In order to be a security officer, you’ll need a security license. If you’re wondering how to get one, check out our previous blogs titled How to get a Security License. But did you know that after a certain period of time, security licenses expire? Here, we provide a basic rundown on everything you need to know about renewing.
Most provinces have regulations surrounding the type of security professions that require a license. In many provinces, that includes the following:
- Security guard/officer
- Bodyguard
- Bouncer
- Loss prevention officer
A license ensures a person meets all legislative and training requirements both of which allow you to represent yourself as a security worker. In many provinces, there are regulations on who can apply for a security license as well:
- Must be 18 or 19 years of age (varies per province)
- Must be a Canadian citizen or legally allowed to work in Canada
- Must not be an active member of the police service
- Have no disqualifying criminal history
Renewal Applications
If you work in the security industry, it’s a necessity to renew your license before it expires if you want to keep working. If you let your license expire, you will be unable to work, and it could lead to escalated action by the provincial governing bodies.
License renewal time varies from province to province. In Nova Scotia, your license is valid for one year and always expires on March 31, while in other parts of the country, the expiry is attached to your birthday. A license is generally valid for one to three years.
You can renew your license as early as three months before it expires, but in very rare cases, it can be done on short notice, however waiting this long to renew is not recommended. If you completed basic training and passed the test when originally applying, you are not required to do so again when renewing. At Paladin Security, in addition to the notification that is provided by security programs, we send emails directly to staff 90-60-30-7 days out to remind officers they need to renew.
What You’ll Need to Renew
You’ll need a handful of documents to renew your license. In B.C., the following are required:
- Secure access code (provided in your reminder letter from the Registrar)
- Your security license number
In Alberta, it’s a slightly more detailed process. The province requires a mandatory criminal record check, vulnerable sector search, and local police database search. You’ll also need to provide photocopies of the following documents:
- Canadian photo ID
- Approved training course certificate
- 40-hour baton use-of-force training certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size colour photo
Other provinces may require original photos (not copies) and two pieces of identification, such as a birth certificate and passport. You'll also need your license number, expiry date of your current license, and the completed application form. Expect a criminal record check to be done prior to each renewal.
How do I get a Criminal Record Check for my Security Guard License?
In Ontario, when you fill out an application form to renew your security license, you’ll be asked to give consent to a police information and criminal record check. These security checks are included in the cost of renewing your license. When you’re ready to apply for a license, simply check off the box that provides the government of Ontario permission to run them.
Updating Information on your Licence
In addition to meeting the documentation requirements to renew your license, you will need to confirm your personal information, address, and marital status. If any personal information has changed since you last renewed your license, you must notify the ministry.
In Ontario, you must notify the ministry if:
- Your contact information changes (i.e. name change, status of marriage, or a new address).
You have been convicted or found guilty of an offence listed under Ontario Regulation 37/08 (Eligibility to Hold a Licence – Clean Criminal Record) within five days of the conviction/findings of guilt.
Cost
As with the rules behind renewing your security license, the cost varies too. In New Brunswick, it’s $50 to renew your license, in Ontario, it’s $80, and in Alberta, it’s $100. Although it’s uncommon in our industry, Paladin Security pays for or reimburses officers when they renew their security license.
Moving Provinces
A question we get asked a lot is if you have to apply for a new license when moving provinces if you hold a valid one in your current province of residence. While the answer is not simple, there is one part that is clear. You do need to apply for a new license in the province you will be moving to, but the requirements on what you have to do to get it, differ. Some provinces ask you to do the test and training again, while others don’t. Make sure you have the documents listed above handy to ensure a smooth application process.
How to Renew
If you plan to mail a paper application, it takes 6-8 weeks for applications to be processed. Submitting an online application significantly reduces the time it takes to renew your license. Individuals applying online can renew their license in two weeks. You’ll receive a digital license card that can be used right away, and an original license card in the mail within eight weeks.
Paladin Security operates in the following provinces. Click the links to find out more about how to renew where you live.
Start Building a Rewarding Security Career with Paladin
Ready to take your security guard career to the next level? When you become a Paladin Security Officer, all your licensing costs are completely covered.
Paladin doesn’t believe you should have to pay to do your job — which is why company-paid training and all necessary equipment and uniforms are also provided, free of charge.
Interested in becoming a security guard with the fastest growing and most reputable security company in Canada? Start your application today.