SORA / Security Officer Help Page

How do I apply for a Security Officer Certification? (FIRST TIME APPLICANT ONLY)
1. www.njsp.org
2. Click on Services drop down menu
3. Click on SORA
4. Review this HELP PAGE, The Security Officer Registration Act (SORA) (PDF) and Security Officer Rules and Regulations (PDF) before opening an application.
5. Once you have reviewed the necessary information proceed with the application process.
6. Click on the appropriate "Security Officer, Instructor, Agency Owner and Bounty Hunter Applications" at bottom of page.
*Noteworthy Info: Utilize desktop and/or laptop computer for application process. NO mobile devices.
Maintain record of Logon ID, Password and Hint Question.
Information on profile page should be accurate and complete.
Always use your personal email. Do NOT use work, company, and/or Instructors email.
It is the applicant's responsibility to keep their profile up to date; address, email, telephone, etc.
*If you have EVER made application, regardless if it was, "Withdrawn" "Expired" "Denied" or "Approved", you are in the SORA database and need to enter as a "Returning Applicant".
How do I pay for the application?
Payment must be made using a credit or debit card issued by Visa, MasterCard or Discover. If you do not have one, you can use a Visa gift card. *All fees are non-refundable.
Application Fees
*Noteworthy Info:
Utilize desktop and/or laptop computer for application process.
Do NOT back out of application. Payment process may take several minutes.
Refreshing the page may result in multiple payments/applications.
How do I get fingerprinted correctly for SORA?
You must be fingerprinted using the MorphoTrust form provided at the end of the Security Officer application. This form is already filled out with the required information for fingerprinting. If you do not use the correct form provided, we will not receive your fingerprint information and you will need to be printed again. To schedule an appointment, you can call the phone number at the bottom of the form or go to www.bioapplicant.com/nj.
Out of state or those applicants who work or reside beyond a twenty (20) mile radius of the New Jersey border will be permitted to submit "ink and roll" fingerprint cards. These applicants may submit cards directly to the Private Detective Unit. These cards must be accompanied by the completed Universal Form and a check payable to MorphoTrust,
Do NOT submit fingerprint cards directly to MorphoTrust. Please forward the two (2) "ink and roll" fingerprint cards per application, the properly completed Universal Form and check or money order payable to MorphoTrust in the correct amount to:
New Jersey State Police
Private Detective Unit SORA/Fingerprinting
PO Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
*Noteworthy Info: No person shall be issued a certificate of registration as a security officer under the provisions of this section if the person has been convicted, as indicated by a criminal history record background check performed pursuant to the provisions of this section, of: a crime of the first, second, third or fourth degree; any offense involving the unlawful use, possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in N.J.S.2C:35-2; or any offense where the registration of the individual would be contrary to the public interest, as determined by the Superintendent. Each applicant shall submit to the Superintendent the applicant's fingerprints and written consent for a criminal history record background check to be performed. The Superintendent shall compare these to fingerprints on file with the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, consistent with applicable State and federal laws, rules and regulations. The applicant shall bear the cost for the criminal history record background check, including all costs of administering and processing the check.
There is NO statute of limitations on fingerprint hits. All applicants will be responsible for providing court documentation of any/all open cases, warrants and final court dispositions. Applicants with expunged and/or sealed criminal records may be considered. State of New York Certificate of Relief is no longer accepted, as per recent case law.
The Private Detective Unit is not permitted to provide legal advice.
How do I find an instructor?
At the end of the application there is a link to browse the instructor registry. The list of instructors can be searched by zip code, state/county or by an instructor’s last name. It is your responsibility to contact an instructor and schedule the 24 hour training class within 30 days from the date of your application.
*Noteworthy Info: If instructor assists you with application process, make sure you maintain record of Logon ID, Password, and Hint Question. Always utilize your personal email so you can receive updates for renewal.
How long is my Security Officer Certification good for and How do I renew?
The Security Officer Certification is good for a period of 2 years at which time a renewal application must be submitted prior to the expiration of the certification.
*Noteworthy Info: A first time applicant ONLY receives a (30) day Temporary Certification. Upon expiration, applicant must discontinue work until SORA certification is approved. Ninety days prior to expiration, you will be notified via email that it is time to renew. Subsequent emails are sent at 60 days and 30 days prior to expiration. Emails are sent to the email address that is listed on your personal profile.
