The Security Guard License in Quebec

The Security Guard License in Quebec
In order to obtain a security guard license in Quebec, you must apply at the Bureau de la Sécurité Privée. If you need to modify/renew/replace an exisiting license, you must also do so through the Bureau de la Sécurité Privée. There are various forms that can be downloaded at the Bureau de la Sécurité Privée website, depending on the form that you need. The BSP serves as the central agency for issuing, renewing and revoking security guard licenses in Quebec.

Types of Licenses

Other than the security guard license, the Bureau de la Sécurité Privée issues 5 other types of licenses. You can obtain a licence in one or several of the following 6 security activities :
  • Guarding
  • Transport of Valuables
  • Investigation
  • Electronic Security Systems
  • Locksmith work
  • Security Consulting Services

Security Guard Requirements

Before the Bureau de la Sécurité Privée can grant you an agent licence, they will verify that :
  • you are at least 18 years of age;
  • you qualify under the Security Conditions outlined by the law; and
  • you have met the training requirements to be a security guard.
The Bureau de la Sécurité Privée will send you their decision 3 to 5 weeks after receiving your payment and all the required documents. They could refuse your licence request if :
  • you do not meet the conditions;
  • over the course of the last five years they have refused, not renewed, suspended or revoked one of your agent licences.

Requesting Your Security Guard License

To obtain your Security Guard Licence, you must send the Bureau de la Sécurité Privée your documentation and pay certain fees. You can also ask your employer for assistance in making your licence request. You must provide the following documents :
1- The form to Request a Security Guard Licence. This form can be obtained from the BSP website.
2- A copy of documents that proves that you meet the training requirements :
  • If you have completed the obligatory training, your diploma or a grade transcript if you have not yet received your diploma;
  • If you possess the required practical knowledge and skills, you may need to supply :
    • the diplomas you received in domains associated with private security;
    • a transcript of the grades in pertinent courses that you have completed;
    • Attestations of internships or other training activities that you have
    • completed; or
    • Attestation letters that your employers have completed that detail the
    • principal tasks that you were responsible for in the domain of private
    • security, as well as your years of continuous services.

3- Proofs of your Identity:
  • If you were born in Canada, you must send your birth certificate.
  • If you were born outside of Canada and are unable to supply a birth certificate in either French or English, you must send three (3) pieces of valid identity among the following :
    • Passport
    • Canadian Citizen Card
    • Permanent Residence Card
    • Attestation of Refugee Status
    • Driver’s Licence
    • Social Insurance Card
In all of the cases, you must send colour copies that have been authenticated by  a Commissioner of Oaths.
  • Two (2) identical photographs that meet the following criteria:
    • in colour;
    • passport format (5cm x 7cm);
    • taken on a white background;
    • facing front, from shoulder up;
    • taken during the 6 preceding months.
  • In addition :
    • your head must be uncovered (no hat, cap, etc.)
    • the date must be stamped on the back
    • the photographs must be identified and authenticated by a Commissioner of Oaths.

Quebec Security Guard License Cost

To obtain your licence, you must pay a total fee of $127. This amount includes :
  • $40 that ensures your licence remains valid for the first year.
  • $87 for the Verification of Security Conditions.
These fees will be reimbursed if your request for a licence is refused or annulled. You will not, however, have to pay these fees if you have already obtained another licence that is still valid. In this case, you must provide :
  • the agent licence that you have already received in another category; or
  • the agency licence that your employer received and that you were verified for.
You must wait to receive your licence before engaging in security guard activities.

Cancelling Your Security Guard License

To cancel your licence request, simply send the Bureau de la Sécurité Privée a licence cancellation letter request. You can send it by mail or e-mail or drop it off in person at their offices. The Bureau de la Sécurité Privée will, consequently, reimburse the $40 fees you paid to have your licence validated. Once you have received your security guard license, you must inform the BSP if you are no longer going to be a security guard. If you foresee that you will be ceasing your security guard activities, you must advise the Bureau de la Sécurité Privée by writing, specifying the exact date. Your licence will be revoked as of the date that you specify. No money will be reimbursed. You must cancel your license yourself! Your employer can not request the cancellation of your licence on your behalf.

Responsibilities of the Licensee

You must pay the $69 fees, every year, to keep your licence valid. You must make the payment before the due date inscribed in your licence. For example, if it is inscribed : « valid: 2010-07-22 to 2015-07-21 » on your licence, you must pay the annual fees by July 21st, the latest, every year. In all cases, you will recieve a letter 30 days before the expiry date to remind you and explain how to pay. You must advise the Bureau de la Sécurité Privée, by writing, of all changes that could affect the validity of your licence. These, for example, could include :
  • change of employer; You can send them your notice or your form by mail, by e-mail, or by fax.
  • a charge for a criminal infraction;
  • a conviction for a criminal infraction.
In addition, if you change your address, you must send the Bureau de la Sécurité Privée a completed Form for Address Change. You are not permitted to occupy a position that is incompatible with the private security activity that you received a licence for. For example, you cannot join the police force while you are a security guard. Your security guard licence in Quebec is valid for a period of 5 years. You must, therefore, submit a request to renew your licence every 5 years.. This request must be sent at least 45 days before the expiry date of your licence. We will send you a letter to remind you, and explain how to proceed with your request. At the moment that you submit your request, you must pay the fees applicable at that time. You can replace your licence if it is lost or stolen. To do so, complete the Form for Licence Replacement and send it to the BPS. Replacement costs are $25 plus taxes.

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