What's the nature of your enquiry?

SLED processes your payment to begin the application process. The application process takes about six to eight weeks.

You will be informed in writing once your application has been approved.

Yes. You have 42 days from the day you lodge your application to provide a copy of your NSW Security Licence Course qualification to SLED. Once we receive your qualification we will continue processing your application. If the qualification is not received within 42 days your application may be refused.

Your security operative licence comes into force when you are photographed at a Service NSW Centre for your licence. You cannot commence the security activities authorised by the licence until you receive your new security licence card unless notified by SLED.

Class 1 licence applicants, except those applying for a 1E licence subclass, must provide evidence of:

• successfully completing the applicable NSW Security Licence Course through a NSW Approved Organisation
• holding the required first aid qualification.

Details of each Licence Course, including first aid requirements, is contained in the NSW Security Licence Courses fact sheet (PDF).

You can view the list of Approved Organisations that run NSW Security Licence Courses here.

For more information, click here to visit the Security Training page.

Once your fingerprints are taken SLED conducts probity checks to determine if you have a NSW or national criminal record. This takes four to six weeks to complete.

If your licence is granted you will receive a Photograph Advice letter via email. You then have 60 days to take the Photograph Advice letter to a Service NSW centre to have your photograph taken.

Please ensure you have provided your current email address to SLED so you can receive your Photograph Advice letter quickly and easily.

To be a self-employed security operative you need to have both a security Master licence and the appropriate security operative licence. Read more about Master licences here, more about Class 1 licence here and more about Class 2 security licences here.

You can renew your Class 1 licence online from eight weeks before the licence expires.

Once the expiry date passes, you have up to 90 days to submit your renewal application. Late payment fees apply and must be paid when you submit your application. You are unlicensed until your licence has been renewed.

You cannot renew your licence once the 90 days have passed. If you want to continue to work in the security industry, you will need to submit a new application, including evidence that you meet the current security licence course training requirements.

If you’re not able to apply online, you can download an application form from the SLED website and post in your application. See a full list of application forms here.

Unarmed security operatives do not have to wear a uniform while carrying out security activities. However, if you are an armed security operative, you must wear a uniform while carrying out security activities. See more information about security uniforms here.

Licence holders must comply with all instructions from Enforcement Officers, whether written or verbal.

Enforcement Officers have the power to issue fines and court attendance notices to licence holders who fail to comply with their instructions.

You may be liable for a maximum $11,000 fine if you obstruct, hinder or interfere while enforcement officers are carrying out their duties. You can also be fined for failing to comply with any requirement of an Enforcement Officer.

There are several people and occupations that can certify your documents for your application:

• An accountant (member of a recognised professional accounting body or a Registered Tax Agent)
• A person listed on the roll of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory or the High Court of Australia as a legal practitioner
• A barrister, solicitor or patent attorney
• A police officer
• A postal manager
• A principal of an Australian secondary college, high school or primary school
• A medical practitioner
• A Justice of the Peace (with a registration number in the State in which they are registered)
• A minister of religion (registered under Subdivision A of Division 1 of Part IV of the Marriage Act 1961).

The certified copy must include the statement "I certify that this is a true copy of the original document". The certifier must also include their full name, signature, date, registration number (if any) and qualification or occupation which makes them eligible to certify documents, on each of the photocopied identification documents.

If your security licence card has been lost or stolen, you have seven days to file a report with police and obtain an event number. You can report your licence card lost/stolen through the NSW Police Force Community Portal at www.police.nsw.gov.au. If you are unable to report online, you can call the Police Assistance Line on 131444. You then have 14 days to apply for a replacement licence via Service NSW.

If your security licence card has been damaged or destroyed, you have seven days to inform SLED. You then have 14 days to apply for a replacement licence via Service NSW.

Security licences cannot be transferred between states or from New Zealand to Australia. However, individuals who hold an interstate security licence may apply for the equivalent NSW licence in accordance with the requirements of the Commonwealth Mutual Recognition legislation.

