The BSP security guard licence: the complete guide
In Quebec, you cannot work as a security guard without a licence from the Bureau de la sécurité privée (BSP), Quebec's private security regulator. This guide explains who needs one, what the categories are, the requirements, the documents to provide, the steps, the fees and what you must do to keep your licence.
Verified October 3, 2026.
What is the BSP licence and who needs one?
The BSP is the body that administers the Private Security Act. It issues agency licences and agent licences, and keeps a public register of licence holders.
Under section 16 of the Act, the person who carries on a private security activity, and that person's immediate superior, must hold an agent licence of the category that corresponds to that activity. The supervisor of a team of guards therefore needs a licence too.
There is one exception. A person who works exclusively for an employer whose business does not offer private security needs a licence only if security is that person's main activity. If in doubt, the BSP invites you to write to info@bspquebec.ca with a detailed description of the duties.
What are the 6 categories of agent licence?
Section 1 of the Act lists six private security activities, and section 17 creates a licence category for each. Each category requires its own training, according to the BSP's required training page.
| Category | What it involves | Training required |
|---|---|---|
| Security guarding | Watching or protecting persons, property or premises to prevent crime and maintain order | At least 70 hours in 3 modules: industry, role, legislation and standards of conduct (30 h), emergency procedures (24 h), first aid recognized by the CNESST, Quebec's labour standards and workplace safety board (16 h) |
| Investigation | Searching for persons, information or property | 135-hour course in introduction to investigation techniques at CEGEP, or a diploma in police technology or a bachelor's degree in security and police studies obtained less than 5 years ago |
| Locksmith work | Keying, installation and repair of locks, safes, master key systems, unlocking | Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP) in locksmithing or the equivalent recognized by the Ministère de l'Éducation |
| Electronic security systems | Installation, maintenance and remote monitoring of alarms, cameras or access control | No training required by the Private Security Act (other bodies, such as the Commission de la construction, may have their own requirements) |
| Transport of valuables | Transport of cash and other valuables | Training on the handling of firearms and the use of force, given by an instructor qualified by the École nationale de police du Québec |
| Security consulting | Advising on protection against theft, intrusion or vandalism, offered independently of the other activities | No specific program. You must demonstrate your practical knowledge and skills to the BSP, through an interview or an exam if needed |
The electronic security systems licence is issued for one or more sectors: installation, repair and maintenance, continuous remote monitoring or technical advice. A person who does not have the required training can ask the BSP to assess the equivalence of their knowledge.
A "security guard" in the everyday sense holds a security guarding licence. The 70 hours are explained in detail on our security guard training page. For the transport of cash, read our article on armoured transport guards.
What are the requirements to obtain the licence?
Under section 19 of the Act, the applicant must:
- have the training required by regulation
- be of good moral character
- never have been convicted, anywhere, of a criminal offence related to the activity concerned, unless a pardon has been obtained
- be at least 18 years old
The Regulation under the Private Security Act (section 12.1) adds two conditions. You must have Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status or a work permit issued by Canadian immigration authorities. You must also be in a physical and mental condition that allows you to carry on the activity. The BSP asks for a medical certificate only if it considers it necessary.
The BSP can also refuse a licence if, in the previous 5 years, you were refused a licence or your licence was suspended or revoked (section 20).
A criminal record does not automatically close the door. It all depends on the link between the offence and the work. See our detailed article on criminal records and the agent licence. If you are a newcomer, also read becoming a security guard as an immigrant.
What documents do you have to provide?
The application for a regular licence is made with BSP form 194.001. According to the regular licence page, you must attach:
- a copy, front and back, of two different valid documents. The first is a piece of photo ID: ideally the driver's licence, otherwise the health insurance card, the passport or another government-issued ID
- the second is proof of status in Canada: birth certificate, Canadian passport, citizenship certificate, permanent resident card or valid work permit
- two colour photos in passport format (5 cm by 7 cm), taken less than 6 months ago, one of them signed by a guarantor
- the attestation or diploma that proves you passed the required training
The BSP specifies that the photo must be taken from the front, on a white background, with the head uncovered, from the shoulders to the head, and dated on the back. Selfies are not accepted. A document written in a language other than French or English must come with an official translation (the details are in our article for immigrants).
How do you apply, step by step?
- Choose the right form. Regular licence, immediate superior licence or temporary licence. The forms are on the BSP website.
- Fill out and sign the form, then check off the requested documents and attach them. The BSP warns that incomplete applications cause a significant delay.
- Send the application. By mail or in person at 1611, boulevard Crémazie Est, bureau 500, in Montreal. To send it electronically, the BSP's information service provides a secure link to upload the documents.
- Pay the fees in full by an accepted method. The BSP asks you never to send your banking information by email or fax, and Interac e-Transfer is no longer accepted (see our article on payment and the register).
- Security check. Under section 27 of the Act, the BSP sends your information to the Sûreté du Québec, which checks your background and your good moral character.
How much does the licence cost?
