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Security licensing requirements in France

In France, security licensing is handled by the Conseil national des activités privées de sécurité. XGuard requires guards working in France to provide security license. Agencies are asked for security license. These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in France to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges coverage. The license itself is issued by the Conseil national des activités privées de sécurité. Independent professionals and agencies both list on XGuard; local rules decide who must hold which license.

How licensing works in France

Who licenses

The National Council for Private Security Activities (Conseil national des activités privées de sécurité, CNAPS).

Who needs a license

Anyone doing private security work in France needs a professional card (carte professionnelle) valid across the territory. It is issued to individuals, whether employed or self-employed, after an administrative inquiry (the police and security files TAJ, FPR and B2 are consulted).

Steps

  1. Obtain the CNAPS prior authorization (autorisation préalable) before entering training; it is valid 6 months.
  2. Train at a CNAPS-authorized body for a qualification such as the professional qualification certificate (CQP), a title in the national register of professional certifications, or an equivalent diploma; hours: varies — check CNAPS (https://www.cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr/).
  3. Pass the administrative good-character inquiry.
  4. Apply for the card through the CNAPS online portal (Dracar Ultimate); age rule and fee: varies — check CNAPS (https://www.cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr/).
  5. The card lasts 5 years; renew at least 3 months before expiry.

Typical timeline

varies — check CNAPS (https://www.cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr/).

Documents XGuard checks

  • Security licenseRequired, expires

These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in France to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges coverage. The license itself is issued by the Conseil national des activités privées de sécurité.

Wages and verification

France Minimum Wage.

Verify a license on the official public register.

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

Frequently asked

Who issues security licenses in France?

Security licenses in France are issued by the Conseil national des activités privées de sécurité.

Can I check a France security license online?

Yes. Conseil national des activités privées de sécurité publishes a public lookup at https://espace-consultation.cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr/annuaire/app/. XGuard verifies licenses by document review and, where the regulator publishes a lookup, against that lookup.

Does a security agency need its own license in France?

XGuard asks agencies in France for: Security license. These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in France to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges coverage. The license itself is issued by the Conseil national des activités privées de sécurité.

Next steps

Sources

Last verified: July 2, 2026

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