BSP Register: How to Verify a Security Licence in Quebec
The BSP public register shows whether a guard or an agency holds a valid licence. How to search, read the statuses and what to do if there is a problem.
Did you like this article?
Thank you. It is anonymous, and it tells us what to write next.
Security guard or future guard? Create your free profile: agencies hiring near you find you, without seeing your name.
The BSP register, or Register of Licence Holders of the Bureau de la sécurité privée (BSP), Quebec's private security regulator, lets you check in a few seconds whether a guard or an agency holds a valid licence. It is public, free and available online. Here is how to verify a BSP licence, what the register shows and what to do if there is a problem.
What is the BSP public register?
It is required by the Private Security Act. Under section 76, the Bureau must keep an up-to-date register of licence holders. Section 81 specifies that this register is public.
The BSP presents it as a tool to check, in real time, whether the guard or agency whose services you want to retain really does hold a valid licence.
Where can you find the BSP register?
The search is done at registre-public.bspquebec.ca. The BSP website also has an explanation page, "Consulter le Registre des titulaires de permis" (consult the Register of Licence Holders), which describes the search criteria and the statuses.
How do you search for an agent or agency licence?
The BSP indicates two ways to search:
| Search | Agent | Agency |
|---|---|---|
| By licence number | Format GAR 99999999 | Format GAR 99999999 |
| By name | Last name and first name | Legal name or business name (the name under which it does business) |
In the search tool, the "Nom" (name) field is the only mandatory one. At least 3 letters are needed, unless you check the "Graphie exacte" (exact spelling) box, which limits the results to the exact spelling entered. The first name is used to narrow the search.
A "Recherche avancée" (advanced search) adds two filters: the employer and the licence category. The tool offers seven choices, the six licence categories in the Act and "Supérieur immédiat" (immediate superior):
- Security guarding
- Transport of valuables
- Investigation
- Locksmith work
- Electronic security systems
- Security consulting
- Immediate superior
Practical tip: if a search by name gives nothing, do it again with the licence number, which avoids spelling mistakes.
What do the register statuses mean?
To have the right to work, the licence must show the status valid. According to the BSP, if the register indicates "suspended", "revoked" or "expired", the licence is not valid.
While a renewal is under review, the status no longer shows "Expired" as long as the BSP has not made its decision. This change is explained in our article on payment and the register.
What do you see there, and what do you not see?
For an agent, section 78 of the Act provides that the register contains:
- the name of the holder and their licence number
- the name of their employer
- the licence category and its term
- their training
- the operative part of the decisions made regarding their licence
For an agency, section 77 adds the contact information of the head office and the establishments, as well as the name of the representative.
The register does not show everyone. Under section 81, the BSP can keep confidential the information of certain investigation agents or agents who transport valuables, if disclosing it could hinder their work and their safety. In practice, according to the BSP's frequently asked questions, all agents who transport valuables are exempt from appearing in the register, while investigation agents have to apply for it. Being absent from the register is not always proof of having no licence in those two categories.
Why verify a licence in the register?
- You are a guard: check your own record before an interview or as your renewal approaches. The employer's name must be up to date: section 79 requires you to inform the BSP of any change no later than 30 days after it.
- You are an agency: check that a candidate holds a valid licence in the right category before assigning them.
- You are a client: check that the agency you are hiring has a valid licence.
Looking for a position? See our security guard job postings. To get or renew your licence, follow the BSP licence guide.
What should you do if your licence does not appear or shows an error?
First do the search again with the licence number. If the problem persists, the BSP asks you to contact its information service at 514 748-7480 or 1 877 748-7483.
If you have just started with a temporary licence, read our article on the temporary licence. For the fees and the expiry date, see licence fees and renewal.
How do you report a person who works without a licence?
The BSP treats these cases as complaints, through the "Déposer une plainte" (file a complaint) page. There you can report a person who works without a valid licence, an agent whose behaviour is unprofessional or an employer who hires unauthorized personnel. The complaint is made with a form sent to plaintes@bspquebec.ca or by phone at 514 748-7480, option 2.
The "Déclaration d'une insatisfaction" (statement of dissatisfaction) page is for something else: complaining about a service, a tool or a staff member of the BSP itself. There, the BSP refers breaches of the Act to the complaints section.
Did you like this article?
Thank you. It is anonymous, and it tells us what to write next.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check whether a BSP licence is valid?
In Quebec, you check a BSP licence in the Register of Licence Holders of the Bureau de la sécurité privée (BSP), which is public and free, at registre-public.bspquebec.ca. Search by licence number or by name. The licence is valid only if the status shown is "valid": according to the BSP, a "suspended", "revoked" or "expired" licence is not valid.
Is the BSP register free?
Yes. The register is public under section 81 of the Private Security Act, and the online search requires neither an account nor a payment.
Can I search with only a last name?
Yes. The name is the only mandatory field, with at least 3 letters, unless the "Graphie exacte" box is checked.
Does a "suspended" licence allow you to work?
No. According to the BSP, a suspended, revoked or expired licence is not valid. Only the "valid" status authorizes you to work.
Did you like this article?
Thank you. It is anonymous, and it tells us what to write next.