It’s crucially important for security guards to renew their licenses before it expires. They need it to keep their jobs, avoid fees, and comply with Ministry regulations. Keeping a valid license also helps protect the security guard and their employer when major incidents occur, showing that a properly trained guard was on duty and acted appropriately.

Remember, working as a security guard without a valid license is illegal. If your license is expired, it’s not valid. Security guard licenses expire two birthdays after they are issued or last renewed, which would not surpass two years. Security guards are notified two months before their license’s expiration date.

Here’s what you need to know to get a security guard’s license renewed in Ontario.

The Security Guard License Renewal Process

Renewal is simpler than most guides suggest. You do not need to retake the training course or sit the ministry exam again. The Ministry's application form asks renewing applicants for their existing licence number, not a testing completion number. Get the details below, answers to common questions, and advice for the easiest, fastest, and smoothest experience.

Qualify For Renewal

In Ontario, eligibility for a license means you must be 18 or older. Renewal requires you also remain:

• Eligible to work in Canada

• On the right side of the law — you must have a clear record or (in some cases) have been pardoned verified by a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) within the last six months

In addition to your CRJMC, you’ll need other documents to submit your application.

Gather Your Documents

Alongside your clean criminal record verification (CRJMC) from your current mailing address, you’ll need to gather some things to verify you’re a resident and meet renewal criteria. Other documents include:

• Proof of address

• A PDF of your CRJMC

• A passport-quality photo

• Two different valid IDs — digital copies of front and back:

  • One to prove identity

  • One to prove work eligibility

Step 1: Get Your Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check

Your CRJMC must have been issued within six months of the date you submit your application. Order it once everything else is ready, so you have the maximum time on that six month window.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You can renew up to 90 calendar days before your licence expires. Submit through the Ministry's Private Security and Investigative Services website with your existing licence number, your CRJMC, a photo that meets the requirements, and two pieces of valid government-issued identification.

Cost Of Renewing A Security Guard License

The Ministry fee to renew a security guard licence is $80, or $160 for a dual licence.

Finally, Ontario charges a fee of $80 to apply for a renewed license.

How Long It Takes to Renew

To be safe, start the renewal process a few months before your license expires.

Your CRJMC is the only document you need to obtain. Ours is emailed to most people within 15 minutes.

Finally, The Ministry application for renewal takes two weeks when submitted online or up to 30 days if submitted by mail.

Security Guard Renewal Process FAQ

For more information, contact an Ontario security guard license renewal course provider.

How to address expired licenses

If your license expires, you will have to pay late fees. You may also not be allowed to work, as your employer would be out of compliance.

How to handle name or address changes

With a valid license, you can change your information online. Otherwise, you need to fill out and mail this form.

Tips For a Fast, Easy, and Smooth Renewal

Save this page to refer back to. Here is how to avoid delays and frustrations.

Plan Ahead

Gather your documents ahead of time and mark your expiry date on your calendar. Leave your CRJMC until last, since it must be issued within six months of the day you submit.

Remember, you can renew up to 90 days ahead of expiration. Because an expired license will impact your ability to earn a living as a security guard, there’s no sense in waiting until the last minute.

Get Organized

Store all your documents in one place and make sure you have copies (ideally digital) of everything you need and will submit.

Triple-Check For Accuracy

Don’t let a typo, outdated address, name change, or incorrect date throw off the process. Confirm everything you submit and ensure your documents match each other. Even the smallest of errors can lead to a problem with your application and, ultimately, the validity of your security guard license.

Check Your Status

You can check the status of your application by entering your license number here. In case of any issues, you can catch them right away and reach out to get them resolved. Your license renewal is your responsibility, so ensuring your contact information is up to date and checking your status is always advised. Even a complete application can hit unexpected snags.

Keep Your Employer Informed

Don’t wait for your employer to remind you — get your license renewed proactively and well before it impacts your eligibility to serve as a security guard legally.

Keep Your Record Clean

Not only will breaking the law show your employer you might not be the best fit as a security guard, but it will also derail your renewal process. Without a renewed license, a security guard cannot legally work in the profession, which will likely compound as lost wages and legal bills add up.

Get Renewal Assistance

Renewal needs one document you do not already have: a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check issued within the last six months. Ontario Security License delivers most within 15 minutes, online, with no trip to a police station.