Licenses
Licensing Source Register
The official laws, regulators and application pages behind the licensing information on each McCray country page, with the date each entry was last reviewed.
Source Standard
- Every licensing statement on a country, state or city page is supported by an official source: the law itself, an official gazette or legislation database, or the regulator’s own website.
- News articles and research papers are not used as the source for a current legal requirement.
- Where licensing is set below the national level, the page covers each state, province, canton or emirate separately.
- Some government sites block automated link checks. Those links are flagged and checked by hand in a standard browser.
- Requirements change. This register is general information, not legal advice, and readers should confirm current rules with the regulator before applying.
Americas 26 countries and territories
North America
CanadaBy province12 provinces and territories
Provinces and territories
OntarioMinistry of the Solicitor General, Private Security and Investigative Services
QuebecBureau de la sécurité privée
British ColumbiaSecurity Programs Division, Government of British Columbia
AlbertaSecurity Programs, Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services
ManitobaPrivate Investigators and Security Guards Program, Manitoba Justice
SaskatchewanPrivate Investigators and Security Guards Program, Provincial Protective Services, Ministry of Community Safety
Nova ScotiaSecurity Programs Office, Public Safety and Security Division, Nova Scotia Department of Justice
New BrunswickGaming Control and Licensing Services, Government of New Brunswick
Prince Edward IslandPEI Firearms Office, Department of Justice and Public Safety
Newfoundland and LabradorDigital Government and Service NL (Government Services), Consumer and Financial Services Division
YukonGovernment of Yukon, Professional Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Northwest TerritoriesNo licensing regulator. The Department of Justice is responsible for territorial legislation.
United StatesBy stateState licensing held by McCray
State-by-state licenses, license numbers and regulators are listed on the United States licenses page.
Caribbean
Bermuda5 official sources
- bermudapolice.bm/content/publications-forms
- Private Investigators and Security Guards Act 1974 (Bermuda Laws Online)
- Government of Bermuda: Security Guard Training Deadline 31st March 2018
- Royal Gazette: House approves Private Investigators and Security Guards Amendment Bill (2010)
- Statoids: Parishes of Bermuda
British Virgin Islands2 official sources
French Antilles10 official sources
- www.cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr
- CNAPS FAQ: Devenez agent privé de sécurité
- CNAPS FAQ: Demande de titre et dépôt de dossier
- CNAPS FAQ: Renouvellement et duplicata
- CNAPS FAQ: Dirigeants et entreprises
- CNAPS FAQ: Activités
- CNAPS: Exercer le métier d’agent de sécurité privée
- CNAPS: Se former aux métiers de la sécurité privée
- CNAPS: Identifiez votre délégation territoriale ou votre antenne
- CNAPS: Textes réglementaires
Saint Lucia10 official sources
- www.attorneygeneralchambers.com/laws-of-saint-lucia/private-security-act
- Private Security Act, Act page (Act number and commencement)
- Section 5: Functions and powers of the Authority
- Section 30: Requirement for a licence
- Section 31: Categories of licences
- Section 34: Application for licence
- Section 35: Restrictions on grant of licence
- Section 36: Investigation
- Section 38: Further information
- Section 39: Recommendations
Saint Pierre and Miquelon9 official sources
- www.cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr/Nous-contacter/Identifiez-votre-delegation-territoriale-ou-votre-antenne-du-CNAPS
- CNAPS FAQ: Devenez agent privé de sécurité
- CNAPS FAQ: Demande de titre et dépôt de dossier
- CNAPS: Exercer le métier d’agent de sécurité privée
- CNAPS: Se former aux métiers de la sécurité privée
- CNAPS FAQ: Dirigeants et entreprises
- CNAPS FAQ: Activités
- CNAPS FAQ: Renouvellement et duplicata
- CNAPS: Décret relatif aux conditions d’exercice des activités privées de sécurité et au CNAPS
St Kitts and Nevis4 official sources
- lawcommission.gov.kn/wp-content/documents/Revised-Acts-of-St-Kitts-and-Nevis/Revised-Acts-of-St-Kitts-and-Nevis-2009/Ch-
- Law Commission, 2020 St Kitts and Nevis Revised Edition Index as at 31 December 2020
- Police Act, Cap. 19.07, with Police Regulations, Revised Edition 2017 (Law Commission)
- Law Commission of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Laws
Trinidad and Tobago4 official sources
- www.ttps.gov.tt
- Laws of Trinidad and Tobago: Supplemental Police Act, Chap. 15:02 (catalogue page)
- Supplemental Police Act, Chap. 15:02, PDF updated to 31 December 2016
- Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago: The Private Security Industry Bill, 2022
Mexico and Central America
Belize3 official sources
- Attorney General’s Ministry: Substantive Laws of Belize (Revised Edition 2020)
- Private Security and Investigation Services (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2024
- Belize Live News: Commissioner of Police retains authority over unarmed security guard licensing, says FACB (June 2025)
Costa Rica3 official sources
Guatemala4 official sources
