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State Overview
Delaware's Yellow Card system (unarmed) and Red Card system (armed) are managed by the Delaware State Police Professional Licensing. Training can be completed online through DSP-approved providers (confirmed December 2024 when Defencify was added to the approved list), but the 60-question exam must be taken in-person at Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC).
Delaware's security market is concentrated in Wilmington (financial sector, Delaware is home to numerous bank and credit card company headquarters), Dover (state government and military, Dover Air Force Base), and the beach resort communities (Rehoboth, Dewey Beach) with seasonal security demand.
Key Facts
Armed (Red Card) guards: minimum spacing between scheduled day qualifying shoots is 60 days (reduced from 90), per 24 DE Admin Code 1300 Rule 1.0
Yellow Card (unarmed): 10-16 hours training + 60-question exam at DTCC (75% passing score required)
Red Card (armed): Yellow Card requirements + 40 additional hours firearms training + annual shoot certifications
Training can be done online through DSP-approved providers (Defencify approved December 2024)
Exam MUST be taken in-person at DTCC, this cannot be done online
5-year license term for unarmed (one of the longest in the US); annual armed certifications
IdentoGO fingerprinting required, Delaware-specific code 27RVNN
eLearning, initial
Some modules online
eLearning, renewal
Training Hours
10-16 hrs + exam; 50-56 hrs armed
Renewal: 5 years; Armed: Annual
License Fee
$70 Yellow Card
3-5 weeks
Governing Agency
Delaware State Police, Professional Licensing
Title 24, Chapter 13
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating the 3-5 weeks processing window and starting work before approval is finalized.
Ignoring this restriction in operational planning: Training online OK; exam in-person at DTCC only.
Submitting an incomplete background-check packet or expired fingerprint cards, both of which restart the processing clock.
Missing the 5 years; Armed: Annual renewal cycle and letting the license lapse, which forces a full re-application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Delaware security guard training be done online?
Yes, the training hours can be completed online through DSP-approved providers including Defencify. However, the 60-question written exam (75% passing required) must be taken in-person at DTCC. Plan for one in-person exam session in addition to your online training.
How long does a Delaware Yellow Card license last?
5 years, one of the longest license terms in the US. Once you have your Yellow Card, you have 5 years before renewal, making the one-time training investment highly cost-effective.
What is the Delaware IdentoGO fingerprint process?
Delaware requires Live Scan fingerprinting through IdentoGO using state-specific code 27RVNN. Schedule your appointment at identogo.com before starting your application. The fingerprint results are sent directly to DSP.
Practical Tips
Schedule the DTCC exam after completing your online training, DTCC exam slots can be limited, so book early
Use IdentoGO code 27RVNN for Delaware, using the wrong code means your results won't reach DSP
The 5-year Yellow Card term is unusually long, take advantage of the long validity period
Recent Regulatory Changes
Security guard training plus the 75% test now required for license RENEWAL, not just initial licensure (24 DE Admin Code 1300, Rule 4.0). Budget retraining each renewal cycle.
Armed (Red Card) guards: minimum spacing between scheduled day qualifying shoots reduced from 90 to 60 days (24 DE Admin Code 1300, Rule 1.0).
See the "Regulatory Changes" tab for full history →