Here are the main fees published by the BSP for 2026. They are indexed every January 1st and are non-refundable.
| Step | Fees in 2026 |
|---|---|
| First application | $69.50 + $119.00 (security check) = $188.50 |
| Annual fees | $69.50 + $18.00 (security monitoring) = $87.50 |
| Renewal every 5 years | $69.50 + $119.00 = $188.50 |
| Adding a category or a temporary licence | $69.50 |
| Replacement or copy | $31.25 + taxes |
The security check and the security monitoring are billed only once, even if you hold several agent licences. The cost over 5 years and the payment methods are explained in our article on licence fees and renewal.
How long do you have to wait?
The BSP does not publish a processing time for an agent licence application. Neither its "Faire une demande" page nor its FAQ gives one. The only official indication is that an incomplete file delays processing considerably. Send a complete file the first time, and call the BSP if the wait seems long.
Do you have to carry and show your licence card?
Yes. The Regulation respecting standards of conduct of agent licence holders (section 2) requires the guard to show the licence when a person asks for identification, and to wear any prescribed identification. The exception covers agents whose information is confidential in the register.
The same regulation requires conduct that preserves the trust the duties call for: no obscene or offensive language, no insulting remarks based in particular on race, sex or religion, no lack of respect and no alcohol or drugs. If you lose your card, a copy costs $31.25 plus taxes.
Any change that may affect the validity of the licence, such as a change of status in Canada, must be reported to the BSP without delay, under section 24 of the Act.
Can you work before you have the regular licence?
Yes, with a temporary licence of 120 days at most (section 22 of the Act). It is granted for training (an internship or a work-study program), for the needs of an investigation or for a one-time labour need. The temporary agent works under the supervision of an agent who holds a regular licence. Conditions, the agency's role and the move to a regular licence: read our article on the temporary BSP licence.
How do you renew your licence?
The agent licence is issued for 5 years (section 21 of the Act). The BSP sends the renewal form during the 5th year. You must return it at least 45 days before the expiry date, otherwise you have to start a full application again. In the meantime, the annual fees are payable every year (section 23). All the details are in our article on fees and renewal.
How do you check that a licence is valid?
The BSP keeps a public register of licence holders, searchable by name or by licence number. Transport of valuables agents and some investigation agents do not appear in it, for security reasons. Our article explains how to check a licence in the BSP register.
How do you contact the BSP?
- Address: 1611, boulevard Crémazie Est, bureau 500, Montréal (Québec) H2M 2P2
- Telephone: 514 748-7480, or 1 877 748-7483 toll-free
- Email: info@bspquebec.ca
Frequently asked questions
What is a BSP licence?
In Quebec, a BSP licence is the agent licence issued by the Bureau de la sécurité privée (BSP), the body that administers the Private Security Act. The person who carries on a private security activity, and that person's immediate superior, must hold one of the corresponding category (section 16 of the Act). There are six categories. A security guard in the everyday sense holds a security guarding licence.
How do I get my BSP licence?
In Quebec, you get the BSP licence by passing the required training (at least 70 hours in security guarding), then sending the BSP form 194.001 with the requested documents and the fees, $188.50 for a first application in 2026. You must be at least 18, be of good moral character and have Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status or a work permit. The BSP then sends your information to the Sûreté du Québec for the security check (section 27 of the Act).
How long does it take to get a BSP licence?
In Quebec, the BSP does not publish a processing time for an agent licence application. Its only official indication is that an incomplete file delays processing considerably. Send a complete file the first time, and call the BSP at 514 748-7480 if the wait seems long.
How do I apply for a BSP licence online?
In Quebec, the BSP offers an online application on its website. According to the BSP, it is the fastest way to get the regular licence, as explained in our article on the BSP and its online services. For the temporary licence, the online application requires an email address and a payment card.
How do you get a security guard licence in Quebec?
In Quebec, the security guard licence is the BSP's security guarding licence. The application takes five steps: choose the right form, fill it out and attach the documents, including the attestation for the 70-hour training, send the application, pay the fees in full, then wait for the security check done by the Sûreté du Québec. The full path, from training to a first job, is on our become a security guard page.
Can my employer keep my licence?
No. The BSP specifies that you must keep your licence as long as it is valid, even if the employer paid for it. It is issued regardless of the job you hold. The temporary licence is an exception: it is tied to a specific mandate and employer.
Does a security guarding licence allow you to do investigation work?
No. You need a licence of the category that corresponds to the activity carried on (section 16). You can add a category to your licence for $69.50, provided you have the training required for it.
Can a police officer hold an agent licence?
No. Section 25 of the Act prohibits a licence holder from holding employment that is incompatible with private security, in particular employment within a police force.
Where do I start if I have no training?
Start with the 70-hour security guarding training, then apply. Our become a security guard page presents the full path, and the security guard jobs page helps you find a first position.
Sources
- LégisQuébec: Private Security Act (sections 1, 16, 17, 19 to 25, 27)
- LégisQuébec: Regulation under the Private Security Act (sections 12.1 and 13)
- LégisQuébec: Regulation respecting standards of conduct of agent licence holders carrying on a private security activity (sections 1 and 2)
- BSP: permis régulier
- BSP: faire une demande
- BSP: information à lire avant de remplir une demande
- BSP: formations requises
- BSP: droits payables pour un agent
- BSP: foire aux questions