- mingob.gob.gt/noticias/servicios-de-seguridad-privada
- Decreto 52-2010, Ley que Regula los Servicios de Seguridad Privada (PDF hosted by the Ministerio de Gobernación)
- Ministerio de Gobernación: Legislación (lists Decreto 52-2010)
- Ministerio de Gobernación: Avanza Política de Seguridad Privada (23 August 2024)
Honduras3 official sources
MexicoBy state28 states
States
AguascalientesSecretaría de Seguridad Pública del Estado de Aguascalientes
Baja CaliforniaSecretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana del Estado de Baja California
ChiapasSecretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana del Estado de Chiapas
ChihuahuaFiscalía General del Estado de Chihuahua
Ciudad de MéxicoSecretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana de la Ciudad de México, Dirección General de Seguridad Privada y Colaboración Interinstitucional
- www.ssc.cdmx.gob.mx
- Requisitos para obtener Licencia Tipo A (Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana CDMX)
- Manual de Normas Técnicas y Trámites Administrativos del Reglamento de la Ley de Seguridad Privada para el Distrito Federal (Registro de regulaciones CDMX)
- Ley Federal de Seguridad Privada (Cámara de Diputados)
CoahuilaSecretaría de Seguridad Pública del Estado de Coahuila de Zaragoza
ColimaSecretaría General de Gobierno del Estado de Colima, por conducto de la Dirección de Seguridad Privada
DurangoSecretaría de Seguridad Pública del Estado de Durango
Estado de MéxicoSecretaría de Seguridad del Estado de México
GuanajuatoSecretaría de Seguridad Pública del Estado de Guanajuato
GuerreroSecretaría de Seguridad Pública del Estado de Guerrero
JaliscoConsejo Estatal de Seguridad Pública de Jalisco, a través de la Dirección de los Servicios Privados de Seguridad
MichoacánSecretaría de Seguridad Pública del Estado de Michoacán, Dirección de Empresas de Seguridad Privada y Servicios Auxiliares
MorelosComisión Estatal de Seguridad Pública de Morelos, Dirección General de Seguridad Privada
NayaritSecretaría General de Gobierno del Estado de Nayarit, Dirección General de Seguridad Pública
Nuevo LeónSecretaría de Seguridad del Estado de Nuevo León, Dirección de Control y Supervisión a Empresas y Servicios de Seguridad Privada
OaxacaSecretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana de Oaxaca, Dirección de Seguridad Privada
PueblaSecretaría de Seguridad Pública del Estado de Puebla
QuerétaroSecretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana del Estado de Querétaro
Quintana RooSecretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana de Quintana Roo, Dirección de Registro y Supervisión de Empresas y Servicios Privados de Seguridad
SinaloaSecretaría de Seguridad Pública del Estado de Sinaloa
SonoraSecretaría de Seguridad Pública del Estado de Sonora, Dirección de Control y Registro de Empresas de Seguridad Privada
TabascoSecretaría de Seguridad Pública del Estado de Tabasco, Dirección de la Policía Auxiliar
TamaulipasSecretaría de Seguridad Pública del Estado de Tamaulipas, Dirección General de Operación Policial
TlaxcalaSecretaría de Gobierno del Estado de Tlaxcala
YucatánSecretaría de Seguridad Pública del Estado de Yucatán
ZacatecasSecretaría de Seguridad Pública del Estado de Zacatecas, Dirección de Empresas de Seguridad Privada
- ssp.zacatecas.gob.mx
- Dirección de Empresas de Seguridad Privada, Secretaría de Seguridad Pública de Zacatecas
- Trámite para obtener la autorización de Prestador de Servicios de Seguridad Privada (Catálogo Estatal de Trámites)
- Reglamento para el Registro y Revalidación de Empresas de Seguridad Privada en el Estado de Zacatecas
- Requisitos de autorización 2025
Nicaragua4 official sources
- www.policia.gob.ni
- Policía Nacional de Nicaragua, Marco Legal (list of laws)
- Ley No. 903, Ley de Servicios de Seguridad Privada, La Gaceta No. 141, 29 July 2015 (PDF hosted by Policía Nacional)
- Ley No. 510, Ley Especial para el Control y Regulación de Armas de Fuego, Municiones, Explosivos y Otros Materiales Rela
Panama5 official sources
- www.minseg.gob.pa
- MINSEG: Solicitud de Jefe de Seguridad y Vigilante Jurado 2023
- MINSEG: Formulario Solicitud Agencias de Seguridad Porte
- MINSEG/DIASP: Listado de las Agencias de Seguridad Privada a Nivel Nacional (June 2026)
- Decreto Ejecutivo 22 de 1992 (Justia Panama catalog entry)
South America
ArgentinaBy province17 provinces
Provinces
Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos AiresDirección General de Seguridad Privada y Custodia de Bienes (DGSPCB), Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires
Buenos AiresMinisterio de Seguridad de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Dirección Provincial para la Gestión de la Seguridad Privada
CatamarcaJefatura de Policía de la Provincia de Catamarca
CórdobaMinisterio de Seguridad de la Provincia de Córdoba, Gerencia de Prestadores Privados de Seguridad o el organismo que la reemplace
CorrientesPolicía de la Provincia de Corrientes, bajo el Ministerio de Gobierno y Justicia
Entre RíosPoder Ejecutivo provincial, Ministerio de Seguridad y Justicia y Dirección General de Investigaciones e Inteligencia Criminal de la Policía
JujuyDirección de Seguridad Privada, Policía de la Provincia de Jujuy
MendozaMinisterio de Seguridad y Justicia de Mendoza, Dirección de Seguridad Privada (DI.SE.P.)
