How to Verify if a Security Guard Provider is Licensed in Ontario
                     How to Verify if a Security Guard Provider is 
Licensed in Ontario
Contents
How to Verify if a Security Guard Provider is Licensed in Ontario .............................................................. 1
Understanding Ontario’s Security Guard Licence Requirements ............................................................ 2
Role of the Ministry of the Solicitor General....................................................................................... 2
Key Requirements for Agencies and Individual Guards....................................................................... 3 
Overview of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 ............................................... 3 
Steps to Verify a Security Guard Provider’s Licence .............................................................................. 4
1. Visit Ontario’s Official Licence Registry ........................................................................................... 4
2. Search by Business or Individual Name........................................................................................... 5
3. Confirm Licence Status, Expiry Date, and Any Conditions............................................................... 5
Red Flags to Watch For .......................................................................................................................... 6
4. Lack of Transparency....................................................................................................................... 6
5. Refusal to Show Credentials............................................................................................................ 6
6. Suspiciously Low or Vague Pricing................................................................................................... 7
7. No Online Presence or Poor Reviews .............................................................................................. 7
The Importance of Due Diligence........................................................................................................ 7
Tips for Hiring a Reliable and Licensed Security Guard Provider in Ontario ......................................... 
8
1. Ask for Proof of Licence .................................................................................................................. 8
2. Check References and Online Reviews............................................................................................ 8
3. Look for WSIB Coverage and Insurance .......................................................................................... 9
4. Evaluate Professionalism and Communication ............................................................................... 9
5. Choose a Company That Understands Your Needs ......................................................................... 9
Contact Security Guard Company in Ontario! ...................................................................................... 10 
Smith Security Inc. ............................................................................................................................ 10
Understanding Ontario’s Security Guard Licence Requirements 
Role of the Ministry of the Solicitor General
In Ontario, the regulation of security guards and private 
investigators
falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Solicitor General. 
The Ministry oversees the administration and enforcement of the 
Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA), which 
sets out the legal standards for licensing, conduct, and training.
The Ministry's mandate is to:
 Ensure public safety and professionalism within the private 
security industry
 Issue licences to eligible individuals and agencies
 Investigate and respond to complaints against licensed and 
unlicensed entities
 Maintain a public database of licensed security agencies and 
guards
Before hiring a provider, it is important to confirm their status through 
the Ministry’s publicly accessible Online Licence Registry.
Key Requirements for Agencies and Individual Guards
Ontario has strict licensing requirements for both security guard 
agencies and individual security guards. Here’s what’s required:
For Security Guard Agencies:
 Must apply for and obtain a valid agency licence
 Required to maintain liability insurance
 Must ensure all employed guards are individually licensed
 Must comply with business conduct standards set by the 
PSISA
 Required to display their agency licence number on marketing 
materials and uniforms
For Individual Security Guards:
 Must be at least 18 years old
 Must be eligible to work in Canada
 Must have no criminal record (as determined by a background 
check)
 Must complete a 40-hour Ministry-approved training course
 Must pass the provincial Security Guard Test
 Must carry their valid security guard licence while on duty
Always ask to see proof of licensing from both the individual and the 
agency they represent.
Overview of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 
2005
The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA) is 
the primary legislation that governs the conduct, training, and licensing 
of private security personnel in Ontario. Key provisions of the Act 
include:
 Prohibition against operating without a valid licence
 Rules for use of force, uniforms, and identification
 Code of conduct for licensees
 Mandatory training and testing standards
 Disciplinary actions for non-compliance, including fines or licence 
revocation
This law ensures that only properly trained and vetted individuals can 
operate as security guards in Ontario, offering peace of mind to those 
hiring their services.
Steps to Verify a Security Guard Provider’s Licence
Here’s a step-by-step guide to verify a security guard licence in 
Ontario:
1. Visit Ontario’s Official Licence Registry
The first step is to access the ServiceOntario online Licence Registry, 
which is maintained by the Ministry of the Solicitor General. This is the 
official database that lists all currently licensed security guard agencies 
and individuals in Ontario.
 You can access the registry here: https://
www.ontario.ca/page/security-guard-or-private-investigator- licence
This government portal ensures transparency and helps employers and 
the public verify security guard licences in Ontario quickly and 
accurately.
2. Search by Business or Individual Name
Once you're on the registry page, you can search for a security guard or 
agency using:
 Business name (for agencies)
 First and last name (for individual security guards)
 Licence number (if available)
Be sure to double-check spellings and try multiple variations if your first 
search doesn’t return results.
