Security guard or private investigator licence (Agency partnership)

Renew, restore or apply for a new agency licence if your business sells the services of security guards, private investigators or both.

Before you apply online

Scan and save (as DOC, DOCX, PDF, TIF or JPG) the following required documents, which you’ll attach to your online application:

  1. Master Business Licence
  2. Two pieces of unexpired ID (one government-issued, the other proving eligibility to work in Canada) for each partner
  3. A completed and signed  Information and Declaration/Consent to a Background Check Form and Guarantor Information Form for each partner
  4. Passport quality and sized photo (colour or black and white) for each partner
  5. Colour photographs of the uniforms, including protective wear, and vehicles used by security guards
  6. Signed Partnership Agreement (if you’re applying as a new partnership)

Notice of Collection

In order to process your request, ServiceOntario will collect some personal information on behalf of the Ministry of the Solicitor General under the authority of Section 11 of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005. This information will be used for identification purposes and to issue and administer licences under the Act.

If you have any questions about the collection and use of your personal information, please contact the Team Leader, ServiceOntario Contact Centre at:

  • 1-866-767-7454
  • GTA: 416-212-1650
  • Fax: 416-212-1603
  • 416-212-6319

By mail:

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

Apply online

You’ll need a ServiceOntario account (opens a new browser window) to apply for a:

Security guard agency licence (opens a new browser window)

Private investigator agency licence (opens a new browser window)

Dual agency licence (opens a new browser window)

To renew, restore, replace, change your licence or other information go to maintain a security guard or private investigator licence online.

Note: If your browser is having issues completing your transaction(s), check to see if your browser supports TLS 1.2.

Cost

  • $700 for a private investigator or security guard licence
  • $1,400 for a dual licence

Method of payment

Pay for your licence with:

  • InteracOnline®
  • Credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
  • Debit card (Visa or Mastercard)

Payments are non-refundable. This includes applications that are withdrawn, denied due to ineligibility, or returned because of errors or incomplete information.

Returned applications

If your application is returned to you because of an error or missing information, you have 90 calendar days to respond. If you miss this deadline, the application will be closed, the money will not be refunded and you’ll be charged a new licencing fee if you decide to reapply.

Maintain (renew or restore) a licence

Protect yourself and the employees working for you as security guards and private investigators:

Changes that can be made online include: updating insurance information, updating permanent and mailing addresses, adding/removing/updating branch offices, adding an operating/trade name and noting a criminal offence

Note: to change the category of services that your agency is licenced to provide, an application form must be completed and mailed in. This option is not available online at this time.

Apply by mail

To apply by mail for a new licence:

  1. Complete and print the paper application form
  2. Have each partner complete and sign an Information and Declaration/Consent to a Background Check Form and Guarantor Information Form
  3. Include a payment of $700 ($1,400 for a dual licence) payable to the Minister of Finance by:
    • bank draft
    • money order (postal or bank)
    • certified cheque

Credit cards, cash and personal cheques are not accepted.

Send your application package to:

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

Maintain (renew or restore) an existing licence by mail

To update your insurance by mail, please mail a copy of your valid insurance certificate to ServiceOntario.
Note: to change the category of services that your agency is licenced to provide, your insurance certificate must be updated to show coverage for all business services being offered

Questions about the application

Email your questions or call Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm:

  • 1-866-767-7454
  • 1-800-268-7095
  • Toronto: 416-212-8888
  • Toronto416-325-3408
Updated: July 20, 2021