MisionesPolicía de Misiones, Dirección de Seguridad Privada, Sistemas de Alarmas y Afines
NeuquénSecretaría de Estado de Seguridad del Neuquén, Dirección Provincial de Regulación y Control de Empresas de Seguridad y Vigilancia Privadas
Río NegroPolicía de Río Negro, Dirección de Seguridad, Departamento Prevención
SaltaAutoridad de aplicación de la Ley 7273 (Secretaría de la Gobernación de Seguridad según la ley), con control a cargo de la División Control
San JuanMinisterio de Gobierno de la Provincia de San Juan
Santa CruzPolicía de la Provincia de Santa Cruz, Jefatura de Policía (Departamento Operaciones Policiales)
Santa FeMinisterio de Justicia y Seguridad de la Provincia de Santa Fe
Tierra del FuegoPolicía de la Provincia de Tierra del Fuego, Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur
TucumánDepartamento General de Policía de Tucumán, División Seguridad Privada (Oficina de Seguridad y Vigilancia Privada)
Bolivia4 official sources
Brazil5 official sources
- www.gov.br/pf/pt-br/assuntos/seguranca-privada
- Polícia Federal: Autorização de funcionamento para empresas de serviços de segurança privada
- Polícia Federal: Leis (segurança privada)
- Polícia Federal: Portarias (segurança privada)
- Portaria DG/PF nº 18.045, de 17 de abril de 2023, alterada pela Portaria nº 18.974 de 2024 (PDF)
Chile5 official sources
- www.spd.gob.cl
- Ley 21.659 (LeyChile, Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional)
- Decreto 209 (LeyChile)
- Diario Oficial, Resolución Exenta 2.517 (18 de diciembre de 2025), Subsecretaría de Prevención del Delito, requisito edu
- Diario Oficial, Resolución Exenta 3.290 (3 de septiembre de 2026), capacitación de guardias en espectáculos de fútbol pr
Colombia3 official sources
Ecuador6 official sources
- www.gob.ec/mdi/tramites/emision-permiso-operacion-companias-vigilancia-seguridad-privada
- gob.ec: Ley Organica de Vigilancia y Seguridad Privada, Registro Oficial Suplemento 496 (official PDF)
- gob.ec: Ley Organica de Vigilancia y Seguridad Privada (regulation record)
- Registro Oficial Suplemento 496 (copy hosted by Asobanca)
- gob.ec MDI: Permiso de funcionamiento de centros de formacion y capacitacion
- gob.ec: Acuerdo Ministerial Nro. 0091
Guyana3 official sources
Paraguay3 official sources
Peru3 official sources
Uruguay3 official sources
Europe 43 countries and territories
Central and Eastern Europe
Bulgaria2 official sources
Croatia2 official sources
Croatia licensing page →Last reviewed November 2026
Czech Republic2 official sources
Czech Republic licensing page →Last reviewed November 2026
Hungary8 official sources
- www.police.hu
- Act CXXXIII of 2005 (Hatályos Jogszabályok Gyűjteménye, net.jogtar.hu)
- SZVMSZK: Laws and case law (list of governing laws)
- SZVMSZK: Employment conditions (guard ID and training certificate requirements)
- SZVMSZK: 16-hour supplementary training basics
- SZVMSZK: 40-hour training basics
- SZVMSZK: Frequently asked questions
- SZVMSZK: Personal and property guard course
Moldova3 official sources
Poland5 official sources
- www.gov.pl/web/mswia/uzyskaj-koncesje-na-wykonywanie-dzialalnosci-gospodarczej-w-zakresie-uslug-ochrony-osob-i-mienia
- ELI: Ustawa z dnia 22 sierpnia 1997 r. o ochronie osób i mienia
- ELI: Consolidated text, Dz. U. 2025 poz. 532
- Consolidated act text (PDF)
- MSWiA concession application form
Romania4 official sources
- www.politiaromana.ro
- Law No. 333/2003, republished, Monitorul Oficial 189/2014 (legeaz.net)
- Government Decision No. 301/2012 approving the Methodological Norms (Romanian Intelligence Service copy)
- Methodological Norms for Law No. 333/2003 (Romanian Intelligence Service copy)
Slovakia3 official sources
Slovenia4 official sources
- www.gov.si/teme/zasebno-varovanje
- SPOT (Slovenian business point): Službena izkaznica, varnostnik (security guard service ID card)
- SPOT: Varnostnik (security guard profession)
- SPOT: Certifikat o licenci za varovanje ljudi in premoženja (licence for protection of people and property)
Northern Europe and the Baltics
Denmark3 official sources
Estonia2 official sources
Finland3 official sources
Iceland3 official sources
Latvia3 official sources
Norway4 official sources
- www.politiet.no/tjenester/vaktvirksomhet
- Curriculum: national basic training for security officers, version 3, Politiet
- Lovvedtak 62 (2022 to 2023), amendment to the Security Services Act, Stortinget
- Ministry of Justice commentary on the security services regulation, Politiet
Sweden1 official source
Southern Europe
Cyprus4 official sources
Greece5 official sources
Italy4 official sources
Malta3 official sources
Portugal2 official sources
San Marino3 official sources
- www.consigliograndeegenerale.sm/on-line/home/in-evidenza-in-home-page/documento17024335.html
- Consiglio Grande e Generale: Legge 21 settembre 2010 n.159, Modifiche al Decreto-Legge 26 ottobre 2009 n.148
- Consiglio Grande e Generale: committee report approving amendments to Decree-Law 148/2009 (16 July 2010)
SpainBy region3 regions
Regions
CataluñaDepartament d’Interior i Seguretat Pública (Generalitat de Catalunya) para empresas; Dirección General de la Policía para la habilitación de
País VascoDepartamento de Seguridad del Gobierno Vasco, Viceconsejería de Seguridad y Unidad de Seguridad Privada de la Ertzaintza, para empresas; Dir
