Frequently Asked Questions

Can a person under 18 years be granted a Security Licence?

You may undertake training through a Registered Training Organisation if you have not been convicted of a disqualifying offence, however you will not be issued with a security licence until you are 18 years of age.

How do I find a Security Industry trainer who has been authorised by the Commissioner? How do I know if they have been authorised?

Only Registered Training Organisations approved by the Commissioner may provide training for licensing purposes. A complete up to date list is available on this website at "Approved Registered Training Organisations".

Where can I pick up an application form for a new licence?

Application forms for licences can be obtained by accessing and downloading from this site or by calling the Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED) on 1300 362 001, 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday. If you are a current licence holder, you will receive a form in the post approximately 6 weeks prior to the expiry of your current licence.

I want to talk to someone personally about my application. Where do I go?

Applicants can contact SLED by phone (1300 362 001, 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday), fax (1300 362 066) or email (sled@police.nsw.gov.au). The Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate does not provide counter services. Applications and payments will only be accepted by post.

What is the term of my licence?

Class 1 and Class 2 licences are available for a one or five-year period, unless suspended or revoked during the licence period. Provisional licences are issued for a period of 1 year. Master licences are issued for a period of five years.

Do I have to supply references when I submit my application? What information is needed?

Yes. All applicants for Provisional, Class 1 and 2 licences are required to attach two written character references to their application form. The references should be no more than 12 months old, be written by an approved class of person that has known you for at least 12 months, confirms that you have been known to the referee and must state that you are of proper and fit character to work within the security industry. For more detailed information refer to "Fact Sheet 11 - New Character Reference Requirements" available on this website.

In addition, when reapplying, current licence holders must provide a statement of employment that outlines periods of security employment and the nature of duties undertaken during the term of the previous licence.

What documents do I need to provide to prove that I am a permanent Australian citizen/permanent Australian resident?

All licence applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent Australian residents. When you submit your application you must include a certified copy of one of the following:

  • Full Australian birth certificate (Extracts and Commemorative certificates are NOT acceptable).
  • Australian passport or acceptable Australian travel document.
  • Australian Citizenship certificate
  • Acceptable document issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship clearly showing your citizenship residency status
  • Overseas passport (clearly showing passport number, name and date of birth, issue and expiry date, photograph and relevant visa page).
  • New Zealand passport (clearly showing passport number, name and date of birth, issue and expiry date, photograph and the most recent Australian immigration entry stamp).

Note: If the name recorded on your Australian citizenship/permanent Australian residency document is not identical to your current name you must submit a certified copy of an acceptable change of name document.

What is an acceptable change of name document?

Acceptable change of name documents must show a clear link between all your names. Acceptable documents are limited to certified copies of the following:

  • Marriage certificate(s) issued by NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages. If you were married in another state a certified copy of the marriage certificate issued by the celebrant or church is acceptable.
  • Change of Name certificate issued by NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages
  • Full birth certificate showing your name at birth and your new name (Extracts and Commemorative certificates are NOT acceptable).
  • Divorce decree bearing the name being reverted to
  • Deed poll registered with the relevant authority
  • Instrument evidencing change of name form registered in the Land Titles Office.

Who may certify documents?

Documents may be certified by one of the following:

  • Justice of the Peace
  • Legal Practitioner
  • Notary Public

The person certifying the documents must:

  • Compare the original document to the copy of the document to be submitted and ensure it is identical.
  • Write (or stamp) on the copy "I certify this to be a true copy of the original document sighted by me".
  • Sign the statement.
  • Print the following details:
    • Name
    • Contact telephone number
    • Profession or occupation
    • Date certified

In addition, a Justice of the Peace must also print their registration number and the state in which they are registered.

What documents need to be certified?

When providing ANY of the following documents, only certified copies will be accepted:

  • Australian citizenship/ permanent Australian residency documents
  • Security training qualifications
  • First aid training qualifications
  • Change of name documents
  • Drivers licence

What happens if I send my application form without all of the relevant information or certified copies of documents?

Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to you. SLED will not commence to process your application until it is completed and accompanied by the correct fee. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have provided all necessary information set out in the checklist of your application form. You should note that you are not permitted to work in the industry until you have obtained your licence.

How long after I send in my application will I get my licence?

If you have correctly completed your application form and there is no criminal history recorded against you, you may expect to receive your "Photograph Advice" within 6 weeks of having your fingerprints taken. If there is a requirement for further investigation, delays may be experienced and the 6 weeks extended.

Must I wear my Photo Licence?

Yes. The photo licence must be worn and clearly visible at all times when carrying on a security activity unless a written exemption has been granted the Commissioner. Applications for exemptions will only be considered from Master Licence holders who can demonstrate their employees are engaged in loss prevention, transport of cash and/or valuables and in some cases for close personal protection duties whilst in plain clothes for covert reasons.

What happens if I lose my photo licence?

If you have lost your licence you should report the loss immediately to the Police Assistance line (PAL), phone number 131444 and obtain the event (reference) number.  As security guards are required to display their licences, you must complete a "P645 - Application for Amendment or Replacement of an Individual Licence" and send it to SLED along with the applicable fee, immediately.  You may continue to work pending receipt of your new replacement licence, providing you keep the event number on you for quoting upon demand.  A "photographic advice" will be sent to you to take to the Roads and Maritime Services to obtain your replacement licence.

I have recently moved, how do I inform you of my change of address?

The Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate MUST be notified of your new address within 14 days of moving. Your new address details will only be accepted in writing. You can either send the address and telephone particulars by post, send a fax to SLED on 1300 362 066, or submit the information by email to sled@police.nsw.gov.au.

How do I alter the personal details shown on my licence (other than change of address)? Is there any charge for this?

You must complete a "P645 - Application for Amendment or Replacement of an Individual Licence" and post it to SLED along with:

  • A certified copy of your birth certificate.
  • A certified copy of your Change of Name Certificate (issued through Births, Deaths and Marriages).
  • Payment fee of $65.00

Once your application is processed you will receive a Photographic Advice letter which you must present to the Roads and Maritime Services to obtain your replacement licence.

When you receive your new licence you must surrender your old licence by either:

1. Posting it to:

Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate
Locked Bag 5099
Parramatta, NSW, 2124

2. Handing it in to your nearest Police Station.

Certificates issued through the Department of Lands are not accepted.

How do I change the details of my Master licence?

You must notify SLED, in writing,  within 14 days of any change to the operation of a Master licence. This includes change of address or change of close associates.

Is there any charge for this?

For a change of any details which appear on the licence, such as licence holder or principal place of business, a fee of $65 applies for the replacement licence. Changes such as postal addresses do not incur a fee. 

I have had my 5 year licence for 6 months but I do not wish to work in the Security Industry again. Am I entitled to a refund?

No.

If I hold a Master Licence for my business, do I require Class 1 or 2 licences to carry out security activities?

Yes. A Master Licence is for the business only and allows you to employ or provide persons to carry out security activities. If you are a Sole Trader (ie. you do not employ staff) you must hold both a Master Licence and the appropriate individual licence/s.

What will happen to my licence fee if I withdraw my application?

The Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate will retain an administration fee (this varies depending on the type of application) and the remainder of the licence fee will be refunded, provided that your application is withdrawn prior to your licence being approved.

I have a security licence in another state of Australia. Do I need a licence in New South Wales?

Yes. If you have an equivalent licence in another state or New Zealand, you may apply for a licence in New South Wales under 'Mutual Recognition' laws. For further information, you should contact SLED.

I supply and install security doors and grilles. Do I need a security licence for this activity?

Regardless of the description of the doors and grilles being supplied or installed, the activity of supply and installation of doors and grilles designed to enhance or provide security and carried out in the course of conducting a business, is a security activity for the purposes of the Security Industry Act, 1997 and thereby requires a security licence.
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