How to apply
To apply for a private investigator or security guard licence you’ll need to apply to the Registrar of Private Investigators and Security Guards at the Ministry of Justice.
To apply for a private investigator or security guard licence, you'll need to apply to the Registrar of Private Investigators and Security Guards at the Ministry of Justice. If you hold a licence and have people working for you, they will need a Certificate of Approval.
Below are application kits you can download with all the information you need, including fees and forms. Please note there are different kits for individuals and companies.
Applications for new licences and certificates
- Security Guard Companies (Word, 462Kb)
- Security Guard Individuals (for sole traders) (Word, 455Kb)
- Private Investigator Companies (Word, 456Kb)
- Private Investigator Individuals (for sole traders) (Word, 453Kb)
- Security Guard (Form 11) - (Word, 314Kb)
- Private Investigator (Form 10) - (Word, 314Kb)
- Temporary Approval Form (Word, 20.5Kb)
Please note that Certificate of Approval application forms are only for use by licence holders.
Renewing your licence or certificate
Licences and certificates of approval must be renewed by 31 March each year. Applications received after this date will still expire on 31 March the following year. For example, an application received and granted in December 2009 will expire on 31 March 2010.
If you haven't renewed your licence or certificate by 31 March, you'll need to apply again. Certificate of Approval renewals are handled by the licence holder.
Applications for licence renewals are filed during January and February each year. Forms, instructions and costs are in the licence renewal kit.
- Security Guard Companies (Word, 165Kb)
- Security Guard Individuals (for sole traders) (Word, 166Kb)
- Private Investigator Companies (Word, 165Kb)
- Private Investigator Individuals (for sole traders) (Word, 166Kb)
Police checks
The Registrar will forward a copy of your application to the police for security clearance. The issuing or renewal of a certificate depends on whether the police object or not and the time it takes police to consider and process your application.
If the police don't lodge an objection to issuing a licence or certificate, the Registrar will grant the application and the licence will be issued immediately.
Public notification
Applications for licences are advertised in the newspaper and will not be considered before one month after the first newspaper advertisement. This allows members of the public to lodge any objections they might have to the applicant holding a licence.
How long it takes
It may take a few days to process certificates of approval or, during the busy renewal period of January to March, it may take weeks.
What can be presented as evidence
The Registrar may receive as evidence any statement, document, information, or matter that may help them deal with the matter, whether or not it would be admissible in a court of law.