Resto de España (régimen estatal)Ministerio del Interior, Dirección General de la Policía, Unidad Central de Seguridad Privada; Dirección General de la Guardia Civil para gu
Turkey2 official sources
United Kingdom, Ireland and Crown Dependencies
Channel Islands4 official sources
- www.gov.je/Industry/RetailHospitality/FoodDrink/Pages/DoorRegistrationScheme.aspx
- Government of Jersey: Door Registration Scheme Terms and Conditions (PDF)
- States of Guernsey: Liquor Licences
- States of Guernsey: Liquor Licensing (Guernsey) Ordinance, 2006, Training Manual for the Liquor Licensing Exam (June 202
Ireland3 official sources
Isle of Man1 official source
Isle of Man licensing page →Last reviewed November 2026
United KingdomBy jurisdiction3 jurisdictions
Jurisdictions
England and WalesSecurity Industry Authority (SIA)
ScotlandSecurity Industry Authority (SIA)
Western Balkans
Albania2 official sources
Bosnia and HerzegovinaBy entity3 entities
National
Entities
Federacija Bosne i HercegovineKantonalna ministarstva unutrašnjih poslova (odobrenje za rad agencija, službene iskaznice) i Federalno ministarstvo unutrašnjih poslova (ob
Republika SrpskaMinistarstvo unutrašnjih poslova Republike Srpske
Brčko distriktPolicija Brčko distrikta BiH
Montenegro2 official sources
North Macedonia3 official sources
Serbia2 official sources
Western Europe
Andorra2 official sources
Austria2 official sources
Belgium5 official sources
France5 official sources
- www.cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr
- Service-Public.fr : Activités privées de sécurité (F24426)
- Légifrance : Code de la sécurité intérieure, article L612-20
- CNAPS : Se former aux métiers de la sécurité privée
- CNAPS : Informations relatives au maintien et à l’actualisation des compétences (MAC)
Germany4 official sources
Liechtenstein4 official sources
Luxembourg2 official sources
Monaco2 official sources
Netherlands9 official sources
- www.justis.nl/producten/particuliere-beveiliging-en-recherche
- Justis: Vergunning aanvragen
- Justis: Toestemming medewerkers
- Justis: Opleidingseisen
- Justis: Wat is de Wpbr
- Wpbr full text (wetten.overheid.nl)
- Wet wapens en munitie full text (wetten.overheid.nl)
- Ondernemersplein: Toestemming en legitimatiebewijs voor medewerkers
- Ondernemersplein: Stappenplan particulier beveiligingsbedrijf starten
SwitzerlandBy canton26 cantons
Cantons
ZürichSicherheitsdirektion Kanton Zürich, Beglaubigungen und Gewerbebewilligungen
BernKantonspolizei Bern
LuzernLuzerner Polizei, Fachbereich Waffen und Sprengstoffe (im Auftrag des zuständigen Departements)
UriSicherheitsdirektion Uri (Bewilligungsbehörde), Kantonspolizei Uri (Gesuchsprüfung und Aufsicht)
SchwyzKantonspolizei Schwyz (nur Ermächtigung nach Hooligan-Konkordat)
ObwaldenRegierungsrat des Kantons Obwalden
NidwaldenKantonspolizei Nidwalden (als Bewilligungsbehörde nach KÜPS bezeichnet)
GlarusKantonspolizei Glarus (Aufsicht); zuständiges Departement (Verbot oder Entzug)
ZugKeine kantonale Bewilligungsbehörde für private Sicherheitsdienste
FreiburgKantonspolizei Freiburg (Vollzug), unter Aufsicht der zuständigen kantonalen Direktion
SolothurnPolizei Kanton Solothurn
Basel-StadtKantonspolizei Basel-Stadt
Basel-LandschaftPolizei Basel-Landschaft, Sicherheitsdirektion
SchaffhausenSchaffhauser Polizei
Appenzell AusserrhodenPolizeikommando Appenzell Ausserrhoden (Kantonspolizei)
Appenzell InnerrhodenStandeskommission Appenzell Innerrhoden
St. GallenKantonspolizei St.Gallen, Abteilung SIWAS
GraubündenKantonspolizei Graubünden
AargauKantonspolizei Aargau, Fachstelle SIWAS (Sicherheitsdienste, Waffen, Sprengstoffe)
ThurgauDepartement für Justiz und Sicherheit; Kantonspolizei Thurgau, Fachstelle Waffen, Sprengstoffe und private polizeiähnliche Tätigkeiten
TessinPolizia cantonale, Servizio armi, esplosivi e sicurezza privata (Dipartimento delle istituzioni)
WaadtPolice cantonale vaudoise, Bureau de la sécurité privée
WallisZuständige kantonale Behörde des Kantons Wallis gemäss Art. 7 CES und Règlement sur les entreprises de sécurité
NeuenburgPolice neuchâteloise, Sécurité privée
GenfBrigade des armes, de la sécurité privée et des explosifs (BASPE), Service cantonal
JuraPolice cantonale jurassienne, Bureau des armes, alarmes et entreprises de sécurité (AAES)
Africa 31 countries and territories
Central Africa
Burundi2 official sources
Cameroon2 official sources
Gabon3 official sources
- GabonReview: Securite privee, le ministere de l’Interieur lance une vaste operation de controle et de regularisation (De
- Gabon Media Time: 93 societes de securite privee sommees de se conformer a la legislation (June 2026)
- Gabon Media Time: Vers une regulation stricte des societes de securite privee et de transport de biens (Jan 2025)
Sao Tome and Principe0 official sources
East Africa and the Indian Ocean
Djibouti1 official source
Djibouti licensing page →Last reviewed November 2026
Kenya1 official source
Madagascar2 official sources
Mauritius4 official sources
- police.govmu.org/police/?page_id=5599
- Mauritius Police Force: Guidelines for a New Application or Renewal of Private Security Service Provider Licence
- Mauritius Police Force: Application Forms
- Mauritius Police Force: Guidelines for Application for Firearm Licence
