What you'll need to apply

On this page:

Find out what you need to send us when you apply for a private security licence or certificate.

Suitable passport-style photo

Your photo will be printed on your licence and ID badge.

The best way to make sure your photo is suitable is to get a professional passport photo. If your photo isn’t suitable your application may be turned down or delayed.

All photos must be:

  • good quality
  • colour
  • a good likeness
  • taken less than 6 months before you apply.

All photos must also:

  • have a plain, light background (not white or dark) with no background shadow
  • be a full front view of your face, head and shoulders, with your head filling most of the photograph
  • show your head without a head covering, hat, head band, bandana or scarf except for religious or medical reasons. In all cases, facial features from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and both edges of the face must be clearly shown.

When you apply online

Your photo must be:

  • a jpg or jpeg file
  • under 2MB in size
  • larger than 100 pixels wide × 130 pixels high
  • smaller than 2048 pixels wide × 2048 pixels high.

When you apply by mail

Your photo must be:

  • 45mm high × 35mm wide
  • on good quality paper.

See examples of suitable photos on the Passports website(external link)

Identification (ID)

You’ll need to provide a valid photo ID when applying for a licence or certificate. This ID must match your name on your application.

If you are using an overseas passport as evidence of identity, you will also need to file your visa or other evidence that you are entitled to work in security in New Zealand.

When you fill in the form you need to tell us which ID you will use. The IDs you can use are:

  • Passport
  • New Zealand driver licence
  • Kiwi Access Card
  • New Zealand firearms licence.

Training & skills documents

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

Training and skills documents you need when you apply

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