Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority

Notice: On Monday, 5th February 2024, you'll be able to submit and pay your Annual Returns forms through our online portal by going through the Forms & Fees page. You can still send your Annual Return forms by emailing them to PSPLA@justice.govt.nz. The changes will improve efficiency and reduce data entry time for the case management team. If you have any questions or feedback please send an email to PSPLA@justice.govt.nz.

The Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) looks after licenses and certificates of approval (COA) for private security and investigation work.

  • Apply or renew

    Find out how to apply for or renew a private security licence or certificate of approval (COA).

  • Contact us

    Contact details and addresses for the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA).

  • Forms & fees

    Find the forms and fees for all applications.

  • Training & skills

    When you apply for a private security licence or certificate you need to prove you have the training or skills (competency) for the classes of work you will be doing.

  • Licence applications experience requirements

    When you apply for an individual licence you need to prove you have at least 12 months experience in the last 5 years in the classes for which you are applying for a licence. For a company licence at least one of the company officers needs to have 12 months experience in the last 5 years.

  • Public registers

    Use the public registers to check applications and to get details about a person or company’s licence or certificate.

  • Replacements, updates & your duties

    How to replace lost badges, licences or certificates, update details or classes, and learn about your responsibilities like licence annual returns.

  • Complaints, objections & appeals

    How you can complain about a private security operator, object to people applying to work in this area, and appeal decisions.

  • About the Authority

    The Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority issues licences and certificates of approval (COA) to people working in the security industry, and private investigators, holds a register of all holders, and has the ability to discipline if required.

  • PSPLA decisions

    Use our decision finder to search for recent PSPLA decisions.

  • Volunteers

    Guidelines for using volunteers or people without certificates to assist security workers.

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