Apply for a new security business licence

For people who want to start a security business in B.C.

Processing takes up to 6 weeks
Apply

Before you start

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

Eligibility

Insurance requirements

Your business needs to have an active insurance policy at the time you apply.

The insurance must:

  • Be general liability
  • Have at least $1 million in coverage
  • Cover all your branch offices
  • Show the name of the business and the dates of coverage

Manager eligibility

The business must have at least one manager. The manager must be a Canadian resident who is 19 or older.

If you're applying for a Private Investigator security business licence, the manager must have a Private Investigator's security worker licence.

Employee requirements

The business must have at least one employee with a valid security worker licence. Their licence must be in the same category as your business application.

Controlling member eligibility

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

Controlling members may be eligible if they are a peace officer or a retired police officer.

If a manager or controlling member has 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

Security worker licence numbers of:

  • Employees
  • Controlling members (if applicable)

You may also need

Expand All | Collapse All
 

If you're applying for an Armoured Car Guard licence

  • Proof that you own, lease or rent an approved armoured car
  • Safety certificate issued under section 37.04 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations
 

If the business is registered with the BC Business Registry

  • Proof of registration

Overview

Processing time

If your application is approved, you can expect to get your licence within 6 weeks after you apply. It could take longer if:

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

Application fees

Application fees are non-refundable.

Application fees by licence term
Licence term Application fee
1 year $500
2 years $775
3 years $1,050

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
  • Money order

Apply

1

Apply

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

2

Submit manager and controlling member information

Managers and controlling members who don't have a security worker licence must submit more information. If they have a security worker licence, they can skip these steps.

After you apply

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

Cancel application

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

Contact information

Security Programs Division manages security business licence applications.

Contact Security Programs Division

What's Related