New York Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency Surety Bond
Get Bonded Instantly – No Credit Check Required
Price is $75 for 2 years. NO UNDERWRITING OR CREDIT CHECK!
General Information
Why Do I Need a New York Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency Bond?
The New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services requires all Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency (WGP) license applicants to file a $10,000 surety bond as a mandatory condition of obtaining their license. This requirement applies to any company providing security services to protect individuals or property from harm, theft, or other unlawful activity in New York State.
The New York watch, guard or patrol agency bond guarantees that the licensed agency will operate in compliance with Articles 6D and 7 of the New York General Business Law and all applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the NYS Department of State. The surety company named on the bond must be duly authorized to do business in New York State and recognized and approved by the NYS Superintendent of Insurance.
Fast & Simple Bond Solutions – Instant Issue, No Credit Check Required
BondAbility issues the New York Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency Bond instantly—no lengthy application, no underwriting review, and no credit check required. Your NYS WGP surety bond is emailed to you immediately after payment, matches the two-year license term, and is ready to submit with your license application to the NYS Department of State.
New York Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency Bond Pricing
| Bond Amount | Term | Price | Credit Check Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | 2 Years | $75 | No |
Purchase Now
How To Get Licensed as a Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency in New York
Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency licenses are issued by the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services for a two-year term. All applicants must be at least 25 years of age and be a principal in the business. At least one principal must meet the qualifying experience requirements and pass the WGP license examination before submitting an application. The steps below outline what is required:
- Pass the WGP license examination. The original "PASSED" examination slip must be included with the application and cannot be more than two years old.
- Meet the qualifying experience requirement. Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of full-time security experience as a sheriff, police officer, or security guard in a government agency or with a licensed PI or WGP agency; OR two years of full-time equivalent experience where primary duties were the performance of security guard duties; OR two years supervising at least three people performing security services.
- Complete the application. Forms must be completed in blue or black ink. All partners, corporate officers, stockholders holding 10% or more of stock, and all other principals must each submit a separate, signed application.
- Complete electronic fingerprinting. Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO by IDEMIA at www.identogo.com or 877-472-6915 using Service Code 1545QJ. Fingerprint receipts are valid for five months—submit your application within that window.
- Submit a signed DMV Informed Consent section and provide your 9-digit DMV ID number.
- Provide five character witnesses. Each must be a U.S. citizen who resides where you reside or conduct business, has personally known the applicant for at least five years, and is not related by blood or marriage.
- File the $10,000 surety bond. The bond term must coincide with the two-year license term. The surety company must be authorized to do business in New York State and approved by the NYS Superintendent of Insurance.
- Provide proof of liability insurance if employing security guards. Coverage must be a minimum of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 in the aggregate, and must include false arrest, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, libel, slander, and violation of the right to privacy.
- Submit the application fee. $300 for an individual or proprietary license; $400 for a corporate or business license. Each branch office requires an additional fee of the same amount. Fees are nonrefundable.
Applications are submitted to: NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, P.O. Box 22001, Albany, NY 12201-2001. For questions, contact the Division of Licensing Services at (518) 474-4429 or visit dos.ny.gov.
Bond Details at a Glance
- Bond Amount: $10,000
- Term: 2 Years (matches license term)
- Price: $75
- Credit Check: Not required
- Obligee: New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
- Obligee Address: P.O. Box 22001, Albany, NY 12201-2001
- Governing Law: New York General Business Law, Articles 6D and 7
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a New York Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency bond?
Any company applying for a Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency license with the New York State Department of State is required to file a $10,000 surety bond. This applies to individuals, partnerships, corporations, LLCs, and other business entities providing security services in New York State.
How long is the bond term?
The bond term is two years, which coincides with the NYS WGP license term. BondAbility issues the bond for the full two-year period to match your license.
How fast will I receive my bond?
Immediately. Your New York watch, guard or patrol agency bond is emailed within minutes of payment.
Is a credit check required?
No. BondAbility issues this bond instantly with no application and no credit check required.
Does the bond cover security guard liability?
No. The surety bond is a separate requirement from the liability insurance required for agencies that employ security guards. If you employ security guards, you must also file proof of liability coverage of at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 in the aggregate with the NYS Department of State.
Can a licensed Private Investigator also operate as a Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency?
No. New York law prohibits a person from holding both a private investigator license and a watch, guard or patrol agency license simultaneously.
What happens if a claim is filed against my bond?
If a valid claim is made—such as failure to comply with applicable New York General Business Law provisions—the surety may pay the claim up to the $10,000 bond amount. The licensed agency is then responsible for reimbursing the surety in full.