If you employ in-house security guards or private investigators for your business, you must register as an employer under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005. This registration allows you to hire security professionals directly. However, if you contract licensed security personnel from a registered agency, you do not need to register.

Employers must ensure compliance with industry regulations and maintain an active registration to lawfully employ security staff.

Registration Requirements

To apply for or renew a security guard or private investigator employer registration, you must provide the following information:

• Your business’s legal name
• Business operating name (if different from the legal name)
• A valid business registration document (if applicable)
• Corporation number (if your business is incorporated)
• Federal Business Number (BN9) (if applicable)
• Business physical address and a valid Ontario mailing address
• Business contact details (phone and email)
• The name, licence number, and licence type of all employed security guards or private investigators (if applicable)
• Payment of the $80 registration fee

How to Apply

Online Application

For faster processing, you can apply or renew your registration online. You will need:

• A My Ontario account
• Digital copies of required documents (formats accepted: DOC, DOCX, PDF, JPG, JPEG)
• Payment via credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard)

Once approved, you will receive a digital registration certificate via email, which must be printed and displayed in a visible location at your business office.

Mail Application

If you prefer to apply by mail, follow these steps:

1. Print and complete the Application Package for Registered Employer – Security Guards and/or Private Investigators form.
2. Gather the required documents.
3. Include payment in the form of a bank draft, money order, or certified cheque made payable to the Minister of Finance.
4. Mail the completed package to:

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

If you provide an email, your digital registration certificate will be emailed upon approval. If no email is provided, a paper copy will be mailed to your business address.

Cost of Registration

The fee for an employer registration is $80. Payment options depend on the application method:

• Online payments: Visa or Mastercard (credit or debit)
• Mail-in payments: Bank draft, money order, or certified cheque (personal cheques and cash are not accepted)

Note: Fees are non-refundable, including in cases where applications are denied, withdrawn, or returned due to missing information. If your application is returned, you will have 90 days to resubmit it before it is closed.

Updating Your Registration Information

Employers must ensure that their registration details remain current. You can update your registration online or by mail if:

• Your registration is not expired
• Your registration is not within 90 days of expiry
• You provide your Ontario PSIS Employer Registration Number

Types of Changes

• Business Name Change: Requires an updated Business Name Registration document.
• Updating Employee List: You must provide the name, licence number, and licence type of any new security guards or private investigators.

There is no fee to update registration details.

Update Information Online

Alternatively, submit a completed Change of Information Form for Registered Employers by mail to:

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

Returned Applications

If your registration application is incomplete or contains errors, it will be returned to you. You will have 90 calendar days to correct and resubmit the information. If the revised application is not received within this timeframe, it will be closed, and a new application (with payment) will be required.

For additional details, visit the official Ontario Ministry website.

For help

To have someone conduct a background check or other investigation, contact our preferred Investigators, Smith Investigation Agency

								
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