Here you will find relevant information, application forms and guides that will assist you when inquiring about a private security licence.
Note: To apply for a new private security licence or registration for both individuals and businesses, you will have to apply via the eServices Portal.
Additionally:
- New applications must be returned with all supporting documents to the Licensing and Regulation Division via post.
- Renewal applications along with a data card and payment notices are sent to the recorded postal address of the licence holder eight weeks prior to the expiry of a current licence. Completed renewal applications can be returned by post to the Licensing and Regulation Division.
- If you need to change your details, you can use our eForm to submit changes.
Private security permits and applications
Application:
Use this application if you are:
- The holder of a current private security individual operator licence wishing to add further security activity or activities to their existing licence (e.g. security guard, crowd control, investigator, trainer or bodyguard); or
- The holder of a current private security individual operator registration wishing to add a further security activity or activities to their existing registration (e.g. security equipment installer or security adviser); or
- The nominated officer or holder of a current private security business licence wishing to vary their licence to authorise them to provide the services of an additional security activity or activities (e.g. security guard, crowd control, investigator, trainer or bodyguard); or
- The nominated officer or holder of a current private security business registration wishing to vary their registration to authorise them to provide the services of an additional security activity or activities (e.g. security equipment installer or security adviser).
Application:
Who should complete a PIF?
A PIF should be completed by:
- The Nominated Person of a Body Corporate;
- All Officers of the Body Corporate;
- A Sole Trader;
- All Partners in a Partnership; or
- Any Close Associate of the Business.
This form must be submitted with the related Private Security Business Application Form.
Current Business Licence or Registration holders can use this form to notify the Licensing and Regulation Division of the details of a new person relevant to the business.
Form:
When to use this form
You should use this form if you are an individual currently holding an authority to work in the private security industry, seeking to move to Victoria from another Australian State/Territory, or from New Zealand, with the intention of undertaking the same activities under the mutual recognition principle.
Application:
Businesses
- This form should be completed by a person that ordinarily operates a business in another State or Territory and is applying to provide the services of other persons to carry on the activities of security guards, crowd controllers, bodyguards and/or investigators temporarily in Victoria for the duration of a special event.
- If the business is structured as a body corporate, a nominated person on behalf of the body corporate must complete this application.
- If the business is operated by a natural person, the owner of the business must complete this application.
Individuals
- This form should be completed by a person that ordinarily resides in another State or Territory and is applying to work as a security guard, crowd controller, bodyguard and/or investigator temporarily in Victoria for the duration of a special event
Applications:
Application:
Application:
Application:
Reference information and guides
Guides:
Information:
There are certain circumstances in which an individual working in the security industry may be required to purchase, possess or carry items such as a baton, handcuffs or body armour. Conditions for working with these weapons are specific to the individual items and those who are authorised to do so must meet strict conditions.
Conditions for using batons (including extendable batons)
A person must be able to demonstrate all of the following four requirements in order to work with batons.
Requirement 1: Licence/Permit Type
A person must hold one of the following:
- an individual operator licence
- a business licence
- a temporary visitor permit
Requirement 2: Activity
A person's licence or permit must authorise them to perform one of the following:
- crowd control
- security guard activities
- bodyguard activities
Requirement 3: Training
The individual licence or permit holder must also have completed the unit of competency 'Control Persons Using Baton' (CPPSEC3014A).
Requirement 4: Permission from Your Employer
- The licence or permit holder must receive written approval from their employer before they can purchase, posses, carry, or use a baton as part of their job. Employees are responsible for providing their employers with evidence that they have completed the relevant training.
- Employers or business licence holders are responsible for determining whether it is appropriate for their staff to use a baton at work.
- Employers are also responsible for checking that their employees have completed the relevant training at an approved security training organisation.
- The Licensing and Regulation Division does not require notification of an individual licence holder's competency or evidence of permission to use batons when at work, however, employers must be able to produce a copy of an employee's competency certificate and permission document on request.
Conditions for using body armour
Security licence holders with the sub-activities of security guard or bodyguard are covered under a Governor in Council Exemption to use body armour for lawful employment.
While the Licensing and Regulation Division does not need to be notified of your use of body armour when at work, a member of Victoria Police may request persons wearing body armour to demonstrate that the below requirements have been met.
A person must be able to demonstrate both of the following two requirements in order to work with body armour.
Requirement 1: Licence/Permit Type
A person must hold one of the following:
- an individual operator licence
- a business licence
- a temporary visitor permit
Requirement 2: Activity
A person's licence or permit must authorise them to perform one of the following:
- security guard activities
- bodyguard activities
Conditions for using handcuffs
A person must be able to demonstrate both of the following two requirements in order to lawfully use handcuffs when working in the private security industry.
Requirement 1: Training
The individual licence or permit holder must have completed the unit of competency 'Restrain Persons Using Handcuffs' (CPPSEC3015A).
Requirement 2: Permission from your employer
- The licence or permit holder must receive written approval from their employer before they can use handcuffs as part of their job. Employees are responsible for providing their employer with evidence that they have completed the relevant training.
- Employers or business licence holders are responsible for determining whether it is appropriate for their staff to use handcuffs at work.
- Employers are also responsible for checking that their employees have completed the relevant training at an approved security training organisation.
- The Licensing and Regulation Division does not require notification of an individual licence holder's competency or evidence of permission to use handcuffs when at work, however, employers must be able to produce a copy of an employee's competency certificate and permission document on request.
RTOs should refer to this guide for information regarding their industry:
Contact us
Get in touch about private security licensing through our online enquiry form.
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