XGuard

Security licensing requirements in South Africa

In South Africa, security licensing is handled by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority. XGuard requires guards working in South Africa to provide security licence. Agencies are asked for security licence and public liability insurance. These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in South Africa to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority. Independent professionals and agencies both list on XGuard; local rules decide who must hold which licence.

How licensing works in South Africa

Who licenses

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA).

Who needs a licence

Security officers must be registered with PSIRA before working, whether for a security business or in-house. In-house means an entity guarding its own people or property. Registration needs at least Grade E; grades run up to A and the grade depends on completed training. Firearm competency is separate.

Steps

  1. Meet PSIRA's eligibility rules (age, citizenship, criminal record): varies — check PSIRA (https://www.psira.co.za/).
  2. Complete grade training with a PSIRA-accredited provider; hours and fees vary by provider.
  3. Apply on the e-PSiRA digital services portal and pay the registration fee: amount varies — check PSIRA (https://www.psira.co.za/).
  4. Receive proof of registration with photograph; a printed certificate is not required, though the PSIRA identity card is stated to be mandatory.
  5. Renew online; PSIRA's FAQ lists a renewal fee of ZAR 75 (page undated). A printed certificate is valid for 24 months, and renewal is allowed from 90 days before the expiry date. Registration validity itself: varies — check PSIRA (https://www.psira.co.za/).

Also worth knowing

  • Grade definitions and training length: varies — check PSIRA (https://www.psira.co.za/).

Typical timeline

Not published on the pages checked; varies — check PSIRA (https://www.psira.co.za/).

Documents XGuard checks

  • Security licenceRequired, expires
  • Firearms competencyOptional, expires
  • Firearm licenceOptional, expires
  • Public liability insuranceRequired, expires

These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in South Africa to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority.

Wages and verification

Sectoral Determination 6 — Private Security. 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 South Africa?

Security licences in South Africa are issued by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority.

Can I check a South Africa security licence online?

Yes. Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority publishes a public lookup at https://digitalservices.psira.co.za/verify-user/4. 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 South Africa?

XGuard asks agencies in South Africa for: Security licence, Public liability insurance. These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in South Africa to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority.

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.