Mayotte6 official sources
- www.cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr/Nous-contacter/Identifiez-votre-delegation-territoriale-ou-votre-antenne-du-CNAPS/Liste-des-
- CNAPS, Exercer le métier d’agent de sécurité privée
- CNAPS, Se former aux métiers de la sécurité privée
- CNAPS FAQ, Demande de titre et dépôt de dossier
- CNAPS FAQ, Devenez agent privé de sécurité
- CNAPS, Agréer votre entreprise de sécurité privée
Reunion8 official sources
- www.cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr/Nous-contacter/Identifiez-votre-delegation-territoriale-ou-votre-antenne-du-CNAPS/Liste-des-
- CNAPS, Exercer le métier d’agent de sécurité privée
- CNAPS, Se former aux métiers de la sécurité privée
- CNAPS FAQ, Demande de titre et dépôt de dossier
- CNAPS FAQ, Devenez agent privé de sécurité
- CNAPS, Agréer votre entreprise de sécurité privée
- CNAPS, official website
- Prefecture of La Reunion, Les sous-préfectures
Rwanda2 official sources
Uganda2 official sources
Uganda licensing page →Last reviewed November 2026
North Africa
Algeria1 official source
Tunisia4 official sources
- www.interieur.gov.tn
- Loi n° 2002-81 du 3 août 2002 (consolidated text with 2008-14 amendments), legislation-securite.tn
- Décret n° 2003-1090 du 13 mai 2003, legislation-securite.tn
- Arrêté du ministre de l’intérieur du 11 juin 2003 (uniform), legislation-securite.tn
Southern Africa
Angola4 official sources
Botswana3 official sources
Lesotho5 official sources
- www.gov.ls/eservice/application-for-registration-of-private-security-companies
- Government of Lesotho: Issuance of registration certificates (new)
- Government of Lesotho: Compliance inspection, Board of Private Security Companies and Registrar
- The Reporter: Unfair treatment of security guards condemned (January 2026)
- Lesotho Times: Security companies form union (December 2016)
Mozambique3 official sources
Namibia3 official sources
South Africa4 official sources
Zimbabwe1 official source
West Africa
Cabo Verde3 official sources
- boe.incv.cv/Bulletins/DownloadAct?id=100675
- Boletim Oficial de Cabo Verde, I Série n.º 24, 14 April 2015 (Lei n.º 86/VIII/2015 on video surveillance, applying to pr
- Boletim Oficial de Cabo Verde, I Série n.º 30, 16 May 2018 (Resolução 42/2018 and Portaria conjunta 15/2018, civil requi
Cote Divoire7 official sources
- www.interieur.gouv.ci/ministere/missions
- Décret n° 2005-73 du 3 février 2005, index (Loidici legal database)
- Décret n° 2005-73, Titre premier, general provisions, Arts. 1 to 10 (Loidici)
- Décret n° 2005-73, Chapitre premier, personnel, Arts. 11 to 22 (Loidici)
- Décret n° 2005-73, Chapitre 2, equipment and weapons, Arts. 23 to 33 (Loidici)
- Décret n° 2005-73, Titre III, operations, Arts. 34 to 38 (Loidici)
- Décret n° 2005-73, Titre VI, transitional and final provisions, Arts. 54 to 57 (Loidici)
Gambia6 official sources
- moi.gov.gm
- Ministry of the Interior: Private Security
- Office of National Security: Security Legislation
- The Point: MoI and partners review Private Security Companies Act 2011
- The Point: New bill seeks to regulate private security guard companies (2011)
- The Standard: Interior sends closure notices to 12 security companies (2017)
Ghana6 official sources
- www.mint.gov.gh/services/licensing-of-private-security-organization
- Interior Ministry directs private security personnel to get licence, Graphic Online (Dec 2014)
- Private security organisations prohibited from possessing firearms, Ghana News Agency (June 2026)
- Comply with regulations or face arrest, Interior Ministry cautions private security firms, Graphic Online (June 2024)
- Police arrest private security personnel for violating Security Regulation, GhanaWeb (Aug 2017)
- No new licences for private security organisations, MyJoyOnline (Apr 2008)
Guinea3 official sources
Liberia4 official sources
- www.liberianobserver.com/news/security/private-security-sector-needs-stronger-regulation/article_c67ad41b-9da9-4936-9aff
- Ministry of Justice: Public Safety Division
- Local Voices Liberia: Security firm wants private guards to carry small firearms (8 June 2017)
- UNIDIR (2020): Weapons and Ammunition Management Country Insight, Liberia
Nigeria3 official sources
Senegal7 official sources
- interieur.gouv.sn
- Vie Publique Senegal: Law No. 1978/40 of 6 July 1978 on private police activities and prior authorization
- Vie Publique Senegal: Law record, private police activities and prior authorization (legislative history)
- Vie Publique Senegal: Journal Officiel No. 6136 of 29 November 2003 (index lists Decree No. 2003-447)
- Le Soleil: Sécurité privée au Sénégal, l’État encadre le secteur (19 Feb 2026)
- Seneweb: Ce que contient le projet de loi pour réguler les sociétés de sécurité privée
- Ndarinfo: Le Sénégal se dote d’un organe de contrôle pour la sécurité privée
Sierra Leone3 official sources
- AYV News: First convictions under the National Security and Central Intelligence Act 2023 for running an unauthorised pr
- Aberystwyth University: Private security country report, Sierra Leone
- Business and Human Rights Resource Centre: Regulating Private Security in Sierra Leone (Ralby, 2010)
Togo1 official source
Asia 31 countries and territories
Central Asia and the Caucasus
