Ontario Security Guard License

What is a Security Guard License?

A security guard license is a legal requirement for individuals who wish to work as security guards in Ontario. Ontario security guard license ensures you have met all the legal, ethical, and professional standards to work as a security guard in Ontario. 

The primary purpose of the security guard license is to ensure that individuals working in the security industry are properly trained and qualified. This helps maintain high standards of safety and professionalism within the industry, ensuring that security guards can effectively protect people, property, and assets.

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Ontario Security Guard License Requirements

To be eligible for a license, the following requirements must be met:

• You must be 18 years old or older, legally entitled to work in Canada, and have a clean criminal record according to Ontario Regulation 37/08, pursuant to the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005.
• You must complete mandatory basic security guard training and testing, and have an Ontario training completion number from your training provider.
• When applying, you must submit certain documents including your Ontario training completion number, a passport-quality photo, identification documents, and the appropriate payment for your license type.
• Starting from February 18, 2024, a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) from a police service is also required with the application.

Online Application: Key Steps and Processing Time

While processing delays may occur, applying for a security guard license online generally expedites the process. A correctly completed online application can take up to 10 business days to be processed and approved. After approval, your digital security guard license will be available for download and print.

An online application requires the following:

• A My Ontario account
• Ontario testing completion number (TCN) or out of province (OOP) required licence information
• Ontario mailing address
• A scanned passport-quality photo that meets the photo requirements
• Scanned copies of two different valid government-issued identification documents
• A Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) 

If you wish to apply via mail, mail your completed application package inlcuding Security guard and/or private investigator licence application form to:

ServiceOntario
Occupational Licensing Services Office
P.O. Box 4500
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 0E1

License Costs and Delivery

The costs for the licenses are as follows:

• $80 - Private investigator license
• $80 - Security guard license
• $160 - Dual license

If applying online, payment can be made via InteracOnline®, credit card, or debit card. For mail applications, payment can be made via bank draft, money order, or certified cheque, payable to the Minister of Finance.

Payments are non-refundable. Once approved, you can download and print a digital copy of your license from My Ontario account.

Keeping Personal Information Up-to-date

It's important to inform the ministry of any changes to your personal information or if you have been convicted or found guilty of an offense listed under Ontario Regulation 37/08 within five days.

There is no fee to change information on your license.

You can update your information on your security guard license during the licensing term if your current license is not expired and is not within 90 days of its expiry date.

Renewing Your Security Guard License

Your security guard license does not grant lifetime validity. Keeping your license current is as critical as getting it for the first time. Security guard licenses in Ontario have an expiry date that's tied to the birth date. For first-time applicants, the license will expire two birthdays after the issue date. You can renew your license up to 90 calendar days before it expires.

Just like with the initial application, you will need to submit the same documents and pay the appropriate license renewal fees. Renewing on time ensures you can continue your duties as a security guard without any disruption.

Replace a lost, stolen or damaged licence card

Physical licence cards are no longer being issued and have become digital only. If your physical security guard licence card has been stolen, lost or damaged, you can replace it with a digital licence.

You can download a digital copy of your security guard license from My Ontario account.

Additional Considerations for Out-of-Province Applicants

If you are already licensed as a security guard or private investigator in a different province, you can streamline your application process in Ontario.

You are required to provide the following with your application if you have an OPP license:

• out of province (OOP) Licence Number
• out of province (OOP) Licence Type
• out of province (OOP) Licence Expiry Date
• Province/Territory of Issue
• a photocopy of the front and back of your valid out of province (OOP) Licence

Returned Applications

If your application is returned due to an error or missing information, it’s crucial to respond promptly to avoid further delays or additional fees. Here’s what you need to know:

Response Timeline

• 90 Calendar Days: You have 90 calendar days to provide the requested information. If the required information is not received within this timeframe, your application will be closed, and your payment will be retained as a processing fee.
• New Application and Payment: Should your application be closed, you will need to submit a new application and payment.

Online Applications

• My Ontario Account: If you applied online and your application is returned, you must log into your My Ontario account to update and resubmit your application.
• Processing Time: It may take up to 15 calendar days to process an application that has been resubmitted online.

Secure Your Future

A career in security services requires vigilance, commitment, and a legitimate Ontario Security Guard License. By following the process outlined above, you can secure your future in this ever-evolving industry. Remember, maintaining a clean record and renewing your license on time are as essential as obtaining your license in the first place.

ServiceOntario Contact Centre

If you need assistance, please contact the ServiceOntario Contact Centre to assist with your application

Email your questions to privatesecurity@ontario.ca or call Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:

Toll-free: 1-866-767-7454

GTA: 416-212-1650

If you have any further questions or concerns about obtaining your Ontario Security Guard License, don't hesitate to contact us. Check our Ontario Security Guard Training Program. We're here to guide you every step of the way towards your career in security.