Apply for a new security worker licence

For people who want to work in the security industry in B.C.

Processing takes up to 8 weeks
Apply

Before you start

This service lets you apply for a new security worker licence.

Communication from Security Services will only be sent from a dedicated government email address, ending in “gov.bc.ca.” Security Services will never ask you to pay by email.  Applicants should only use the dedicated application and payment platforms for licensing found on this website.

If you receive any suspicious communication regarding Security Services, please report the incident to the Security Programs Division via email at SPDcompliance@gov.bc.ca or by phone at 1-855 587-0185 (press option 1).

Eligibility

You must be:

  • 19 or older (16 or older if applying for a locksmith under supervision or alarm installer under supervision licence)
  • A Canadian resident
  • Fluent in English
  • Trained for the type of security licence you're applying for

Police and peace officers

You can't be a member of a police force (defined by the B.C. Police Act). 

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are a peace officer
  • Are a retired police officer

Criminal records

If a have a criminal record, you may still apply for a licence. Your application may go through a risk assessment to determine if you can have a licence.

What you'll need

Proof of required training or experience

A passport quality headshot from the past 12 months. This means:

  • No hats or tinted glasses
  • Blank white background
  • Clear, sharp and in focus

One document that shows you can work or study in Canada:

  • Canadian birth certificate
  • Canadian passport
  • Canadian citizenship certificate
  • Canadian Native Status Card
  • Record of Landing (IMM1000)
  • Confirmation of Permanent Resident Document (IMM 5292)
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Work or study permit

One piece of photo ID that isn't expired:

  • Driver's licence
  • Passport
  • BCID
  • Canadian Firearms Licence
  • BC Services Card (with photo)
  • Canadian Permanent Resident Card
  • Canadian Native Status Card (with photo)

If you're a peace officer

You'll need a letter from your supervisor. Follow the guidelines in section 2.5.4 of the Security Licensing Process and Licence Conditions Policies.

If you've been treated for a mental health condition

You'll need SPD Form 0511: Mental Health Condition Form (PDF, 270KB)

Overview

Processing time

If your application is approved, you can expect to get your licence up to 8 weeks after you apply. It could take longer if:

  • The application isn't complete
  • You pay the application fee late
  • SPD needs more information
  • SPD needs to complete a risk assessment

Application fees

Application fees are non-refundable.

Application fees by licence term
Licence term Application fee
90 days $60
1 year $120
2 years $180
3 years $240

Payment options

You can't pay by debit-credit card, personal cheque or business cheque.

Payment options by application method
Application method Payment options
Online
  • Credit card (MasterCard or VISA)
Mail
  • Credit card (MasterCard or VISA)
  • Bank certified cheque (Payable to the Minister of Finance)
  • Money order (Payable to the Minister of Finance)

Apply

1

Submit your fingerprints

Fingerprints are required again, after being suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You must submit fingerprints if you haven't before. For example, if this is your first time applying or if you had an exemption during the pandemic.

Otherwise, you can skip this step. 

To submit fingerprints:

  1. Download Form SPD 0507: Request for Fingerprinting Under the Security Services Act (PDF, 522KB)
  2. Complete the first page
  3. Give the whole form to a police station or fingerprinting agency. They will tell you what to do next
2

Peace officers: Get a letter from your supervisor

Follow the guidelines in section 2.5.4 of the Security Licensing Process and Licence Conditions Policies.

If you're not a peace officer, skip this step.

3

Report mental health conditions

If you've ever been treated for a mental health condition, complete the Mental Health Condition Form (PDF, 271KB). You will be asked to submit this with your application. 

4

Get proof of training or experience

You must have training or experience to apply for these licences and authorizations. Gather documents to prove that you meet the requirements.

5

Apply

You can apply online or by mail. Applying online takes 15 minutes and is the fastest way to get your licence.

After you apply

Security Programs Division (SPD) will review your application and complete a criminal record check. They may contact you by email if they need more information. Read about processing time.

Incomplete letters

You may get a letter from SPD that your application is incomplete. This means SPD needs more information before they can process it. Follow the instructions in the letter to complete your application.

Cancel application

To cancel your application, contact Security Programs Division. The application fee is non-refundable.

Contact information

Security Programs Division manages security worker licence applications.

Contact Security Programs Division

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