Armenia2 official sources
Azerbaijan4 official sources
- mia.gov.az/az/menu/29767
- Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan: Service providers list
- Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan: Special permit to acquire and store service and civil weapons
- e-qanun.az record of Administrative Regulation Q77-001-12
Georgia (country)3 official sources
Kazakhstan5 official sources
- www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/activities/10763?lang=en
- Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan: official page
- Law “On Security Activity” No. 85-II, full text (unofficial copy, pavlodar.com)
- Law “On Security Activity” No. 85-II, Article 5 (unofficial copy, pavlodar.com)
- Bes.media: Tokayev signed law tightening rules for security organizations (12 February 2026)
Kyrgyzstan3 official sources
- mvd.gov.kg
- Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic, Centralized Database of Legal Information: record of Law No. 35 of 1 July 19
- Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic, Centralized Database of Legal Information: Law No. 35, edition of 25.11.2022
Tajikistan5 official sources
- www.vkd.tj
- Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan: Draft Law “On Protective Activity”
- Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan: Laws of the Republic of Tajikistan
- Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan: Laws list, page 2 (includes Law “On Militsiya”)
- Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan: Law “On Militsiya”
Uzbekistan1 official source
East Asia
China1 official source
Hong Kong10 official sources
- www.sb.gov.hk/eng/links/sgsia/index.html
- SGSIA: How to apply for a Security Personnel Permit
- SGSIA: Security Personnel Permit, four categories of security work
- Hong Kong Police: Criteria for Security Personnel Permit applications
- Hong Kong Police: Commissioner’s policy on criminal convictions for SPP applicants (1 April 2003)
- Hong Kong Police: Relaxation of upper age limit for Category B SPP
- LCQ12: Security Personnel Permit (Government press release, 13 March 2024)
- SGSIA: Quality Assurance System recognised training courses
- SGSIA: Quality Assured In-house Training scheme
- SGSIA: Security Company Licence
Japan2 official sources
Macau3 official sources
Mongolia4 official sources
- police.gov.mn
- Law on Personal Protection (Хувийн хамгаалалтын тухай хууль), legalinfo.mn
- Legalinfo.mn: Unified Legal Information System of Mongolia
- A Comparative Study of Private Security Regulations of Mongolia, Belgium and the United Kingdom, Asian Journal of Social
South Korea1 official source
South Korea licensing page →Last reviewed November 2026
Middle East
Bahrain5 official sources
- www.bahrain.bh/wps/portal/en/BNP/ServicesCatalogue/GSX-UI-PServiceDetails?psID=1806
- Bahrain Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission: Law No. 24 of 2006 (Arabic)
- News of Bahrain (14 November 2019): Unlicensed private security guards arrested (cites Law No. 24 of 2006)
- News of Bahrain (17 October 2026): draft private security law, security jobs reserved for Bahrainis
- Gulf Daily News (15 October 2026): Hefty fine, jail proposed for illegal security companies
Qatar2 official sources
Saudi Arabia5 official sources
- www.moi.gov.sa
- Private Civil Security Guarding Law (Royal Decree M/24, 1426 H), copy hosted by King Khalid University
- Saudipedia: Law of Private Security Services
- Lexis Middle East: KSA private security guard services law amended (May 2025)
- Gulf News: Saudi Arabia tightens private security law, mandates 24-hour guards for key sectors
United Arab EmiratesBy emirate7 emirates
Emirates
Abu Dhabiوزارة الداخلية، إدارة تنظيم شركات الأمن الخاصة
Dubaiمؤسسة تنظيم الصناعة الأمنية (SIRA)
Sharjahوزارة الداخلية، إدارة تنظيم شركات الأمن الخاصة
Ajmanوزارة الداخلية، إدارة تنظيم شركات الأمن الخاصة
Umm Al Quwainوزارة الداخلية، إدارة تنظيم شركات الأمن الخاصة
Ras Al Khaimahوزارة الداخلية، إدارة تنظيم شركات الأمن الخاصة
Fujairahوزارة الداخلية، إدارة تنظيم شركات الأمن الخاصة
South Asia
Bangladesh3 official sources
Bhutan2 official sources
IndiaBy state36 states and union territories
States and union territories
Andhra PradeshControlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, designated by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Home Depar
Arunachal PradeshControlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, designated by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Home De
AssamJoint Secretary to the Government of Assam, Home and Political Department, Dispur (Controlling Authority)
BiharControlling Authority, Home Department, Government of Bihar (officer not below Special Secretary rank)
ChhattisgarhControlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, designated by the Government of Chhattisgarh, Home Departm
GoaDepartment of Home, Government of Goa (Controlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005)
GujaratState Controlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (Government of Gujarat)
HaryanaAdditional Director General of Police, Controlling Authority for Haryana (Haryana Police)
Himachal PradeshState Controlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (Government of Himachal Pradesh)
