Security Guard Services in Bolivia

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in Bolivia

In Bolivia, private security companies must be authorized by the General Command of the Bolivian Police, with approval by the Ministry of Government, under Law No. 264 and its implementing regulation, Supreme Decree No. 1436. Personnel must be trained, identified and certified by the Bolivian Police and carry an identification card.

Regulator: Bolivian Police (Policía Boliviana), National Department for the Authorization and Control of Private Security Companies (Departamento Nacional de Autorización y Control de Empresas Privadas de Vigilancia, DENACEV), with departmental offices (JEDECEV). Law: Law No. 264 on the National Citizen Security System “For a Safe Life” (Ley N° 264 del Sistema Nacional de Seguridad Ciudadana “Para una Vida Segura”) (July 31, 2012), Title VI, Arts. 56 to 61; Supreme Decree No. 1436 of December 14, 2012, Arts. 35 to 43; Ministerial Resolution 168/2013, which amends the Operating Regulations approved by Ministerial Resolution 021B/2013. policia.bo

Personnel Requirements

• Be trained, identified and certified by the Bolivian Police; guards must carry an identification card (Law 264, Art. 58)
• Pass the required training modules to obtain the certificate needed for the Identification Card (Carnet de Identificación) (RM 168/2013, Art. 224)
• Certificates from universities, institutes or other similar entities are not accepted for the Identification Card (RM 168/2013, Art. 225)
• The police training program for company personnel lasts at least three months (DS 1436, Art. 43)
• The file for operational personnel includes a copy of the military service record book (libreta de servicio militar), or a certificate from the Ministry of Defense or proof of a pending exemption application (RM 168/2013, Art. 39)
• Foreign nationals must submit a residence certificate (certificado de radicatoria) issued by the General Directorate of Migration (RM 168/2013, Art. 39)

Application Steps

1. Be hired by a private security company authorized by the Bolivian Police
2. Complete the training program approved by the Police and obtain the training certificate
3. Submit personal documents through the company, including the military service record book and, for foreign nationals, the residence certificate
4. Receive the Identification Card and carry it while on duty

Agency Licensing

Companies need an administrative resolution authorizing operation, granted by the General Command of the Bolivian Police and approved by the Ministry of Government (Law 264, Art. 56; DS 1436, Arts. 36 and 39). They must have a head of operations (Law 264, Art. 58). RM 168/2013 requires a bank guarantee equal to 1% of share capital (Art. 38). Within 48 hours after authorization, they must send certified copies of the authorization documents to the departmental police command and publish their operating license in a newspaper with national circulation (DS 1436, Art. 40).

Law 264 prohibits private security companies from carrying or using firearms (Art. 61). In cash and valuables transport, armored vehicles must be escorted by at least two armed police officers, not counting the driver or the valuables carrier (RM 168/2013, Art. 80).

The authorization must be renewed, and companies that do not renew it may not provide services (Law 264, Art. 57). Renewal is requested in the last three months of validity (DS 1436, Art. 41). Under RM 168/2013, Art. 43, physical or electronic protection services and cash and valuables transport services are renewed every three years, and property custody and security services every four years.

Sources

• Law No. 264, National Citizen Security System (2012), Lexivox
• Supreme Decree No. 1436 (Regulation of Law 264), Lexivox
• Ministerial Resolution 168/2013, Supplementary Regulations for Private Security Companies, Lexivox

Requirements change. Confirm current rules with the official regulator before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.