Security Guard Licensing

To be eligible for a license

• You must be 18 years of age or older.
• You must be eligible to work in Canada.
• You must have a Clean Criminal Record.

Basic Training / Testing Requirements

Before you apply for a license, you must:

• Take the security guard or private investigator Basic Security Training Course.
• Pass the security guard or private investigator Basic Security Guard Test.

How to apply for a security guard and/or private investigator license

• You can apply for a license by mail or online through Service Ontario.
• If you apply online, you will be able to check the status of your application online within two business days.
• Online applicants will be able to access a printable digital license as soon as their application is approved. The printed digital license can be used as proof of licensing until you receive your plastic license card by mail.

Please note that ServiceOntario does not accept applications for security guard or private investigator licenses at its service counters.

The Processing Time

A correctly completed application can take up to 30 days to be processed.

License Expiry:

Your new license will expire two birthdays after the day it is issued.

Security Guard Responsibilities

Security guards and private investigators must carry a valid license at all times while on duty. Security guards must identify themselves and show the front of their license to anyone who asks to see it. This includes employers, police and members of the public.

Security guards and private investigators are responsible for adhering to the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005strong and its regulations, including the Code of Conduct regulation.

Failure to comply can lead to charges.

Important Links

• Questions and Answers – security guard and private investigator licences.
• Tips For a Complete Individual Licence Application
• http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/