JharkhandState Controlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (Government of Jharkhand)
KarnatakaState Controlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (Home Department, Government of Karnataka)
KeralaState Controlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (Government of Kerala)
Madhya PradeshControlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, Department of Home, Government of Madhya Pradesh
MaharashtraControlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, Home Department, Government of Maharashtra; Security Guard
ManipurControlling Authority appointed by the Government of Manipur under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005
MeghalayaADGP (Hqr/Adm), Meghalaya Police, designated Controlling Authority
MizoramControlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, Home Department, Government of Mizoram
NagalandControlling Authority appointed by the Government of Nagaland under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005
OdishaControlling Authority appointed by the Government of Odisha (Home Department)
PunjabControlling Authority appointed by the Government of Punjab under section 3 of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005
RajasthanControlling Authority, Director General of Police, Home Guards, Rajasthan, Jaipur (Home Guards Department)
SikkimControlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (Home Department, Government of Sikkim; appeals to the Home
Tamil NaduTamil Nadu Police, acting for the Controlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005
TelanganaControlling Authority appointed by the Government of Telangana under section 3 of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005
TripuraControlling Authority designated by the Government of Tripura under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005
Uttar PradeshControlling Authority, Private Security Agency cell, Uttar Pradesh Police Headquarters, Lucknow
UttarakhandControlling Authority designated by the Government of Uttarakhand under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005
West BengalControlling Authority, Home and Hill Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal
DelhiControlling Authority, Home Department, Government of NCT of Delhi
Jammu and KashmirControlling Authority, Home Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir
LadakhControlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005: Director General of Police, Union Territory of Ladakh (des
- cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in
- Ladakh Gazette Extraordinary, S.O. 66, designation of Controlling Authority (13 June 2025)
- Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (India Code)
- Private Security Agencies Central Model Rules, 2020 (Ministry of Home Affairs)
- Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2604 (19 December 2023)
PuducherryControlling Authority under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, designated by the Home Department, Government of Puducherr
ChandigarhOffice of the Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh (designated officer: Additional Deputy Commissioner), with police NOC from the Chandigarh Poli
Andaman and Nicobar IslandsControlling Authority designated by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and DiuControlling Authority designated by the UT Administration of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Home Department; Department of Police
LakshadweepControlling Authority designated by the Lakshadweep Administration under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005
PakistanBy province5 provinces and territories
National
Provinces and territories
SindhHome Department, Government of Sindh (Licensing Authority: Secretary of the Department; Office of the Registrar)
Khyber PakhtunkhwaHome and Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Licensing Officer)
BalochistanHome Department, Government of Balochistan (Competent Authority: Home Secretary Balochistan; Licensing Officer)
Islamabad Capital TerritoryChief Commissioner Office, ICT Administration (Home Branch (Security), Director (Admin))
Sri Lanka6 official sources
- www.defence.lk/Services/privates_security_agencies
- Gazette Extraordinary No. 2321/05: revised fees under Act No. 45 of 1998
- Regulation of Private Security Agencies Act (srilankalaw.lk, partial text)
- Ministry of Defence: Cabinet-approved measures on private security institutions (26 February 2026)
- Ada Derana: Defence Ministry updates conditions on registration of private security agencies (27 September 2023)
- The Morning: Cabinet approves tighter regulation of private security agencies (25 February 2026)
Southeast Asia
Brunei4 official sources
Cambodia5 official sources
- www.interior.gov.kh
- Security Today: Cambodian Ministry delists bankrupt private security firms (Sub-Decree No. 289 of 31 January 2013, Artic
- Security Today: Cambodia police chief says private guards cannot use state uniforms (Article 16, Department of Private S
- Open Development Mekong: Sub-decree No. 03 on security management in crowded residential areas (5 January 2026)
- Andersen in Cambodia: January 2026 Legislative Developments Digest (Sub-Decree No. 03)
