A Merchant Guard License is required for any person who is working as a security or merchant guard in Denver. A thirty-day temporary license will be issued to guard applicants pending the completion of the application process. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. A criminal background investigation will be completed.
If you are interested in obtaining a Merchant Guard License, you may apply either in person or by mail.
If you apply in person, you may be able to complete the process while you wait if there are no problems with your paperwork or your background check.
If you apply by mail, you will still need to come into the office to finalize the process to show your valid government ID, to have photograph taken for the license, and to pick up your badge and license.
LICENSE BADGE
All peddlers must wear a license badge provided by the Department of Excise and Licenses. You must come to the Department's offices to be photographed for the license and pick up the badge (done while you wait).

NEW REQUIREMENT
The Denver Revised Municipal Code prohibits any badge used by a merchant/security guard business from resembling badges worn by Denver Police and Sheriffs. The Director of Excise and Licenses, who is authorized to approve the badges and insignia used by merchant guards and companies, has selected the badge shown here to be used by all merchant guards and companies.
All security companies are expected to conform to the badge style to the left.
This badge comes in silver or bronze.
Please bring your valid government identification.
NEW MERCHANT GUARD APPLICANTS
For
New Merchant Guard Application Forms
click on the following:
Application,
click here.
Character Reference from 3 individuals (NOT relatives--and know for longer than 1 year)
for 3 blank character reference letters,
click here.
FEES: Application fee: $50
License fee: $25
RENEWING MERCHANT GUARD APPLICANTS
Renewing Merchant Guard applicants need to following:
Current Letter of Hire (even if continuing with the same employer),
click here
Current Colorado Bureau of Investigation criminal background check,
A valid government Identification
Expiring City and County of Denvr Merchant Guard Badge.
Depending on the outcome of the background check, the detective from Excise and Licenses may interview the applicant.
TRANSFERRING MERCHANT GUARD APPLICANTS
Individual Merchant Guards who are changing employers must get a new identification card that indicates the new merchant guard company.
Bring in a completed Letter of Hire from the new company and the previously issued Merchant Guard Badge. A new Merchant Guard Badge will be issued.
Transfer fee: $5.00