations Code §1702.113)

An applicant for a company license or security officer commission must be at least 18 and must not, at the time of application:

• Be charged under an information or indictment with a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or felony offense determined to be disqualifying by commission rule — pending disqualifying charges block licensing while they are pending;
• Have been found by a court to be incompetent by reason of a mental defect or disease and not have been restored to competency;
• Have been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. armed services, discharged under other conditions determined by the commission to be prohibitive, or dismissed as a commissioned officer; or
• Be required to register in this or any other state as a sex offender.

DPS also applies the chapter's other grounds and its own rules, and a license already issued is conditional on DPS's review of criminal history information (§1702.282).

Armed Licenses Have Additional Bars

For a commissioned (armed) license, Texas Occupations Code §1702.163 adds further bars, including disqualification from owning or possessing a firearm, being a fugitive from justice for a felony or Class A or B misdemeanor, chemical dependency, and being under a court protective order or spousal restraining order (other than one solely affecting property interests).

What This Means in Practice

• A record is not automatically a lifetime ban. Some grounds are about pending charges, which end if the charge is dismissed or you are acquitted. Others depend on the offense, the outcome, and the time since it happened. DPS decides case by case.
• Training does not override eligibility. You can complete the course and still be denied registration. That is why the school says it plainly: if your record gives you pause, call (956) 583-2004 before you enroll.
• If DPS denies you, you get the reason in writing and a path to challenge it through a hearing process. Keep every letter DPS sends you.

Common Questions

I have an old misdemeanor. Am I automatically out?
Not automatically. DPS decides on the full record — the offense, the outcome, and the time since it happened all matter. If you are unsure, call the school at (956) 583-2004 before enrolling rather than guessing.

Does a dismissed charge still block me?
A pending disqualifying charge blocks licensing while it is pending. A dismissal or acquittal ends that particular barrier, though DPS still reviews the full history.

Can I check my eligibility before paying for the course?
Yes — that is exactly what the school's phone line is for. Call (956) 583-2004 and ask before you enroll.

Related Guides

How to Become a Security Guard in Texas · Can You Take Level II Without an Employer? · Level II vs Level III: What's the Difference?

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