XGuard

Security licensing requirements in Australia

Each state or territory licenses separately; there is no national licence. A licence from one state does not automatically allow work in another (Western Australia offers mutual recognition for current licences from another Australian state, territory or New Zealand). XGuard lists no required guard documents for Australia at the moment. Independent professionals and agencies both list on XGuard; local rules decide who must hold which licence.

How licensing works in Australia

Who licenses

Each state or territory licenses separately; there is no national licence. A licence from one state does not automatically allow work in another (Western Australia offers mutual recognition for current licences from another Australian state, territory or New Zealand).

Who needs a licence

Guards, crowd controllers and bodyguards need an individual licence in the state where they work. Armed work needs further approvals that vary by state.

Steps

    Other states and territories

    • Western Australia: Western Australia Police Force Licensing Services (Security).
    • South Australia: varies — check the South Australian Government security licensing page (https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/business-and-trade/licensing/security/business-licence/apply-now-employee).
    • Tasmania: varies — check the Tasmanian regulator (https://cbos.tas.gov.au).
    • Australian Capital Territory: varies — check Access Canberra (https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au).
    • Northern Territory: varies — check the Northern Territory Government (https://nt.gov.au/industry/licences/security-licences).

    Typical timeline

    Not published on the pages checked; varies — check the state regulator.

    Verification

    Other states: no public register confirmed; XGuard checks by document review.

    XGuard verifies licences by document review and, where the regulator publishes a lookup, against that lookup.

    Next steps

    Sources

    Last verified: July 2, 2026

    XGuard is a marketplace. It does not employ security professionals or issue licences, and it does not promise work. Requirements change, so confirm with the regulator before you apply.

    Regions in Australia