Application Checklist

  • Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or equivalent
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or a resident alien
  • Be of good moral character and temperate habits (no criminal record, etc.)

If after reviewing the requirements, you determine that you qualify, you must then submit the following:

A completed PPS License application. (Do not leave any blanks) Upon request the application will be mailed from our office. We are in the process of placing the applications and related documents on the website. Please contact the Licensing Unit (919) 788-5320 if you are interested in receiving a licensing packet.

One (1) completed fingerprint card (all data must be complete and accurate and readable). The card can be obtained at the Private Protective Services office, or upon request it will be mailed. E-mail a digital photograph to the PPS office [e-mail address is PPSASL-Photos@ncdps.gov]. Digital photographs must be submitted in *jpeg (.jpg) format and the licensee's full name with the last name first, last four digits of applicant's social security number and state the type of license when naming the .jpg photograph for proper identification [example: Doe.John.Joseph.1234.Licensee.jpg]. The photograph must be current with no head covering, caps or hats being worn. Paper photographs, polaroids and other similar types of photos are not acceptable.

Proof of high school graduation, general education certificate or proof of graduation from an accredited college or university.

Documentation verifying legal resident alien (if not a US citizen)

DD214 (if veteran or discharged). If currently in the military, you must submit a letter from your commanding officer.

Submit a 150.00 non-refundable application fee and an additional $38.00 fee for an SBI/FBI fingerprint check. Payment is accepted only in the form of a check or money order payable to the Private Protective Services Board.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Pursuant to  G.S. 25-3-506, A $25 processing fee will be charged for checks submitted to the PPS Board which payment has been refused due to insufficient funds or bank account has been closed.  

A signed and notarized Release of Record form. In addition, the applicant must sign the SBI Release of Records information form as well.

All applicants must obtain a criminal record check for the past sixty (60) months. The criminal record must not be over sixty (60) days old when received in the PPS office. All criminal records must be obtained from https://crclicensing.com/site/ppsb . You may order your criminal record via the internet or call 1-877-272-0266, ext 1029.

Application for a company business license (every business, except a sole proprietorship, is required to have a business license issued by the Board) [Not applicable for Firearm's Trainer applicant's] Complete the Written Plan of Supervision form if applying for a Private Investigator Associate license or Temporary Permit.

Personal Reference Questionnaire to be completed by each of the references you have listed on the application. The questionnaire is to be completed by the reference only and must be mailed in with your application to Private Protective Services, 3101 Industrial Drive, Suite 104, Raleigh, NC 27609. 

If you have any further questions you should contact the Licensing Unit of the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board at (919) 788-5320.

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