A Guide to Obtaining a PERC Card in Illinois

A Permanent Employee Registration Card, more commonly referred to as a PERC Card is a requirement if you want to become a security guard in Illinois because it proves that you have passed background checks through a fingerprint submission process.

More About the PERC Card

The PERC Card is like a license to be a security guard in Illinois.

The card will tell any potential employers that you:

  • have passed background checks and
  • your fingerprints are in the Illinois database

Companies are not allowed to hire security guards who don’t have a PERC Card.

A PERC Card is a requirement but it doesn’t guarantee that you will get a job as a security guard.

If you want a job at a reputable security company you will need special training and many other skills along with the PERC Card.

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Application Requirements

To apply for a PERC Card you must meet the following requirements:

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • provide your Social Security Number
  • Pay a $55 fee to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
  • attach a photo to the application
  • submit the security clearance documents that can be obtained by completing the fingerprinting card scan process.

How to Renew Your PERC Card

It’s important to mention that once you’ve obtained your PERC Card you need to renew it every three years

Forgetting to renew your card may lead to hefty fines for you and your employer.

You will be notified 90 days before your PERC Card expires but it’s best to set your own reminder in case you don’t receive that email.

The card can be renewed online or over the phone.

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What Happens if You Lose Your PERC Card

If you lose or damage your PERC card you can request a replacement by resubmitting a written request by mail and pay a $20 fee to the Illinois Department of Financial And Professional Registration.

The fee can be paid through check or money order.

You will also have to include your personal information, license number, address, birth date, and the last 4 digits of your social security number.

6 Comments
  1. Avatar for Joe Joe

    I am on the back to work program for the state, is there any schools that work with the state?? jor

  2. Avatar for Michael Kaplar Michael Kaplar

    I’m a security guard in Indiana and am moving to Illinois. Where do I go to obtain a PERC card?

  3. Avatar for Jeffrey Walker Jeffrey Walker

    Where can I get a Perc?

  4. Avatar for Larscene Larscene

    Where do I go if I want to receive a perc. I took a 3 days class for unarmed. Had my certificate but never had my prints but my job was offering to do it for right after COVID’s drastic situation I’m trying to see if it possible to get it still. I worked for McCormick at the time doing security AF service

  5. Avatar for andrea ford andrea ford

    How do I fill it out on here to get my perc card ?

  6. Avatar for Jeffrey Walker Jeffrey Walker

    If I want a PERC, where do I go?

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