*Renewal of Security Officer Certification:
1. Enter the system as a "Returning Applicant" by following the steps indicated in #1 above.
2. If you forgot Log On and/or password, follow steps as indicated in #6 below.
*Noteworthy Info: Ninety days prior to expiration, you will be notified via email that it is time to renew. Subsequent emails are sent at 60 days and 30 days prior to expiration. Emails are sent to the email address that is listed on your personal profile. Log into the application, under the "Security Officer" tab click on "Submit Renewal." The renewal must be paid using Visa, MasterCard or Discover. In addition to the renewal application, an 8 hour refresher training course provided by a SORA certified instructor must be completed prior to the expiration date. *See #4 above on How to Find an Instructor.
I forgot my Password and/or Logon ID. How can I get it?
1. Follow the above steps located in #1 to return to the application.
2. After selecting Returning Applicant, click on either the "Forgot your Password" or "Forgot your LogonID" link.
3. If you select "Forgot your Password," you will need to enter your logonID, application ID or certification number (number located on your SORA ID card) along with your email address. The email address MUST match the email on your profile.
4. If you select "Forgot your LogonID," you will need to enter your place of birth, application ID or certification number and your date of birth. You will also need to know the answer to your hint question.
*Noteworthy Info: The Private Detective Unit does NOT maintain a record of your Password. Your Password will be sent to your email address that is on your profile. Logon ID is case sensitive.
Are active law enforcement officers who wish to provide security while off duty exempt from the requirements of SORA?
No. Active law enforcement officers are only exempt from the 24 hour mandated training course. Fingerprinting is required via the vendor MorphoTrust. Upon retirement/termination of employment as a law enforcement officer, the training exemption is no longer applicable and completing the twenty-four (24) security officer training course provided by a certified SORA instructor is mandatory for the continued validity of the SORA certification.
What happens if I don’t submit fingerprints or complete the training course within 30 days?
If you fail to complete the fingerprinting and/or 24 hour training class within 30 days, you must submit a new application. All fees are non-refundable.
*Noteworthy Info: Once you have established a profile, regardless if it expired, you must log in as a Returning Applicant utilizing original Log On and Password to gain access to create new application.
How do I replace my Lost or Stolen SORA ID card?
1. www.njsp.org
2. Click on Services drop down menu
3. Click on (SORA)
4. Click on the "Security Officer Application".
5. Access your account as "Returning Applicant" and make your request for a duplicate.
*Noteworthy Info: The replacement card fee is $20.00. Fee will be waived if a Police Report was generated. If applicable, send Police Report with cover letter via Fax (609) 777-0509 and/or email pdu@gw.njsp.org
How do I make a name change?
1. Must provide documentation to verify name change. Send documents via Fax (609) 777-0509 and/or email pdu@gw.njsp.org
2. Documents will be reviewed and verified by NJSP personnel and a Private Detective representative will be in contact with you.
*Noteworthy Info: Documents needed – Birth Certificate, Marriage License, Driver License, and Photo Identification. *Please photo copy both sides of documents*
Can I be a Security Officer if I have ever been arrested?
No person shall be issued a certificate of registration as a security officer under the provisions of this section if the person has been convicted, as indicated by a criminal history record background check performed pursuant to the provisions of this section, of: a crime of the first, second, third or fourth degree; any offense involving the unlawful use, possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in N.J.S.2C:35-2; or any offense where the registration of the individual would be contrary to the public interest, as determined by the Superintendent. Each applicant shall submit to the Superintendent the applicant's fingerprints and written consent for a criminal history record background check to be performed. The Superintendent shall compare these to fingerprints on file with the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, consistent with applicable State and federal laws, rules and regulations. The applicant shall bear the cost for the criminal history record background check, including all costs of administering and processing the check.
*Noteworthy Info:There is NO statute of limitations on fingerprint hits. All applicants will be responsible for providing court documentation of any/all open cases, warrants and final court dispositions. Applicants with expunged and/or sealed criminal records may be considered. State of New York Certificate of Relief is no longer accepted, as per recent case law.
The Private Detective Unit is not permitted to provide legal advice.
Why was my SORA application denied?