Indonesia2 official sources
Indonesia licensing page →Last reviewed November 2026
Malaysia5 official sources
Philippines1 official source
Philippines licensing page →Last reviewed November 2026
Singapore5 official sources
- www.police.gov.sg/e-Services/Police-Licences/Security-Officer-Licence
- Security Agency Licence, Singapore Police Force
- Security Progressive Wage Model Requirements, Singapore Police Force
- Security Officer General Licensing Conditions (revised 12 December 2024), Singapore Police Force
- Progressive Wage Model for the security sector, Ministry of Manpower
Thailand4 official sources
Timor Leste4 official sources
- mj.gov.tl/jornal/public/docs/2019/serie_1/SERIE_I_NO_27.pdf
- Council of Ministers meeting of 8 July 2014 (approval of the Legal Regime of Private Security)
- Jornal da Republica Serie I No. 35 (2015): Decree-Law No. 35/2015, Organic Law of the Ministry of the Interior
- Small Arms Survey, Timor-Leste Armed Violence Assessment: Private Security Companies
Vietnam5 official sources
- bocongan.gov.vn
- Can Tho City legal education portal: competent authorities under Decree 58/2026 amending Decree 96/2016
- Decree 96/2016/ND-CP (text, Thu Vien Phap Luat)
- Decree 58/2026/ND-CP (English text, LuatVietnam)
- Government policy portal (chinhphu.vn): the 34 provincial-level units from 12 June 2025
Oceania 9 countries and territories
Australia and New Zealand
AustraliaBy state8 states and territories
States and territories
New South WalesNSW Police Force, Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate (SLED)
- www.police.nsw.gov.au
- NSW Police Force: Class 1 licences
- NSW Police Force: Am I eligible for a Class 1 licence
- NSW Police Force: What training do I need for a Class 1 licence
- Service NSW: Apply for a security operative licence
- Service NSW: Apply for a security master licence
- NSW Legislation: Security Industry Act 1997
VictoriaVictoria Police, Licensing and Regulation Division
- www.police.vic.gov.au
- Victoria Police: Private security
- Victoria Police: Private security eligibility requirements and training
- Victoria Police: Private security authority types
- Victoria Police: Apply for a new private security licence
- Victoria Police: Renew your private security licence
- Victoria Police: Firearms licensing for security guards
QueenslandOffice of Fair Trading, Queensland
- www.qld.gov.au
- Queensland Government: Security industry regulation
- Queensland Government: Apply for an unarmed security officer licence
- Queensland Government: Training required to be an unarmed security officer
- Queensland Government: Ongoing requirements for unarmed security officers
- Queensland Government: Ongoing requirements for crowd controllers
- Queensland Government: Apply for a security firm licence
- Queensland Government: Security industry breaches and penalties
Western AustraliaWestern Australia Police Force, Licensing Services (Security)
South AustraliaConsumer and Business Services (CBS), Government of South Australia
TasmaniaConsumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS), Department of Justice, Tasmania
Australian Capital TerritoryAccess Canberra, ACT Government
Northern TerritoryNorthern Territory Government, Director-General of Licensing (applications through Territory Business Centres)
New Zealand6 official sources
Pacific Islands
Fiji4 official sources
French Polynesia4 official sources
- www.cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr
- Legifrance: Code de la securite interieure, Article L645-1 (French Polynesia)
- Legifrance: Code de la securite interieure, Article R645-3 (French Polynesia)
- Legifrance: Code de la securite interieure, Article L612-20 (professional card conditions)
Nauru5 official sources
- pacliirms.austlii.edu.au/nr/legis/num_act/psa2012217
- Private Security (Forms and Fees) Regulations 2019, Nauru Government Gazette No. 33 of 2019
- Nauru Government Gazette No. 388 of 2024, security licence expiry and renewal notice
- Nauru Government Gazette No. 412 of 2024, security licence expiry and renewal notice
- Nauru Government Gazette No. 483 of 2024, security licence expiry and renewal notice
New Caledonia4 official sources
- www.cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr
- Legifrance: Code de la securite interieure, Article L646-1 (New Caledonia)
- Legifrance: Code de la securite interieure, Article L612-20 (professional card conditions)
- Government of New Caledonia: ASPQ professional reference, version 2024
Papua New Guinea2 official sources
Tonga1 official source
Wallis and Futuna6 official sources
- www.wallis-et-futuna.gouv.fr/Demarches/Securite-privee-CNAPS
- Préfecture of Wallis and Futuna: Form CP-WF, professional card application
- Préfecture of Wallis and Futuna: Form AUT-AGS-WF, company authorisation to operate
- Préfecture of Wallis and Futuna: Armes et munitions
- Préfecture of Wallis and Futuna: Circonscription d’Uvéa (menu also lists Alo and Sigave)
- CNAPS home page
No match. Try a country name, or contact McCray.
United States requirements, with official sources for every state, are listed on each state page and on the McCray Licenses page. Canadian provincial licences are listed on Canadian Security Licences.
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