Licensing for the Security Sector

As of June 7, 2023, we have implemented temporary measures to manage our high volume of applications. Our phone hours have been reduced, and you can consult our contact information to verify the updated hours.

This page covers:

COVID-19 Service Impacts

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the waiving of fingerprint requirements for security worker license applicants.

Due to limited capacity of police and RCMP detachments to complete fingerprinting requests during the pandemic, Security Services Licensing recognizes that it may cause inconvenience and possible delays for applicants but urges them to hand-in their fingerprinting when the services resume.

Restraint Endorsements

To ease license renewals, the Registrar of Security Services Act has extended restraint endorsements on security worker licenses with certain conditions:

• You have and sustain a valid security worker license
• Your Advanced Security Training (AST) has or will expire during March 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021
• You have a handcuff authorization endorsement on your current security worker license
• Endorsements that expired before March 1, 2020, and individuals that were not trained are not covered by the restraint endorsements extension.
• Review the AST Restraint Endorsement Extension Letters below for eligibility confirmation:
• When conducting security work, an individual who meets the requirements of this extension is mandated to carry:
• Their most current AST certification (which expires between March 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021)
• A printed copy of the suitable extension letter
• Their valid security workers license.

• Application Processing Times

• Businesses and workers are encouraged to submit their applications online as their application will receive the fastest response when it is complete and submitted online.
• Security Services Licensing acknowledges that applicants experience longer than usual wait times and has issued a letter addressed to stakeholders to explain the delays and describe measures that are being considered to improve timeliness.
• It may take up to six weeks for Security Services Licensing to process an application, but the fastest response is guaranteed for applications that are complete, with full payment and submitted online.
• Renewal Applications
• Renewal applications are ideally submitted 60-90 days prior to the expiry of the security license, with the submission window opening 90 days prior to expiration.

According to the Security Services Act in British Columbia, businesses and individuals who provide security services must hold a valid security license issued by the Registrar of Security Services. The issued license outlines the types of security services an individual is authorized to provide and any special permits they may have, such as the use of dogs and restraints.

Starting from May 2022, slight modifications may be observed on security industry licenses.

Regarding the freshly issued licenses:

• - The material used is PVC
• - The finishing displays a glossy appearance
• - The printing lacks tactility
• - The quality of the photographs is enhanced
• Besides the above-mentioned aspects, licenses will maintain their previous appearance.
• The front of the card:
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• The back of the card:
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