About security industry licensing

Last updated on November 26, 2024

Due to the Canada Post strike, you may experience delays in physical application submissions and receiving your physical security licence. If you are affected, you can continue using your temporary digital 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.

Learn about security licences, laws, policies and enforcement.

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).

Licences

A security worker licence is for individual people who want to work in the security industry. A security business licence is for companies that want to provide security services. You can look up security licences to check if a worker or business is licensed.

Enforcement

The B.C. government enforces rules for licensed security workers and businesses. This may happen through inspections, complaints or investigations. Learn more about enforcement.

Laws and policies

The Security Services Act, Regulation and related policies define how security licensing works in B.C. Learn more about laws and policies.

Regulator

Security Programs Division (SPD) regulates B.C.'s security industry. Contact SPD.

Did you find what you were looking for?

The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

More topics