The authorization to add, modify or change uniform and distinctive insignia is the procedure every authorized private security company in Guatemala must complete before the Directorate General of Private Security Services (DIGESSP) of the Ministry of Government (MINGOB) when it wants to update its official uniform, add new pieces (vests, caps, reflective patches) or change its institutional insignia (logos, colors, badges). The goal is to keep the uniform registry up to date so that authorized private security providers can be visually identified.

Quick summary: Mandatory MINGOB-DIGESSP procedure for private security companies changing uniforms or insignia. Cost Q2,918.70 (1 minimum wage). Time 1 business day. Result: Resolution updating the registry. Legal basis: Decree 52-2010 and its Regulation. The procedure can be initiated online at digessp.gob.gt.

Who Needs This Authorization

This authorization is mandatory for:

  • Private security companies already registered with DIGESSP that decide to redesign their uniform or insignia for corporate rebranding or image refresh.
  • Companies adding specialized lines — for example executive escort, cash-in-transit, industrial guarding — with extra pieces (identified ballistic vests, caps, armbands).
  • Companies changing textile suppliers and, in doing so, modifying the tones, materials or patterns of the originally approved uniform.
  • Companies adopting new insignia — shields, reflective patches, corporate ID numbers, division emblems.

It does not apply to the initial registration of a private security company (a separate procedure under Decree 52-2010), nor to minor maintenance changes (identical replacement of damaged pieces).

Cost & Time

ItemValue
Official costQ2,918.70 (1 current minimum wage 2026)
Resolution time1 business day
ResultDIGESSP administrative resolution
ValidityPermanent, until uniform/insignia is changed again
ModalityHybrid (online form + customary in-person delivery)

The cost equals the non-agricultural minimum wage in force at the time of filing. If the Ministry of Labor publishes a new minimum wage, this procedure’s cost updates automatically.

Requirements

According to the official catalog at tramites.gob.gt, requirements are those set out in Decree 52-2010 and its Regulation (Government Agreement 417-2013). In practice, DIGESSP asks for:

  1. Formal application addressed to the Director General of DIGESSP, signed by the company’s legal representative.
  2. Current resolution authorizing the company to operate as a private security provider.
  3. Proposed uniform design: color sketches, sample photos, material specs and textile supplier.
  4. Insignia design: vector logo files, Pantone colors, placement on the garment, dimensions.
  5. Justification of the change — rebranding, launch of a specialized service, etc.
  6. Proof of payment of the current minimum wage.
  7. Notarial deed of the legal representative’s current appointment, duly registered.
  8. Copy of DPI of the legal representative.
  9. Inventory of uniforms currently in circulation (to coordinate replacement).

Note: The complete and updated list should be checked directly with DIGESSP, since documentary requirements may be updated by internal circulars.

Procedure Steps

  1. File preparation — the company redesigns the uniform and insignia, prepares sketches and supporting documentation.
  2. Online form — go to digessp.gob.gt/formulario-tramites/ and select the corresponding procedure.
  3. Minimum-wage payment — Q2,918.70 to the account indicated by DIGESSP.
  4. File submission — physical delivery of the complete file at DIGESSP headquarters, Ministry of Government, Guatemala City.
  5. Technical review — DIGESSP reviews the design against visual identification criteria (it must not be confused with public security force uniforms).
  6. Resolution issuance — in approximately 1 business day, DIGESSP issues a resolution either authorizing or requesting adjustments.
  7. Registry update — the new uniform and insignia are recorded in the register of authorized private security providers.

How to Apply

The official DIGESSP portal is at digessp.gob.gt/formulario-tramites/. It is the only institutional route to initiate the procedure. If your company is not yet registered, you must first complete general company incorporation and then the specific private security registration before DIGESSP.

For matters related to your company NIT, see the unified tax registry (RTU) guide and the CUI-NIT lookup at SAT.

Common Mistakes That Delay the Procedure

  • Designs that resemble official uniforms of the Army, PNC or Penitentiary System — DIGESSP rejects designs that look too similar.
  • Forbidden colors — olive green and dark PNC blue usually require additional justification.
  • Logos without trademark protection — a registered insignia at the Industrial Property Registry avoids future conflicts.
  • Expired representative deed — if the legal representative’s appointment has expired, it must first be renewed at the Mercantile Registry.
  • Incomplete proof of payment — DIGESSP will not accept files without the Q2,918.70 receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

“How long does the authorization last?”

It does not expire; it remains valid as long as the company keeps the same uniform and insignia. To modify them again, a new authorization must be filed.

“Can I distribute the new uniform before the resolution?”

No. Until DIGESSP issues the authorization resolution, personnel must keep using the previously registered uniform.

“Does it apply to cash-in-transit companies?”

Yes. All private security modalities regulated by Decree 52-2010 (guarding, custody, escort, cash-in-transit, private investigation) must register their uniform and insignia.

“Does it cover equipment (weapons, radios, vehicles)?”

No. Weapon and equipment registration is a separate procedure with DIGESSP and the Directorate General for Arms and Munitions Control (DIGECAM). This authorization covers only visual uniform and insignia.

“What if DIGESSP rejects the design?”

The resolution will state the technical observations. The company can adjust the design and refile. The minimum wage is not always charged again for minor adjustments; check with the DIGESSP advisor.