SLED will contact the interstate licensing body to verify the statements or information provided in the application. SLED may grant or refuse the application, or postpone a decision for up to six months, in accordance with the Commonwealth legislation. Click here for more information about the Mutual Recognition Scheme.

To surrender your NSW security operative licence, send us an email to sled@police.nsw.gov.au including your name, your contact details and your licence number and state that you wish to surrender your licence.

You must also hand in your licence card at a NSW police station or post it to SLED at:

Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate

Locked Bag 5099

Parramatta NSW 2124

If money and other valuables are being transported within a building, for example between a gaming room and an office at a pub or club, then a 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) licence is not required. These activities can be carried on by a 1A (Security Officer) licensee, or a 1F (Armed Guard) licensee if armed and while holding the appropriate firearms licence.

Similarly, only a 1A licence, or 1F licence if armed,  is required to transport money and other valuables between buildings on the same geographical site, for example a university campus, unless the transportation requires movement across public roads.

A 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) licence is required to transport money and other valuables at all other times. If carrying on this activity while armed, the 1F licence (and appropriate firearms licence) must also be held.

SLED conducts probity checks for all security licence applicants to ensure only appropriate people are granted a licence.

If you're on a visa and have lived in a country other than Australia for more than 12 months in the past 10 years you must have a Police Clearance Certificate from that country.

The certificate must have been issued within 12 months of your licence application, be translated into English (if applicable) and must be verified by that country’s embassy or consulate in Australia.

Yes. The certificate must have been issued within 12 months of your licence application, be translated into English (if applicable) and must be verified by the country’s embassy or consulate in Australia.

No, you don't. This requirement does not apply to you.

ISecurity operative licensees can change or add subclasses to their security licence online via Service NSW.

To be eligible to add a subclasses/es to your licence, you must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident, or hold:

• a visa sponsored by a Master security licence holder, or
• a visa for a skilled occupation that corresponds to the activities authorised by the proposed licence.

If you don't match one of these criteria, you cannot add subclasses to your licence.

Please ensure you attach copies of the required training documents if you’re adding any of the following subclasses to your existing licence:

• 1A (Security Officer)
• 1B (Bodyguard)
• 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard)
• 1D (Guard Dog Handler)
• 1F (Armed Guard)
• 2A (Security Consultant)
• 2D (Security Trainer)
• 2E (Private Investigator)

You can find more information about security training requirements here on our website.

If you cannot apply online, you need to fill in the P645 Amend, vary or replace an existing Class 1 and/or Class 2 licence form and post it to SLED  at:

Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate

Locked bag 5099

Parramatta NSW 2124

Note: If your licence has been issued under Mutual Recognition legislation, call the SLED Contact Centre on 1300 362 001 for information on how to add or delete subclasses to your licence.

Adding subclasses and renewing licences require two separate transactions and two separate payments. You can renew your licence online via Service NSW. Click here to renew your licence.

To add, change or delete subclasses from your security licence, you need to fill in the P645 Amend, vary or replace an existing Class 1 and/or Class 2 licence form and mail it to SLED at:

Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate

Locked bag 5099

Parramatta NSW 2124

Note: If your licence has been issued under Mutual Recognition legislation, call the SLED Contact Centre on 1300 362 001 for information on how to add or delete subclasses.

Changing your personal details, like your name, and renewing your licence requires two separate transactions via Service NSW and two separate payments. Click here to update your personal details. Click here to renew your licence.

Probity checks are conducted by agencies in other Australian states and SLED does not have any control over the timeframes involved in conducting these checks. Once SLED receives the results from the probity checks the next stage of the application process can begin.

Yes. You must make sure you keep your First Aid certificate current and renew it every three years while you hold a NSW security licence. Master licence holders are required to ensure all Class 1 security operatives they provide, except for Class 1E, have a current First Aid certificate.

Yes. A robotic security guard is considered security equipment and subject to licensing requirements in relation to its sale and repair.

