How to License a Security Agency in Australian Capital Territory

Here's what Australian Capital Territory requires to run your own security business, and the official portal to apply. This page covers the business (agency) license.

Agency / master

Run your own security business in the ACT (Master Licence)

Working for yourself in the ACT means holding two licences: a Security Master Licence for the business and a Security Employee Licence for the work you do personally.

TrainingMaster licence: none beyond what your own employee licence needs

CostAbout AUD 1,100 for 12 months or AUD 3,300 for 36 months (AUD 1,064 / 3,194 on the 2025-26 schedule); plus your employee licence and AUD 53 fingerprinting

RenewsEvery 1 or 3 years

1Hold an ACT security employee licenceA master licence does not let you personally do security work. To work yourself you also need an employee licence for the right subclass, such as 1A (guard property) or 1C (crowd controller).
2Join an approved industry associationMaster licence applicants who are not locksmiths must be members of an industry association approved by the ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading.
3Get a fingerprint-verified police checkYour police certificate must be fingerprint-verified and dated no more than two months before you apply.
4Apply online for the master licenceUse Access Canberra's Security Licence Application or Renewal form. Upload a passport-quality photo, your police check, evidence of qualifications and two proof-of-identity documents, then pay the fee.
5Upload your master licence to XGuardOnce issued, upload your master licence number, business name and ABN. Master licence holders appear on Access Canberra's public register, which we check.

Open the official portal

See the full licensing requirements for Australian Capital Territory and the documents XGuard checks.

Once you're licensed

Create your free XGuard profile now — upload your license the moment you have it, and we'll verify it and start matching you to paid security work near you.

Start your XGuard profile

Frequently asked: licensing in Australian Capital Territory

Do I need a license to run a security agency in Australian Capital Territory?

Yes: Run your own security business in the ACT (Master Licence). Working for yourself in the ACT means holding two licences: a Security Master Licence for the business and a Security Employee Licence for the work you do personally.

How long does it take to license a security agency in Australian Capital Territory?

Training: Master licence: none beyond what your own employee licence needs. Renewal: Every 1 or 3 years.

Who issues the security agency license in Australian Capital Territory?

Applications go through the official portal at forms.act.gov.au (https://forms.act.gov.au/smartforms/servlet/SmartForm.html?formCode=1192).

XGuard guides you to the official process; the regulator issues your license. Figures are sourced from official regulators and verified before publishing, but requirements can change — always confirm on the official portal linked above.