BSP licence in Quebec: what it costs and how not to lose it
$188.50 for a first application, $87.50 a year after that, and a renewal to send at least 45 days before the licence expires.
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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 licence costs money up front, then every year, and it can be lost for very simple reasons: a forgotten payment, a form sent too late. Here is what it costs in 2026 and how to keep it valid.
For the eligibility conditions, the documents and the application steps, see our complete guide to the BSP licence. This article focuses on the money and the deadline.
How much does the BSP licence cost?
Here are the fees published by the BSP for an agent licence, in effect in 2026.
| Step | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|
| First application | $69.50 (licence fee) + $119.00 (security check) | $188.50 |
| Annual fees | $69.50 (licence fee) + $18.00 (security monitoring) | $87.50 |
| Renewal (every 5 years) | $69.50 (licence fee) + $119.00 (security check) | $188.50 |
| Adding a category | $69.50 | $69.50 |
| Replacement or copy of the licence | $31.25 + taxes | $31.25 + taxes |
The security check and the security monitoring are billed only once, even if you hold several agent licences. Security monitoring covers the checks that the Sûreté du Québec can carry out on an ongoing basis while the licence is in effect.
Do the fees change every year?
Yes. The BSP states that its fees are indexed automatically on January 1 of each year, based on the increase in the general Consumer Price Index. The amounts above are those for 2026. Check the BSP page before paying in 2027 or later.
The fees for the licence, the security check and the security monitoring are not refundable. A refusal or a withdrawal does not get you your money back.
How much does the licence cost over 5 years?
The licence is valid for 5 years, and the annual fees are due on each anniversary date of the licence. Using the 2026 rates, without taking indexation into account, here is the result:
- First application: $69.50 + $119.00 = $188.50
- Annual fees on the 4 anniversary dates (2nd to 5th year): 4 × ($69.50 + $18.00) = 4 × $87.50 = $350.00
- Total for the first 5 years: $188.50 + $350.00 = $538.50, or about $108 a year
After 5 years, the renewal costs $188.50 again (at the 2026 rate). Add a copy of the licence if needed ($31.25 + taxes) if you lose your card.
This calculation is an estimate based on the rates published by the BSP in 2026. The actual amount will be a little higher: the fees are indexed every January 1.
Who pays: the guard or the agency?
The BSP does not say who must pay. It only states that the licence remains yours even if your employer paid its costs. Who pays is a question to ask when you are hired, and to get in writing if the agency commits to paying.
How do you pay the BSP fees?
The BSP accepts debit cards, credit or prepaid cards, cash, cheques and postal or bank money orders. Interac e-Transfer is no longer accepted. The details, and the change in how the Public Register displays a licence during a renewal, are explained in our article on payment and the register.
How do you renew a security guard licence?
The BSP sends you the renewal form during the 5th year of the licence. According to its frequently asked questions, this form, along with the required documents and payments, must be returned no later than 45 days before the expiry date. Otherwise, you have to submit a complete new application.
- Note the expiry date shown on your licence.
- Count back 45 days: that is your real deadline.
- Fill out the form as soon as you receive it, with the requested documents.
- Pay the renewal fees by an accepted method.
- Keep proof of mailing and of payment.
At renewal, the BSP sends your file to the Sûreté du Québec again for a check (section 27 of the Private Security Act). The $119.00 security check is paid again.
What can make you lose your licence?
Under section 30 of the Private Security Act, the BSP may suspend, revoke or refuse to renew the licence of an agent who:
- no longer meets the conditions for the issue of the licence
- does not pay the annual fees
- holds a job that is incompatible with their private security activity (the Act mentions a job in a police force in particular)
- has been found guilty of an offence under the Act or its regulations
- has contravened the standards of conduct set by regulation
The most needless case is a forgotten payment. According to the BSP's frequently asked questions, without payment on the anniversary date, the licence is suspended, then revoked after the time limit stated in the notice of suspension. During the suspension, you cannot carry on any security activity.
Section 24 of the Act also requires the licence holder to notify the BSP without delay of any change that could affect the validity of the licence. A criminal charge or conviction is one of them. This topic is covered in detail in our article on criminal records and the licence.
What should you do if you move or lose your card?
The BSP writes to you for the renewal and for the annual fees. With an outdated address, you may never receive the form. The BSP asks to be notified of any change and of any new employer. If you are unsure how to update your contact information, call it at 514 748-7480 or 1 877 748-7483.
If your licence is lost or stolen, fill out the replacement request form. The fee is $31.25 plus taxes.
What about while you wait for the regular licence?
A temporary licence of no more than 120 days allows you, among other things, to work during your training, under supervision. Its fees and limits are explained in our article on the temporary licence. Just starting out? Also read how to become a security guard.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the BSP refund the fees if my application is refused?
No. The BSP states that the fees for the licence, the security check and the security monitoring are not refundable.
What happens if I send my renewal less than 45 days before the expiry date?
The BSP requires the form no later than 45 days before the expiry date. After that deadline, you have to submit a complete new application. Contact the BSP as soon as possible to find out what to do.
Can I work if my licence is suspended for unpaid fees?
No. A suspended licence does not allow you to carry on any activity. Pay the fees right away, before the suspension leads to a revocation.
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