3. Confirm Licence Status, Expiry Date, and Any Conditions
After locating the individual or business, you’ll be able to view:
 Licence status (e.g., active, expired, revoked)
 Licence class (e.g., security guard, private investigator, or both)
 Licence expiry date
 Conditions or restrictions, if any
A valid listing with an active licence and no restrictions indicates that 
you’re dealing with a licensed security guard in Ontario who is 
compliant with provincial regulations.
If a security guard or agency does not appear in the registry, it is highly 
recommended that you avoid hiring them and report the concern to the 
Ministry.
Red Flags to Watch For
Below are the top warning signs to help you avoid hiring an unlicensed 
security guard in Ontario:
1. Lack of Transparency
Legitimate, licensed security guard providers in Ontario should be fully 
transparent about their credentials. If an agency is unwilling or hesitant 
to share:
 Their agency licence number
 Proof of liability insurance
 Individual guard certifications
…it’s a strong indicator that they may not be properly licensed or are 
attempting to operate outside the law.
A professional provider will often display their licence number on their 
website, uniforms, contracts, or promotional materials—just as required 
by the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005.
2. Refusal to Show Credentials
Every licensed security guard in Ontario is legally required to carry their 
valid licence while on duty and must produce it upon request. If an 
individual refuses to show you their licence card or claims they "forgot 
it," this is a serious red flag.
Reputable security agencies will also proudly present proof of:
 Ministry-approved training
 Security Guard Test completion
 Compliance with the latest provincial regulations
Always ask to see credentials before allowing anyone to begin work.
3. Suspiciously Low or Vague Pricing
Unlicensed providers often attract clients with suspiciously low pricing 
or vague service descriptions. If a quote seems too good to be true, it 
probably is.
Look out for:
 A lack of detailed service breakdown
 “Cash only” payments
 No formal contract
 No mention of supervision, insurance, or replacement policies
A properly licensed agency invests in training, certification, insurance, 
and compliance—all of which are reflected in their pricing structure.
4. No Online Presence or Poor Reviews
In today’s digital world, even small local agencies should have:
 A website with proper contact information and licence details
 A Google Business Profile
 Reviews or testimonials from previous clients
A total lack of online presence, or reviews mentioning unprofessional 
conduct, missed shifts, or unlicensed operations, should give you pause.
The Importance of Due Diligence
Hiring a security guard provider in Ontario is a serious responsibility. 
Whether you're securing a commercial site, residential building, or a 
special event, you need peace of mind knowing your provider is:
 Properly licensed
 Insured
 Accountable under provincial law
Tips for Hiring a Reliable and Licensed Security Guard Provider in 
Ontario
Below are practical tips to guide your hiring process and help you make 
an informed decision.
1. Ask for Proof of Licence
Before signing any contract or agreeing to services, request proof of 
licensing from both the security guard agency and the individual guards 
who will be assigned to your location.
Reputable providers will have no issue supplying:
 Their agency licence number
 Copies of individual security guard licences
 Proof of compliance with the Private Security and Investigative 
Services Act, 2005
Always verify the information through Ontario’s official Licence 
Registry to confirm the licence is valid, active, and free of conditions.
2. Check References and Online Reviews
A reliable Ontario security guard company should have a solid track 
record. Don’t hesitate to:
 Ask for references from past or current clients
 Look up Google reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, and 
testimonials
 Check industry-specific forums or directories for red flags
Consistent negative feedback about no-shows, unprofessional behaviour, 
or lack of proper training is a clear sign to steer clear.
3. Look for WSIB Coverage and Insurance
Professional and compliant licensed security guard services should 
carry both:
 General liability insurance
 Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage
These protections are critical in the event of on-site incidents or 
accidents. Without them, you could be exposed to legal liability. Always 
ask for certificates of insurance and proof of WSIB registration before 
hiring.
4. Evaluate Professionalism and Communication
First impressions matter. A reliable provider should:
 Respond to inquiries promptly
 Offer a detailed service proposal
 Be transparent about pricing, guard duties, and shift schedules
Their guards should arrive in clearly marked uniforms, carry their 
licences, and conduct themselves with professionalism at all times.
5. Choose a Company That Understands Your Needs
Every property or event is unique. Look for a security company in 
Ontario that:
 Offers site assessments before deploying guards
 Customises services to suit your business or venue
 Provides ongoing supervision and reporting
Providers who take the time to understand your needs are more likely to 
deliver high-quality, licensed security guard services tailored to your 
situation.
Contact Security Guard Company in Ontario!
Smith Security Inc.
Address: 3 Royce Ave, Orillia, ON L3V 5H8, 
Canada Phone Number: +17059080132
Business Hours: 24 / 7 open 
Website: https://smithsecurity.ca
Email: [email protected]