Extreme fire danger is forecast for large parts of Victoria on Thursday 26 December (Boxing Day). Leaving early is always the safest option.
Stay informed at emergency.vic.gov.au

Private security

Learn about private security, including information about registration, licence activities and contacting the Licensing and Regulation Division.

Status of current applications

Last updated 23 December 2024

Application typeProcessing applications submitted
New private security licence/registration applications02 December 2024
Private security licence/registration renewals19 December 2024
Mutual recognition applications11 December 2024
Applications to vary13 December 2024
Private security business licence applications23 December 2024
Private security business registration applications23 December 2024
Private security business renewals13 December 2024

Please note that the application processing times outlined above are indicative only.

Complex applications, or those with suitability concerns, may take longer to process. In addition, private security business licence applications require thorough review before approval.

Phone services unavailable during Christmas and New Year

The Licensing and Regulation Division (LRD) phone services will be unavailable from Thursday 12 December to Wednesday 15 January.

Any urgent enquiries during this period should be directed to LRD via online enquiry form.

LRD will continue to monitor online enquiries submitted through our website.

For application processing updates and approval time frames, please review the Status of current applications on this page.

For general information, please refer to the Firearms and Private Security webpages. Our webpages contain information on topics relating to licensing requirements, access to application forms and guides.

Warning for phishing scam emails

The Licensing and Regulation Division (LRD) have been informed of suspicious phishing emails which are attempting to steal the personal and/or financial information of licence holders.

Please note that LRD will never request payment via email, seek information about other licence holders, or communicate via Gmail.

To safeguard your information, you should never:

  • click on phishing email links
  • open attachments, or
  • provide sensitive details such as your personal information, bank account details or credit card numbers.

Note the phishing email address and do not follow any instructions the email contains.

Visit Scamwatch to report a scam or find out what to do if you’ve been scammed. Or, if you receive a suspicious emailing claiming to be from LRD, please report it or reach out with questions and concerns via LRD’s online contact form.

Public register for register of licence, registration and permit holders

The public register for Register of Licence, Registration and Permit Holders allows businesses and individuals to ensure that their employees are appropriately licensed.

All current holders of a Victorian private security individual or business licence or registration will appear on the Victoria Police public register, regardless of the documented expiry date. Sections 36 (4) and 92 (4) of the Private Security Act 2004, allow that a licence or registration, in respect of a renewal application, is deemed to continue in force, after the expiry of the licence period, until the Chief Commissioner makes a decision in relation to the application.

Ability to work while waiting for my plastic licence

Under sections 36(4) and 92(4) of the Private Security Act 2004, if you are renewing your private security licence or registration, you can still continue to work while awaiting your licence renewal to be processed and finalised.

You or your employer can check the validity of your licence by checking the public register of licence, registration and permit holders.

If you have completed your renewal application and are still waiting to receive your new plastic licence card you should carry your expired licence together with your receipted payment notice.

About private security

To learn more about private security legislation, you can access the Private Security Act 2004. You can also view our most recent Statement of Expectations, privacy statements and compliance principles on our Licensing and Regulation Division page. Private security licence and registration fees can be found on our Service fees and penalties page.

There are a number of activities and security guard sub-activities you can undertake under a private security licence or registration. Private security licence activities and their definitions are outlined below.

For information concerning private security registration activities, see Applying for a new private security licence or registration.

Private security licence activities

Firearm licensing for security guards

People performing duties as an armed guard or cash-in-transit firearm must be the holder of a current firearms licence in addition to their private security licence.

Updated