No person shall be issued a certificate of registration as a security officer under the provisions of this section if the person has been convicted, as indicated by a criminal history record background check performed pursuant to the provisions of this section, of: a crime of the first, second, third or fourth degree; any offense involving the unlawful use, possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in N.J.S.2C:35-2; or any offense where the registration of the individual would be contrary to the public interest, as determined by the Superintendent. Each applicant shall submit to the Superintendent the applicant's fingerprints and written consent for a criminal history record background check to be performed. The Superintendent shall compare these to fingerprints on file with the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, consistent with applicable State and federal laws, rules and regulations. The applicant shall bear the cost for the criminal history record background check, including all costs of administering and processing the check.
*Noteworthy Info: There is NO statute of limitations on fingerprint hits. Expunged records may be considered. The Private Detective Unit is not permitted to provide legal advice.
What are the requirements to become a Bounty Hunter?
- Must have at least five years of law enforcement experience as a law enforcement officer with an organized law enforcement agency; or
- Five years experience as a licensed private detective; or
- Have at least five years investigative employment by a licensed private detective; or
- Engaged in the business of or performed the functions, activities or services of a bounty hunter, or have held a business out to be that of a bounty hunter for at least five years prior to February 1, 2007, provided that they submit an application to the Superintendent before April 1, 2007, and complete a bounty hunter training course in accordance with these rules.
*Noteworthy Info: Please review the Bounty Hunter Licensing Act (PDF), Bounty Hunter Rules and Regulations (PDF), Bounty Hunter Updates. After reviewing all pertinent information, begin the Bounty Hunter application process. As part of the application process, a credit profile report will be reviewed for any derogatory, delinquent, and/or past due accounts. Applicants must provide documentation addressing all derogatory accounts prior to licensing. Personal credit is directly related to moral character.
*Photo Upload and Sizing Instructions, click here (PDF)
What are the requirements to become a Security Officer Instructor?
- A person seeking to become a certified security officer instructor shall be at least 25 years of age.
- A combined 20 years of experience working as a duly sworn law enforcement officer or working in a supervisory or management capacity for a security officer company licensed under this chapter, the Private Detective's Act of 1939 (PDF), or the laws of any other jurisdiction; or
- A combined 15 years of experience working as a duly sworn law enforcement officer or working in a supervisory or management capacity for a security officer company licensed under this chapter, the Private Detective's Act of 1939 (PDF), or the laws of any other jurisdiction, and an associates degree from a fully accredited college or university; or
- A combined 10 years of experience working as a duly sworn law enforcement officer or working in a supervisory or management capacity for a security officer company licensed under this chapter, the Private Detective Act of 1939, or the laws of any other jurisdiction, and a bachelors degree from a fully accredited college or university.
*Noteworthy Info: Additional information regarding Security Officer Instructor requirements and application process can be found under Security Officer Rules and Regulations (13: 55A-5.1 – 55A-5.7). For information regarding upcoming Security Officer Instructor training dates, please return to SORA Help Page and check SORA Instructor Updates. After reviewing all pertinent information, click here to begin the Security Officer Instructor application process. As part of the application process, a credit profile report will be reviewed for any derogatory, delinquent, and/or past due accounts. Applicants must provide documentation addressing all derogatory accounts prior to licensing. Personal credit is directly related to moral character.
*Photo Upload and Sizing Instructions, click here (PDF)
What are the requirements to become a Security Agency/Company Owner?
All owners and operators of a security officer company seeking to be licensed shall be at least 25 years of age. Five years law enforcement experience and no longer be employed or attached in any capacity whatsoever to a law enforcement agency; or
Five years of experience working in a supervisory or management capacity for a security officer company licensed under this hapter, the Private Detective's Act of 1939 (PDF) or the laws of any other jurisdiction.
*Noteworthy Info: For additional information on requirements and application process, review the Security Officer Registration Act (SORA) (PDF) and Security Officer Rules and Regulations (PDF). As part of the application process, a credit profile report will be reviewed for any derogatory, delinquent, and/or past due accounts. Applicants must provide documentation addressing all derogatory accounts prior to licensing. Personal credit is directly related to moral character. After reviewing all pertinent information, click here to begin the Security Agency Owner application process.
*Photo Upload and Sizing Instructions, click here (PDF)

As a matter of information, the New Jersey State Police Private Detective Unit, on behalf of the Superintendent of the State Police, is the regulating authority for the private security industry in this state.

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