Business Licensing Reference Guides - Security Businesses
The process to register a business in PA varies based on several factors. To ensure you complete the basic steps to register your business, you should create a Business Registration Checklist. After answering a series of questions, you will be provided a step-by-step guide. Complete each step and you will be on your way to operating.
Beyond the basic business registration steps as determined by the checklist, there is no general business license that all Pennsylvania businesses are required to obtain. Instead, there might be a specific license based on your business activity. Continue reading below for specific requirements associated with your business.
A security business should consider the following items:
- Armed Security – Act 235 Certification: If you plan to operate a business which employs watch guards, protective patrolmen, detectives, and/or criminal investigators carrying and using lethal weapons in their employment, you are required to abide by the provisions of Act 235, pertaining to lethal weapons training and certification. You can learn more about submitting an Act 235 Application and obtaining certification by reviewing the Pennsylvania State Police’s Act 235 Applications webpage.
- Private Detective Act of 1953: Security businesses must also abide by the Private Detective Act of 1953, which requires an application to be submitted to your County Court. Review Section 4 of the Act for specific requirements related to your application.
Besides the items mentioned above, there are no other requirements for a security business.
After completing any requirements as determined by reviewing the items above, your business should be ready to begin operating.
Revised 3/15/2025