Obtaining a security licence in Canada

To work as a security guard in Canada, you must hold a valid security guard licence. As is the case with other spheres of work, the regulations may vary in different provinces. This article will cover the basics of obtaining a security guard licence in Ontario.

Table of contents

• Security licence eligibility
• Training and testing requirements
• Documents to prepare before applying for a security licence in Canada
• Photo requirements for Ontario security guard license
• Ways to apply for a security guard licence in Ontario
• Get a photo for Ontario Canada security guard license

Security licence eligibility

To be eligible to work as a security guard and apply for a licence, one must:

• be at least 18 years old;
• be legally entitled to work in Canada
• have a clean criminal record according to the regulations
• complete the mandatory basic training and test for security guards;
• have proof of test completion valid in Ontario (testing completion number from your mandatory test).

You will need to prove your eligibility by documents during your application.

Training and testing requirements

Here are the steps you need to complete before applying for a licence in terms of training and testing:

1. Complete a qualified training course (40 hours) at a competent training authority;
2. Book a security guard exam (applicable fee depends on your region) and pass it;
3. Apply for a security guard licence, with an application fee.

Documents to prepare before applying for a security licence in Canada

Here are the documents you need to apply for a security guard licence in Ontario:

• A photo fulfilling photo requirements;
• Copies of both sides of two official identification documents:
  • Choose one of these IDs to prove your identity:
    • Valid driver’s licence;
    • Any valid passport;
    • Ontario Photo Card;
    • Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (card with photo);
    • Certificate of Indian Status;
    • Canadian Department of National Defence Identification Card (issued within the last five years).
  • Choose one of these IDs to prove your eligibility to work in Canada:
    • Canadian birth certificate;
    • Certificate of Canadian Citizenship;
    • Canadian passport;
    • Permanent Resident Card/Confirmation of Permanent Residence;
    • Naturalization card (issued before January 1, 1974);
    • Valid work permit;
    • Record of Landing (IMM 1000);
    • Certificate of Indian Status;
    • Retention certificate;
    • Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad.
• A guarantor to review your submitted documents and fill out a Guarantor Information Form. The guarantor must be:
  • At least 18 years old;
  • Accessible by phone;
  • Someone who has known you personally for at least two years;
  • Able to confirm basic personal information about you (for example, your name, age, physical description and background).
• Your Ontario testing completion number;
• CA$80 fee for private investigator licence paid by:
  • If online: credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard), InteracOnline;
  • If applying by mail: bank draft, money order (postal or bank), or certified cheque.

Photo requirements for Ontario security guard license

You must apply with a passport-quality photograph that fulfills these requirements:

• The size must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high;
• The height of the face in the photo should be between 31 mm (1 1/4 inches) and 36 mm (1 7/16 inches) from your chin to the crown of your head;
• The photo background must be plain solid white with no shadows or foreign objects;
• The photo must be clear, with no blurring or pixelation;
• You must be looking straight into the camera with a neutral expression and open eyes;
• Your face must contrast well with the background;
• Your face must be centred in the photo, with shoulders visible;
• Prescription glasses are allowed. Ensure the lenses are not tinted, and the glasses do not obscure your face.

Here is an example:

Ways to apply for a security guard licence in Ontario

Online

You can apply online by filling out the necessary forms and submitting the required documents on ServiceOntario.

Apply by mail

To submit your application by mail, send your application package to the ServiceOntario Occupational Licensing Services Office in Kingston, Ontario.

Get a photo for Ontario Canada security guard license

Security guard licence photos have specific formatting requirements, which may be a hassle for applicants. However, you may trust this task to professionals without getting out of your home.

Visafoto has been helping people get their photos fit for passports and various national documents worldwide since 2013, and it can help you save time. Just take a picture of yourself following the guidance above and upload it to our tool below. Visafoto will take care of the technicalities such as background, size, and proportions.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.

Whether you need your photo digital or printed, Visafoto has you covered. Besides a digital file containing one photo, you will also get a template ready for printing.