Changes to private security licences and registrations

From 19 June 2025, most changes under the Private Security and County Court Amendment Act 2024 (the Act) came into place.

This means all private security activities are licensed activities, and there are some additional requirements for licence holders.

This page will be updated with the latest information about changes to private security licences and registrations.

Changes now in place

The changes introduced by the Act include:

private security registration holders are required to transition to licences to continue working in the security industry
additional requirements before private security licences can be renewed
independent contractors with an Australian Business Number (ABN) related to their security activity are required to hold both a:
- Private Security Individual Operator licence, and
- Private Security Business licence
an expanded process for complaints.

Information for current private security registration holders

As of 19 June 2025, all private security activities are now licensed activities.

Current private security registration holders who want to continue working in the private security industry must transition to:

a Private Security Individual Operator Licence, or
a Private Security Business Licence, or
both.

The licence must have one or more private security activities endorsed.

You will need to apply for a new private security business or individual licence.

New definitions for private security activities

There are no longer class A or class B activities.

Private security activity will be defined as:

an investigator
a bodyguard
a crowd controller
a security guard
a private security trainer
a security equipment installer
a security adviser.

Next steps for private security registration holders

Understand the steps you need to take based on when your registration expires, or if you’re an independent contractor or sole trader with an Australian Business Number (ABN).

The Licensing and Regulation Division (LRD) will notify you by email when it is time to start the licence application process.

Please let us know about any changes to your contact details by submitting a change of details form.

The transition to licences must be completed by 19 June 2026.

If you are a current registration holder due to renew your registration (up to and including 18 June 2025), you can renew your registration for an additional 12 months.
We will need to receive your renewal before 19 June 2025.
A renewal pack will be sent to your postal address before your registration expires. The pack contains the renewal application form and instructions.
If you want to continue to work in the private security industry after 19 June 2026, you must apply for a private security licence before the 12 months have passed.
If you hold a private security registration due to expire on or after 19 June 2025, you will need to apply for:
- a Private Security Individual Operator licence, or
- a Private Security Business licence, or
- both.
You will need to do this before your registration expires.
For more information about which licence is required visit Apply for a new private security licence or registration.
The Licensing and Regulation Division (LRD) will notify you by post when it is time to start the licence application process. Please let us know about any changes to your contact details by submitting a change of details form. The transition to licences must be completed by 19 June 2026.
You will also need to have a full set of fingerprints taken for your application.
All endorsed security activities must be listed on the relevant licence(s).
If you hold both a current private security licence and a registration, you can apply to add your registration activities to your licence. The Licensing and Regulation Division (LRD) will send instructions as part of your renewal pack.
For more information visit Private security forms and reference information.
If your private security registration is due to expire after 19 June 2026, will need to apply for:
- a Private Security Individual Operator licence, or
- a Private Security Business licence, or
- both.
You will need to do this before 19 June 2026.
For more information about which licence is required visit Apply for a new private security licence or registration.
The Licensing and Regulation Division (LRD) will notify you by post when it is time to start the licence application process. Please let us know about any changes to your contact details by submitting a change of details form. The transition to licences must be completed by 19 June 2026.
You will also need to have a full set of fingerprints taken for your application.
All endorsed security activities must be listed on the relevant licence or licences. If you hold both a current private security licence and a registration, you can apply to add your registration activities to your licence. The Licensing and Regulation Division (LRD) will send instructions as part of your renewal pack.
For more information, visit Private security forms and reference information.
An independent contractor who carries on a security activity and has an ABN which relates to that activity, must hold both a:
1. Private Security Business licence, and
2. Private Security Individual Operator licence.
This is under section 15A in the Private Security Act 2004.
This aims to stop sham contracts, and works together with Commonwealth and state laws.
The requirement to hold both a Business and an Individual Operator licence will come into place on 19 December 2025. Note: this requirement does not apply to private investigators.
Both licence applications can use the same set of fingerprints, as long as the fingerprints were taken within six months of when you submit your application. If you have previously had your fingerprints taken for a private security licence, and held and maintained the licence since then, you can use these fingerprints for your new application.
For more information about how to apply, visit Apply for a new private security licence or registration.

Other requirements when you apply for a private security licence

When current registration holders apply for a private security licence, there are some additional requirements to meet.

Training requirements for current private security registration holders

You do not need to undertake more training before you apply for a private security licence if you are a current registration holder with the activities of:

security equipment installer (CCTV, security cameras, security alarms, safes, vaults etc), and/or
security adviser.

Other private security activities may require training before you apply. For more information on training requirements, visit Private security authority types, eligibility and training.

Fingerprinting requirements for private security licences

You need to have a full set of fingerprints taken as part of your application. You should schedule a fingerprinting appointment before you apply for your licence.

You will not be issued with a National Police Check Certificate when you have your fingerprints taken. You do not need to provide one with your licence application.

As part of the application assessment process, the Licensing and Regulation Division will still conduct a full assessment of your national criminal history information.

For more information, visit Book a fingerprinting appointment.

Please note, wait times for appointments vary throughout the year.

Registration holders with current complaints, investigations, disciplinary inquiries, or applications to VCAT

If you have any outstanding investigations or enquiries against your registration with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), they will continue until completed.

Information for current Private Security Individual Operator and Business licence holders

Current private security licence holders who renew their licences after 19 June 2025 have different requirements to meet.

Changes to existing licence application requirements from 19 June 2025

From 19 June 2025, the below are no longer required to submit a new licence application:

Private Security Individual Operator or Private Security Business licence applicants are not required to provide suitability references.
Private Security Business or Body corporate licence applicants are not required to provide suitability references for associates named in the statement of Related People.
Private Security Business licence applicants are not required to advertise their licence application in a newspaper.

New training requirements for private security licence renewals

Further training is required in order to renew your Private Security Individual Operator and/or Business licence.

First Aid training

Further information about First Aid training requirements will be announced soon.

Refresher training courses

Further information about refresher training will be announced soon.

Risk management plans

The risk management plan template will be available for download on the Victoria Police website soon.

Information for subcontractors

There are new requirements for private security subcontractors.

The requirements involve providing notice and obtaining consent from clients when a subcontractor is hired.

For more information about how the changes could affect businesses that supply or use labour hire, visit the Labour Hire Authority website.

Home security systems

You do not need a private security licence to install a security system at your own property.

However, anyone who assists with the installation must be appropriately licensed.

For information about how to use CCTV to protect your property, visit CCTV installation.

Contact us

If you have a question that has not been answered on this page, get in touch through our online enquiry form.

Private security

Updated 23 June 2025