Click here to read the Security Licences and Permits Privacy Collection Notice (PDF).
You can apply quickly and easily for a NSW security Master or Operative licence online via Service NSW.
The simple steps below detail the online application process for Master and Operative licences.
When you apply for a NSW security licence, you may receive a Request for Further Information email from SLED asking you to consent to SLED using the Document Verification Service (DVS) to verify your identity and citizenship/residency documents.
DVS is a secure government system that confirms the authenticity of documents. Under recent changes to the Industry Verification Services Act 2023 (Cth), SLED must now obtain applicants’ express consent before using the DVS to verify documents.
The email will contain instructions on what you need to do to help us verify your documents and progress your application.
Operative Licences
- Apply online via Service NSW and attach all necessary documentation when requested.
- SLED will process your payment.
- SLED will contact you with instructions to visit a police station to have your finger/palmprints taken or requesting further information if required. You will receive these instructions via email.
- SLED conducts probity checks, to determine if you have a NSW or national criminal history.
- If your licence is granted you will receive a Photograph Advice letter via email.
- You have 60 days to take the Photograph Advice letter to a Service NSW centre to have your photograph taken.
- Your licence card will be sent to your postal address within 10 working days.
- If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reason/s and the appeals process. For more information, see the Refusal, Revocation and Right of Review page.
Master Licences
- Apply online via Service NSW and attach all necessary documentation when requested.
- SLED processes your payment.
- SLED will contact you with instructions to visit a police station to have your finger/palmprints taken or requesting further information if required.
- SLED conducts probity checks, investigating the nominated person’s NSW and national criminal history and that of their close associates.
- If the licence is granted the nominated person will receive the Master licence certificate in the post.
- If the application is refused, the nominated person will receive a letter explaining the reason/s and the appeals process. For more information, see the Refusal, Revocation and Right of Review page.
SLED uses email to communicate with applicants throughout the application process. We recommend you regularly check your spam folder and add SLED (sled@police.nsw.gov.au) to your contacts to ensure you don’t miss out on important information.
If you are not able to apply online, you can download and send in a paper-based application form.
Please note: Service NSW carries out routine maintenance and updates on the online application system every Tuesday and Thursday between 8pm and 10pm. During these times, online applications will be unavailable. Please apply outside of these times.