Licensed agencies must provide a mailing address for service in Ontario at which the business will operate, but this does not have to be a commercial location. Agencies must display their agency licence in a visible spot in the office where they deal with the public.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the business premises or offices are not in contravention of any municipal by-laws or zoning regulations and comply with all other municipal, provincial, and federal laws.

On the chest of the outer garment:

• • There must be a company name, logo or crest.
• • The word(s) "SECURITY","SÉCURITÉ", SECURITY GUARD" or "AGENT DE SÉCURITÉ" must be permanently attached in upper-case letters at least 1.5 cm high.
• • The colour of the letters must contrast with the background colour of the uniform.
• • There must be an identification tag with the security guard’s name or licence number.
• Please note: If the name, logo or crest of the licensed agency appears on the uniform in a location other than on the chest of the outer garment, the words "SECURITY","SÉCURITÉ", SECURITY GUARD" or "AGENT DE SÉCURITÉ" must be attached 2-3 cm below the name, logo or crest in that instance.

On the back of the outer garment:

• The word "SECURITY" or "SÉCURITÉ" must be printed in upper-case letters no less than 10 cm high (there is an exception for blazers, sweaters and collared shirts).
• The colour of the letters must contrast with the background colour of the uniform.

Security uniforms must not include:

• black or navy blue collared uniform shirts
• rank chevrons (there is an exception for non-profit organizations established before August 23, 2007)
• trouser stripes (except reflective safety stripes), or
• police-style forage caps.

Vehicles being used for the purpose of security must be marked in accordance with the regulation requirements outlined as follows:

• The word "SECURITY” or “SÉCURITÉ" must be prominently displayed on all sides of the vehicle in upper-case letters.
• The colour of the letters must contrast with the vehicle colour.
• Lettering must be 10 cm high on the sides of the vehicle and 8 cm high on the front and back of the vehicle.
• Vehicles must not have red, blue, gold or yellow stripes or any combination of these except as part of the licensed agency’s crest or logo.
• The word "SECURITY" or "SÉCURITÉ" may also appear in or as part of the licensee's crest or logo.

The following terms or any variation on them must not appear on marked security vehicles:

• “detective” or “détective”
• “private detective” or “détective privé”
• “police”
• “officer” or “agent de police,” and
• “law enforcement” or “exécution de la loi”.

As part of the initial application, you must submit photographs or design renderings showing the uniforms (including protective wear) and vehicles you plan to use. Within 30 business days of receiving your agency licence, a Compliance Inspector will be in touch to schedule an Inspection. You must have a uniform and vehicle available (if applicable) at the time of the inspection. Photographs and other representations will not be accepted at that stage.

If an agency is deemed to be non-compliant following the inspection, the agency will have 30 business days to bring itself into compliance. At that time, a follow-up inspection will be scheduled. If the agency has still not brought itself into compliance, the ministry may propose to revoke the agency licence and provide the agency with an opportunity to be heard.

Licensed security guards are permitted to use handcuffs and batons while on duty, but only if the equipment is issued by the employer. Batons can be used for defensive purposes only.
The use of cable ties and strip ties is prohibited.

The Use of Animals regulation permits the use of dogs for patrolling purposes but only under certain conditions. Dogs can also be used for tracking (e.g. missing persons) and detection purposes (e.g. drugs, explosives).

Dog handlers must keep their dog on a lead at all times.

Security guards cannot use dogs for crowd control.

No. Security guards and private investigators are responsible for getting their own licences and for renewing them before they expire.

Employers are, however, responsible for ensuring that their employees maintain a valid licence. If an employee is charged for working without a valid licence, his or her employer may also face charges.

You can contact us to find out if a person holds a valid licence. You can also check the licence registry.

Yes. You can check the agency licence registry through ServiceOntario.

Yes. You should immediately change your information through ServiceOntario if any of the following changes:

• Business name
• Business address or other contact information
• Sole Proprietors, Officers, directors and partners
• Branch offices

Yes, First Aid training must still be included in the security guard training. Students who provide the training entity with a valid first aid/CPR certificate issued by a St. John Ambulance certified instructor or with a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario approved first aid trainer are not required to repeat the training as part of the security guard training.
List of providers approved to deliver First Aid training is available on the Workplace Safety Insurance Board website.

Training entities that are licensed agencies are now required to provide students with a training certificate once the student successfully completes the training for security guards and/or the training for private investigators. Training certificates must include the following information:

• Student name;
• Training entity name;
• Type of training completed (i.e., security guard and/or private investigator);
• Date training completed; and
• Signature of training entity representative.