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A security firm is a person, partnership or corporation that provides security firm services.
Class 1 security firm services are provided by bodyguards, crowd controllers, private investigators or security officers.
Class 2 security firm services are provided by security advisers or security equipment installers.
Eligibility
Security firms do not need specific qualifications to hold a licence.
However, all management staff must:
- be 18 years or older
- have no recorded conviction of a disqualifying offence within the previous 10 years, or an unrecorded finding of guilt of a disqualifying offence in the previous five years
- not be considered a risk to public safety
- hold a security provider licence as an individual (if personally carrying out security functions)
- have a business address.
Apply for a security firm licence
To apply, you must:
- meet the eligibility criteria
- complete Security Providers Form 2 - Application for a security firm's licence (PDF, 554 KB)
- provide originals or certified copies of your birth certificate, birth extract, passport, Australian citizenship certificate or drivers licence (see below for advice on getting certified copies)
- pay the appropriate licence fee
- pay the criminal history check fee
- lodge the application (see the application form for lodgement details).
If your firm supplies a mix of class 1 and class 2 services, you can use the same form to apply for a combined licence.
You only need a security firm licence if your firm provides security services. If your company sub-contracts work to others, you do need a security firm licence.
When you do not need the licence
If you carry on a business and personally provide the security services, you do not need a security firm licence, while you are the only person providing security services.
If you employ security staff to protect your property, you do not need a security firm licence. The staff themselves must have their own individual licences.
Criminal history checks
Applicants must undergo a criminal history check to confirm their suitability.
The criminal history check costs $35.50 (which includes $1.13 GST) for each person who appears on the application form. The fee applies to all applications and renewal notices.
Processing time
Processing time is 4-6 weeks. However, it can take longer if we need to contact you for missing information or fees.
The processing time may be up to six weeks because the criminal history check process, handled by Queensland Police, is thorough and time consuming.
Making the process quicker
Send certified documents
Take the original document and a copy to a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Declarations, solicitor, barrister or a Notary Public. They will stamp and/or sign the copy and write ‘This is a true copy of the original document’.
The Department of Justice and Attorney-General has a list of JPs in your area. Otherwise, contact your local post office, courthouse, bank, shopping centre manager or pharmacy.
We will send your original documents to you after we assess your application. Please note that a photocopy is not a certified document.
Pay all criminal history check fees
Remember to pay a separate fee for yourself and each person on the application form.
Refunds for unsuccessful applications
If your application is unsuccessful or it is withdrawn, you will receive a partial refund. Your application fee is non-refundable, but we will refund your licence fee and any unused criminal history check fees.
Last reviewed 14/09/2009 |
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