Security licensing requirements in New South Wales
In New South Wales, security licensing is handled by the NSW Police Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate. XGuard requires guards working in New South Wales to provide security licence. Agencies are asked for security licence and public liability insurance. These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in New South Wales to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the NSW Police Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate. Independent professionals and agencies both list on XGuard; local rules decide who must hold which licence.
How licensing works in New South Wales
Who licenses
The Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate (SLED) of NSW Police.
Who needs a licence
Class 1A is Security Officer, 1B Bodyguard and 1C Cash-in-Transit Guard. A licence is needed in New South Wales for these activities.
Steps
- Be 18 and a fit and proper person with the right to work.
- Hold approved training from a SLED-approved organisation.
- Hold a first aid certificate (HLTAID011 or HLTAID014).
- Apply for the class you need. Renewal is offered for 1, 3 or 5 years. Fee: varies — check SLED (https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/sled/security_licences/class_2_licences/class_2_licences_content/fees).
Typical timeline
Not published on the pages checked; varies — check SLED (https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/sled).
Documents XGuard checks
- Security licenceRequired, expires
- Public liability insuranceRequired, expires
These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in New South Wales to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the NSW Police Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate.
Wages and verification
Security Services Industry Award MA000016. Source
Verify a licence on the official public register.
XGuard verifies licences by document review and, where the regulator publishes a lookup, against that lookup.
Frequently asked
Who issues security licences in New South Wales?
Security licences in New South Wales are issued by the NSW Police Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate.
Can I check a New South Wales security licence online?
Yes. NSW Police Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate publishes a public lookup at https://verify.licence.nsw.gov.au/home/Security. XGuard verifies licences by document review and, where the regulator publishes a lookup, against that lookup.
Does a security agency need its own licence in New South Wales?
XGuard asks agencies in New South Wales for: Security licence, Public liability insurance. These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in New South Wales to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the NSW Police Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate.
Next steps
Sources
- NSW Police SLED (Security Industry Act 1997)
- NSW Police Firearms Registry
- Primary-source re-validation 2026-07-01
- Service NSW: apply for a security operative licence
- Service NSW: renew a security operative licence
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.