Anyone using a robotic security guard would be considered to be patrolling, protecting or guarding property by electronic means and would need to hold a Class 1A (Security Officer) operative licence.

If a robotic security guard is not used for transporting people or goods, it is not considered to be a "vehicle" and therefore the display of a Master licence number on the device is not required. However, if the robotic security guard is also a "segway" and ridden by a security guard, then the device would need to display the Master licence number and the rider would need to hold a Class 1A (Security Officer) operative licence.

Yes. A drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is considered security equipment but only if it is designed or adapted to provide or enhance security for the protection of property. Whether the device is designed or adapted to provide or enhance security for the protection of any property will depend on an assessment of a broad range of matters, including its features and how it is marketed by the manufacturer.  

Using such a device to conduct any of the defined security activities (e.g. patrolling property, crowd control) would constitute carrying on a security activity and subject to licensing requirements in relation to its sale and repair.

Anyone using a drone or UAV would need to hold the relevant security operator licence, i.e. Class 1A (Security Officer) licence, as well as the relevant authorisation under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.

Note: Master licensees intending to introduce the use of drones/UAVs for security work should obtain independent legal advice to ensure compliance with State and Commonwealth legislation. It is possible that engaging in a security activity with such devices may breach the provisions of the Surveillance Devices Act 2007. For example, using a drone for crowd controlling or patrolling property may also involve using a listening device or tracking device recording or overhearing a private conversation or the ability to determine the geographical location of a person.

You must hold the Class 1C (Cash-in Transit Guard) security licence subclass to carry on cash-in-transit security activities.

You must hold the Class 1F (Armed Guard) and Class 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) security licence subclasses as well as the appropriate firearms licence.

You must successfully complete the NSW Class 1C Cash-in-Transit Guard Licence Course or obtain the cash-in-transit related units of competency from the current NSW Class 1F Armed Guard Licence Course. See more information on cash-in-transit training here.

If you held the former Class 1A (Unarmed Guard) subclass on 31 May 2023 and carried on unarmed cash-in-transit (CIT) activities under the authority of that licence, you can continue to do so until 1 December 2023 while holding the new Class 1A (Security Officer) subclass.

To continue carrying on unarmed CIT activities after that date you must:

• successfully complete the NSW Class 1C Cash-in-Transit Guard Licence Course or obtain the CIT related units of competency from the current NSW Class 1F Armed Guard Licence Course, and
• lodge with SLED no later than 1 December 2023 a P1230 Class 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) Transition Application form with a copy of your statement of attainment or certificate showing you have satisfied the Class 1C training requirements outlined above.

The Class 1C subclass will be added to your licence for free if you satisfy these requirements and a new portrait style security licence card issued. Late applications will not be accepted.

The P1230 Class 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) Transition Application form is available here.

Details of organisations approved to deliver the NSW Class 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) Licence Course is available here.

Other licensees who want to add the new 1C subclass to their security licence must complete the required training and lodge a P645 Amend, Vary or Replace an Existing Class 1 and/or Class 2 Licence application form available here. An $80 licence variation application fee is payable.

Security licensees hold a position of trust and are expected to help the NSW Police Force to ensure a safe and secure NSW. There is an expectation that security licensees will work with NSW Police officers and provide any and all information about alleged criminal and non-compliance offences they may witness.

Clause 25 of the Security Industry Regulation 2016 states SLED can revoke a security licence if there is evidence that it would be contrary to the public interest for the licensee to continue to hold a NSW security licence. Refusing to assist police with their enquiries or to cooperate with a police investigation is considered to be contrary to the public interest.

In line with this clause, security licensees who refuse to assist police with their enquiries will be issued a show cause notice and asked to demonstrate why it is in the public interest for them to continue to hold a NSW security licence.

Yes, you do. Under the legislation, anyone involved in the sale, installation, maintenance, repair or servicing of security equipment needs to hold a Class 2C security licence. See more information about Class 2 licences here.

