Fingerprinting is a required part of getting an Arizona guard card, and it can also be one of the more confusing steps for first-time applicants. Where do you get fingerprinted? Should you use electronic fingerprints or a paper fingerprint card? Should you get fingerprinted before or after submitting your application?
Understanding the process before you start can help you avoid mistakes that could delay your Arizona guard card application.
Here is what you need to know about Arizona guard card fingerprinting and how it fits into the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) licensing process.
Why Are Fingerprints Required for an Arizona Guard Card?
Arizona DPS requires fingerprints as part of every security guard application. The fingerprints are used to check criminal-history records maintained by the State of Arizona and the FBI.
Fingerprinting is therefore separate from your required unarmed security guard training. Completing the eight-hour training course does not eliminate the fingerprint or background-screening requirements.
DPS reviews the results, along with the rest of your application, when determining whether you meet Arizona's requirements for security guard registration.
When Should You Get Fingerprinted?
If you are completing the process yourself, do not assume you should get fingerprinted before beginning your DPS application.
Applicants using the Arizona DPS Public Services Portal should follow the fingerprinting instructions associated with their application. After submitting the online application, the applicant receives a reference number and information about completing the fingerprint requirement.
This is important because Arizona's procedures can change. Following instructions from an old website, previous applicant, employer, or outdated checklist could result in unnecessary problems.
Complete your required training and follow the current DPS application and fingerprinting instructions for your particular application.
How Does the Arizona DPS Public Services Portal Fit Into Fingerprinting?
The Arizona DPS Public Services Portal, or PSP, is the state's online system for services that include security guard licensing.
Applicants can create an account and use the portal to apply for a security guard license. The portal is also used by DPS to communicate important information about the application.
After submitting an application online, applicants receive instructions related to fingerprinting. You should pay close attention to messages in your DPS portal account and follow the instructions provided for your application.
Don't treat the DPS portal as something you use only once to submit an application. Monitor it throughout the licensing process for messages and updates.
Electronic vs. Paper Fingerprints
Depending on the application process and current DPS instructions, applicants may have options for completing their fingerprints electronically or using a paper fingerprint card.
Electronic Fingerprinting
Electronic fingerprinting captures your fingerprints digitally rather than using ink on a physical fingerprint card.
Online applicants may be directed to an available Fieldprint location after submitting their application. Follow the fingerprinting instructions associated with your application before scheduling an appointment.
Electronic fingerprinting can simplify the process because the fingerprints are captured digitally and submitted through the applicable system.
Paper Fingerprint Cards
Applicants using paper fingerprint cards generally need to arrange fingerprinting through a third-party fingerprint provider or a local law enforcement agency that offers fingerprinting services.
Paper submissions require particular attention to current DPS requirements.
Effective July 8, 2026, Arizona DPS requires fingerprints it receives to be accompanied by a completed Fingerprint Affidavit form. The fingerprint card and affidavit must be sealed together in a single envelope. DPS states that fingerprint materials received in another form will be rejected.
Because DPS forms and procedures can change, applicants should always use the current forms and instructions.
Where Can You Get Arizona Guard Card Fingerprints?
Your options depend on the fingerprinting method associated with your application.
Applicants directed to electronic fingerprinting can follow the instructions provided through the DPS process for using an available Fieldprint location.
Applicants using paper fingerprint cards need to arrange fingerprinting through a third-party fingerprinting provider or a law enforcement agency that provides the service.
Do not assume that the Arizona DPS Public Service Center will take your fingerprints. Applicants should follow the specific fingerprinting instructions they receive through the application process.
What Happens After You Submit Your Fingerprints?
DPS uses your fingerprints to conduct the required state and federal criminal-history checks.
Fingerprints are one part of the overall Arizona guard card application. DPS must also review the application and determine whether the applicant meets Arizona's eligibility requirements.
Submitting fingerprints does not mean your guard card has been approved.
DPS currently advises security guard applicants to allow at least 15 business days after submitting an application before contacting the Licensing Unit about its status. This is not a guarantee that an application will be approved or completed within 15 business days.
Common Arizona Guard Card Fingerprinting Mistakes
A few precautions can help prevent unnecessary problems:
Do not get fingerprinted based solely on instructions given to another applicant.
Do not assume procedures from a previous application are still current.
Follow the fingerprint instructions associated with your DPS application.
Use current DPS forms when paper forms are required.
Make sure required fingerprint documentation is complete.
If submitting paper fingerprints, follow the current Fingerprint Affidavit and sealed-envelope requirements.
Monitor your DPS portal account for instructions and updates.
Respond promptly if DPS requests additional information.
Accuracy matters. A rejected fingerprint submission can slow down the overall guard card process.
Does GuardCard.com's All-in-One Bundle Include Fingerprinting?
Yes. GuardCard.com's Arizona Unarmed Guard Card All-in-One Bundle is designed for applicants who would rather not coordinate each part of the process separately.
The All-in-One Bundle includes:
Required eight-hour online unarmed security guard training
Fingerprinting
Passport photos
Processing and submission of your application to DPS
Applicable Arizona DPS application fees
Step-by-step guidance through the process
After completing the online course, All-in-One Bundle students receive instructions from GuardCard.com about completing their fingerprinting and passport photos at a partner location.
The Bundle can be particularly useful for first-time applicants who aren't familiar with the DPS licensing process or don't want to arrange training, fingerprinting, photos, application processing, and DPS fees separately.
Applicants who purchase only the standard Arizona Unarmed Security Guard Certification Course receive the required training verification but are responsible for completing their own DPS application, fingerprinting, fees, and other licensing requirements.
Complete Your Arizona Guard Card Requirements
Fingerprinting is mandatory, but it doesn't have to make the Arizona guard card process complicated.
Start by completing your required eight-hour Arizona unarmed security guard training. From there, carefully follow the current fingerprinting and application instructions associated with your DPS submission.
If you want more assistance, GuardCard.com's All-in-One Bundle combines the required online training with fingerprinting, passport photos, DPS application processing and submission, applicable DPS fees, and guidance through the process.
The sooner you correctly complete the requirements within your control, the sooner your application can move forward for DPS review.