If your business provides security guard and/or private investigator services for hire, you must be licensed as an agency in Ontario. This requirement applies whether you are offering security personnel, investigative services, or both. Licensing ensures your business operates legally and adheres to provincial regulations under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA).

Who Needs an Agency Licence?

A business must obtain an agency licence if it directly hires and provides security guards or private investigators as a service to clients. However, if you contract security personnel from a licensed agency to work exclusively for your own business operations, you do not need to register as an agency.

Agency licences are available for:

• Security Guard Agencies – Businesses providing security guard services for patrolling or protecting people and property.
• Private Investigator Agencies – Businesses offering investigative services to collect information on behalf of clients.
• Dual Licences – Agencies that provide both security guard and private investigator services. While an individual can hold a dual licence, they cannot perform both roles at the same time.

Requirements for an Agency Licence

To apply for an agency licence, you must be an authorized representative of the corporation and provide the following:

• Articles of Incorporation – Proof of legal registration as a business in Ontario.
• Corporate Information – Including legal business name, corporation number, and business registration documents if applicable.
• Identification for Directors/Officers – Each director, officer, or partner must submit:
  • A completed Information and Declaration/Consent for Background Check form
  • A valid Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)
  • Photocopies of two different valid government-issued IDs
• Notice of Change (if applicable) – If adding or removing officers, directors, or partners, an amended Articles of Incorporation or government-issued report must be included.

How to Apply for an Agency Licence

Online Application

Applying online is the fastest way to get your agency licence.

• Set up a My Ontario Account and gather the required documents.
• Submit all necessary information in the required formats (DOC, DOCX, PDF, JPG, or JPEG).
• Once approved, you will receive a digital licence by email, which must be printed and displayed at your business location.

Mail-In Application

For mail-in applications:

1. Download and complete the Application Package for Corporations – Security Guards and/or Private Investigators Agency Licence form.
2. Gather all supporting documents and prepare payment.
3. Send your completed package to Service Ontario

Once processed, a digital copy of your licence will be sent via email.

Updating Your Agency Licence

If your agency’s details change, you must update your licence. Changes can be made online or by mail for:

• Business name, address, or ownership details
• Insurance information
• Adding or removing officers, directors, or partners
• Declaring the use of firearms, batons, handcuffs, guard dogs, marked vehicles, or uniforms

Changing Licence Type

Your agency licence type can be modified if your business expands or shifts its focus. Options include switching from a security guard agency to a private investigator agency or obtaining a dual licence.

To change your licence type, you must:

• Provide updated insurance documents and any necessary photos (e.g., uniforms, marked vehicles).
• Submit payment for the new licence type.
• Retain your original expiry date.

Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)

All directors, officers, and partners of an agency must provide a valid Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) issued within the last six months. This check must be obtained from:

• Municipal police services in Ontario
• Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)
• Authorized private businesses offering police record checks

If you reside outside Ontario, you may provide an equivalent out-of-province police record check that meets Ontario’s standards.

What Happens if Your Application is Incomplete?

If your application is missing information, you have 90 days to provide the required details. If you do not respond within this timeframe, your application will be closed, and your payment will be retained as a processing fee.

For help

For the most up-to-date information on obtaining or renewing an agency security guard or private investigator licence, refer to the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General.

If you are interested in becoming a professional licensed security guard or private investigator, contact our preferred experts, Smith Security. They offer government approved training courses.

								
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