Chapter 1702 buyer's guide
Match the company on the bid to its Texas DPS record before you sign.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Match the license to the work
Chapter 1702 requires a security services contractor license for guard, alarm, armored car, courier and locksmith companies, including offers to perform that work. Section 1702.102(a).
| Class | Buyer's check |
|---|---|
| Class A | Investigations company. Does the proposed work match that scope? |
| Class B | Security services contractor. Are the services you want listed on the license? |
| Class C | Combines Class A and Class B operations. Which services are listed? |
| Class F and Class O | Training school classes. Where is the contractor license for the company doing your work? |
These classes come from Section 1702.103(a). A company may perform only services indicated on its license. Section 1702.103(b).
Look up the business with DPS
- Open the DPS Private Security Program and follow its TOPS link. Choose Search Licensees.
- Choose Businesses. Search the company name or license number from the bid. The public search has service filters, including Guard and Alarm. TOPS search criteria.
- Compare the returned business name and license number with the proposed contract. Check the status, expiration and service scope. Save the record with the date you checked it. DPS says company status in TOPS updates in real time. DPS company questions, questions 4 and 8.
- If the record does not match, ask the company to resolve the difference with DPS before you approve the work. Use the program's contact route if the result is unclear.
Keep company and individual records separate
For armed security work, the individual needs a security officer commission. Section 1702.161. Individual licensing and company employment requirements are addressed in Section 1702.221. Ask which individual records cover the people assigned to your site.
Ask for this in writing
Use these as bid questions:
- What exact business name and company license number will appear on the contract and invoice?
- Which services on the company license cover each line of the proposed work?
- Who will do the work, and will another company be involved?
- What current insurance evidence covers this scope? See Section 1702.124 for the statutory insurance requirement.
- Who handles a staffing change, an incident report or a service complaint?
- What hours, tasks, exclusions and reporting duties are included in the price?
Our vendor and bid review compares the proposed scope and the records behind it.
Official sources
Sources fetched on 17 October 2026. Recheck the current DPS record before hiring.