Application and Licence Management Process
Last updated on May 26, 2025Individuals who want to work in the security industry in British Columbia, are required to have a security worker licence to do security work. If you have a licence from another province, you are still required to be licenced to work in B.C.
Learn what you may need to complete your application.
Eligibility
You must be:
- 19 years of age or older (16 years of age or older if applying for a locksmith under supervision or alarm installer under supervision licence)
- Ordinarily resident in Canada
- Fluent in English (for most licence categories)
- Trained for the type of security licence you are applying for
You cannot be a member of a police force as defined by the B.C. Police Act
You may be eligible if you are a peace officer, or a retired police officer.
What you will need
- To provide consent to a criminal record check
- Proof of required training or experience
- Proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or ability to work in Canada
- Passport quality photo
- Valid government issued photo identification
- Fingerprint confirmation slip
- Mental health condition form (if applicable)
Application fees
| Licence term | Application fee |
|---|---|
| 90 Days | $60 |
| 1 Year | $120 |
| 2 Years | $180 |
| 3 Years | $240 |
Note, the renewal and change to licence fees differ from above. Please login to Security Services Platform for more information.
Payment Options
- Credit card (recommended)
- Certified cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance
Apply for your Security Worker Licence
The online application uses the BC Services Card account to verify your identity. The BC Services Card account is a secure and easy way to prove who you are when accessing government services online.
Learn how to set up a BC Services Card account.
If you choose not to use a BC Services Card account, you can still apply for a security licence online, however, it may take longer to process your application.
If you live in another Canadian province or territory and do not have a physical BC Services Card, you can still set up a BC Services Card account and submit your application online.
Renewing, Updating, and Replacing your Security Worker Licence
If you have a valid or expired B.C. security worker licence and are looking to renew your licence, please visit the Security Services Platform and select new if it is expired, or renewal if it is not expired.
If your licence is lost or stolen, please visit Security Services Platform and select replacement.
If your licence requires updates, such as a name change, address change, or changing the type of security work you do, please visit Security Services Platform and select update.
To report new charges, convictions, or becoming a peace officer, please visit Security Services Platform and select update.
If you are unable to use the online platform, please contact our office during regular business hours for assistance.
After Applying
The program will review your application, submitted documents and complete a criminal record check. If more information is required, they will contact you by email.
Rules for licensed security workers
Learn the laws and policies for licensed security workers and what happens if you violate them.
Contact information
The Security Programs Division licenses and regulates the security industry. If you need to contact us, please see our contact page: Contact Security Programs Division