Generally, yes. With some exceptions (see Security Licence Exemptions), individuals who sell or install security doors, roller shutters or other forms of security equipment, or who provide advice about such equipment (for example, by assessing customers’ needs and recommending appropriate products), are required to hold a Class 2B and/or a Class 2C security licence. See more information about Class 2 licences here.

SLED processes your payment to begin the application process. The application process takes about six to eight weeks.

You will be informed in writing once your application has been approved.

Once your fingerprints are taken SLED conducts probity checks to determine if you have a NSW or national criminal record. This takes four to six weeks to complete.

If your licence is granted you will receive the Master licence certificate in the post.

You do not need any training to apply for a Master licence.

Yes. Any business that provides licensed security operatives to carry on a security activity must have a security licence. Both the original Master licensee and the subcontracting Master licensee must hold a licence subclass that covers the number of security operatives they intend to provide under the subcontracting arrangement.

You can renew your Master licence online from eight weeks before the licence expires.

Once the expiry date passes, you have up to 90 days to submit your renewal application. Late payment fees apply and must be paid when you submit your application. You are unlicensed until your licence has been renewed.

You cannot renew your licence once the 90 days have passed. If you want to continue to work in the security industry, you will need to submit a new application.

If you only wish to provide security operative licence holders to carry out security activities, you do not need any other licences.

If you want to carry out security activities yourself within your own business, you will also need to have the relevant security operative licence.

Yes. If you want to run a security business, you will need to have a Master licence as well as a security operative licence. Click here for more information about Master licences.

An individual Master licence covers people who hold a Class 1 and/or Class 2 security licence and wish to run a security business as a sole trader.

A corporation Master licence covers registered corporations that wish to provide or hire security operatives to carry out security activities.

A Fitness for Work policy is a formal statement you make as an employer that staff are not to come to work, or carry out security activities under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. It should state your company’s position in relation to the use of alcohol and other drugs by staff and what the consequences are for breaching the policy, for instance, “Intoxicated staff will be sent home”. This policy should apply to all staff members, including subcontractors.

All Master licence holders are required to have a Fitness for Work policy and to ensure that all Class 1 and/or Class 2 security operatives they provide follow this policy.

We recommend you make the Fitness for Work policy part of your induction process for all new employees and get them to sign a copy to indicate they have read and understood what they need to do to comply with the policy. If you are implementing a new policy for existing staff we recommend you do a brief training session with them and get them to sign a copy to indicate they have read and understood the new policy.

Licence holders must comply with all instructions from Enforcement Officers, whether written or verbal.

Enforcement Officers have the power to issue fines and court attendance notices to licence holders who fail to comply with their instructions.

You may be liable for a maximum $11,000 fine if you obstruct, hinder or interfere while enforcement officers are carrying out their duties. You can also be fined for failing to comply with any requirement of an Enforcement Officer.

An application for a Master licence may only be made by an individual, corporation or government agency/public authority. Security industry legislation does not recognise a trust as a legal entity.

Where a corporation applying for a Master licence acts as a trustee for a trust, the application for the Master licence must provide the ABN issued to the corporation (not the trust).

A close associate is any person involved in a security business who can significantly influence its conduct or operation due to their personal influence, company position or financial interest.

Click here for more information about Close Associates.

Locksmiths must hold a Class 2C licence to work in the security industry. While there are no specific training requirements to apply for a Class 2C licence, locksmiths must have completed their relevant training.

As long as your client is the party paying the invoice you have provided to them, they do not need a security licence. However, if your client passes that invoice on to another party and assumes the role of the security provider, then they are required to have a security Master licence.

To surrender your NSW security Master licence, send us an email to sled@police.nsw.gov.au including your name or your business name, your contact details and your licence number and state that you wish to surrender your licence.

You must also hand in your Master licence certificate to a NSW police station or post it to SLED at:

Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate

Locked Bag 5099

Parramatta NSW 2124

No, they don't because the primary purpose of these signs and corflutes is to act as a deterrent as opposed to advertising the security business.