Renew Your Arizona Unarmed Guard Card: 8-Hour DPS-Approved Online Course

Key Takeaways
- The course is specifically for renewing an existing Arizona DPS Unarmed Guard Card, not for initial certification.
- It is an 8-hour online course, fully approved and compliant with Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) regulations.
- The renewal process requires completion of this 8-hour refresher training and resubmission of an application packet, including fingerprints and passport photos, along with applicable fees to the DPS.
- Eligibility includes maintaining original licensing requirements and completing training within 90 days before submitting a renewal application.
- The course is purchased through a credit-based system, offering flexibility for students.
Why Arizona DPS Requires Renewal Training
To maintain a high standard of professionalism and ensure public safety, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) mandates that all unarmed security guards complete ongoing training. This isn't just a formality; it's a critical component of ensuring that security professionals remain current with state laws, industry best practices, and essential skills. The requirement for this continuing education is codified in state law, underscoring its importance for legal compliance and professional competency.
Under Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically Title 32, Chapter 26, Article 4, § 32-2632(B), all renewal applicants must complete 8 hours of refresher training. This mandatory 8-hour course is designed to reinforce foundational knowledge and introduce any recent updates in regulations or operational procedures. By mandating this refresher, the DPS ensures that every licensed guard in Arizona has recently reviewed the critical information needed to perform their duties effectively, ethically, and safely. This commitment to ongoing education helps protect guards, their employers, and the public they serve.
Eligibility and Requirements for Your Arizona Guard Card Renewal
This 8-hour online course is designed exclusively for current security professionals who need to renew their existing Arizona Unarmed Guard Card. It is important to understand that this is a renewal course and not for initial certification. If you are looking to start your career in security, you will need to enroll in the Arizona New Unarmed Guard Card Course to meet the pre-assignment training requirements.
To be eligible for renewal, you must meet several key criteria set by the Arizona DPS. First, you must complete the 8-hour refresher training course within 90 days before submitting your renewal application to the DPS. This ensures your knowledge is fresh when you recertify. Additionally, you must continue to meet the original licensing qualifications, which include being at least 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen or legal resident authorized to work, and maintaining a clean criminal history.
The renewal process is very similar to the initial application. You will need to submit a complete application packet, including your training certificate. It is recommended to start this process 60-90 days before your card’s expiration date to avoid any lapse in your certification and ability to work legally as a security guard in Arizona.
Required Documentation for DPS Submission
Completing our online course is the first essential step, but it is not the last. To finalize your renewal, you must submit a complete application packet to the Arizona DPS Licensing Unit. This packet includes several key documents that must be accurately prepared.
Your submission must contain:
- A fully completed Security Guard Registration Application.
- A new fingerprint card (the FBI FD-258 card is recommended).
- Two recent, passport-sized color photographs of your face.
- A photocopy of a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, for identification.
- The certificate of completion from this 8-hour renewal course.
It is crucial to remember that the fee for this online course does not cover the separate licensing and background check fees required by the DPS, which are approximately $72 and must be paid via money order, cashier's check, or a company check from a licensed agency.
Our DPS-approved 8-Hour Unarmed Renewal Course
Our 8-hour Unarmed Renewal Course is fully approved by the Arizona DPS and meticulously designed to meet all state-mandated curriculum requirements. We provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that allows you to fulfill your continuing education obligations efficiently. By enrolling in our course, you are taking a direct path to maintaining your professional credentials and staying compliant with Arizona law.
The course is delivered entirely online, offering you 24/7 access from any device with an internet connection. This self-paced format allows you to study when it fits your schedule, whether that's late at night, on weekends, or during downtime at work. The curriculum covers all essential topics required by the DPS, including updates on Arizona criminal law, use of force policies, modern security procedures, effective communication and de-escalation techniques, professional ethics, and crime scene preservation. This robust training ensures you are well-prepared for the challenges of the job. For a complete list of state-specific programs, you can explore our Arizona Security Guard Training Hub.

Understanding Our Credit-Based Purchase System
We strive to make your training and certification process as straightforward as possible, and that includes how you purchase our courses. Our platform uses a simple, flexible credit-based system. This approach is designed to give you, or your employer, more control and convenience when it comes to managing training enrollments.
Here’s how it works:
- Purchase Credits: You begin by purchasing credits through our secure online portal. These credits are added to your account and can be used to enroll in any of our courses. This is especially useful for companies managing training for multiple guards.
- Enroll in the Course: Once the credits are in your account, navigate to the Arizona DPS Unarmed Guard Card Renewal Course page.
- Apply Credits: During checkout, select to apply your available credits to cover the course cost.
This system allows for bulk purchases and makes assigning training to different individuals seamless. For more information, you can always visit the Security Guard School Homepage to see how our system can benefit you or your organization.
The Benefits of Renewing Your Guard Card Online with Security Guard School
Choosing to renew your Arizona Unarmed Guard Card with us means choosing a path of convenience, compliance, and confidence. Our online platform is built to support the needs of working security professionals who require flexibility without sacrificing quality. The primary benefit is the ability to complete your mandatory 8-hour training entirely at your own pace. There's no need to take time off work or travel to a physical classroom; you can learn from the comfort of your home, whenever it suits your schedule.
Next Steps: Secure Your Arizona Unarmed Guard Card Renewal
You're now equipped with the information needed to confidently move forward with your license renewal. The process is clear and manageable when taken one step at a time. Your immediate priority is to complete your mandatory training to ensure you stay compliant and avoid any disruption to your career.
Here is your straightforward action plan:
- Enroll and Complete the Course: Purchase and complete our 8-hour, DPS-approved online renewal course at your own pace. Upon successful completion, you will receive your certificate.
- Assemble Your Application Packet: Gather all required documents as outlined above: the completed application form, new fingerprints, two passport-style photos, and a copy of your ID.
- Submit to DPS: Mail your complete application packet, including your course certificate and the required state fees, to the Arizona Department of Public Safety Licensing Unit.
Don't wait until the last minute. An expired guard card means you cannot legally work, so proactive renewal is key. To begin the first and most critical step, enroll in our course today. You can also Explore All Arizona Courses to review our other state-specific offerings and advance your professional qualifications. Your career continuity is important, and we are here to provide the trusted and compliant training you need to succeed.
FAQs
Q1: How often do I need to renew my Arizona Unarmed Guard Card?
A1: In Arizona, unarmed security guards are required to complete an 8-hour refresher training every two years and submit a renewal application to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). This ensures your certification remains active and compliant.
Q2: Is this an 8-hour course for new security guards or renewals?
A2: This 8-hour online course is specifically designed for the renewal of an existing Arizona DPS Unarmed Guard Card. It is not for individuals seeking initial certification as a new security guard.
Q3: What documents do I need to submit to the Arizona DPS after completing the renewal course?
A3: After completing the course, you will typically need to submit a completed renewal application, proof of identity, a fingerprint card, and two passport-sized color photographs to the Arizona DPS. You will also need to include the applicable renewal fees.
Q4: Is the Security Guard School renewal course approved by the Arizona DPS?
A4: Yes, the Arizona Unarmed Guard Card Renewal Course provided by Security Guard School is fully approved and compliant with the training requirements set forth by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Q5: What are the consequences if I let my Arizona Unarmed Guard Card expire before renewing?
A5: If your Arizona Unarmed Guard Card expires, you may face a lapse in your ability to legally work as a security guard in Arizona. It is recommended to begin the renewal process approximately 60-90 days before your card's expiration date to ensure continuous certification.