If you are starting a security agency in India, then it requires more than just hiring qualified security guards and securing clients. Before providing security services to your clients, you need to register your agency and obtain a Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act license. This is issued by the government under this regulation act, created in 2005.
Like any other govt. licensing registration and approval, this process can feel overwhelming to any new agency owner. From choosing the right business structure to documents needed for registration, licensing costs, and more, there are several steps one has to process through.
This guide will provide you all the needful information, step-by-step. It covers eligibility, documentation, the online application process, government fees, state-wise specific requirements, the renewal procedure, compliance after license approval, and also the reasons the applications get rejected. The legal framework for this licensing is governed by the PSARA Act, 2005, and the Private Security Agencies Central Model Rules, 2020, along with applicable state-wise rules.
For any new agency looking for expert guidance and support, you can consult Services Plus for PSARA license registration services.
At present, the total number of PSARA licenses issued in India stands at 56,829, out of which 30,869 are active and 25,960 have expired. This is the official data listed on the government portal, last updated on 18 August 2026. Of all the states, Maharashtra leads the chart with 9173 licenses issued to date. Lakshadweep and Ladakh are the two regions with 0 licenses issued to date.
2026 Government Data: 56,829 licenses issued | 30,869 active | 25,960 expired
If you're planning to enter this field and start and run your security agency, then getting the PSARA license is a must. An expired or missing license can stop an agency from legally providing private security services.
If the paperwork, training arrangement, affidavits, police verification, and state-specific requirements seem difficult to manage, Services Plus provides a PSARA License Registration Service to help applicants with online application preparation, documentation, submission, and follow-up with the concerned authority.
PSARA stands for the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005. This act lists the regulation guidelines and policies for private security agencies in India. It requires a person or agency serving as a security service provider to obtain a license.
The PSARA license is the legal permission and government verification that validates a private security agency to operate within the approved geographical area. It is applicable for all the agencies that provide services of security guards or supervisors for protection of people, property, or premises across public and private spaces.
The law does not treat private security as an ordinary manpower service. Security personnel are involved in ensuring public safety and protecting access to a property, using different methods and resources. This is why the government has to check the background of the businesses operating security services.
The main legal framework includes:
The 2020 Central Model Rules replaced the earlier Central Model Rules of 2006. They also introduced clearer digital processes, electronic antecedent checks, and detailed training and compliance requirements.
A security agency license under PSARA is therefore not just a registration certificate. It is an operating license with continuing responsibilities.
The PSARA framework mainly serves three purposes.
The law creates a system for checking agencies before they start providing security services. It helps authorities know who owns and manages the agency.
Security guards and supervisors must receive prescribed training. The 2020 Rules provide detailed training requirements, including physical security, firefighting, first aid, crowd control, emergency response, and other security-related subjects.
Background verification helps authorities identify applicants and personnel who may pose a security or public-order risk. The licensing system also gives authorities a way to inspect agencies and take action when license conditions are breached.
The license is based mainly on the geographical area where the agency wants to operate.
This allows an agency to operate in one district of a state. It can suit a small agency that plans to serve clients within one local market.
An agency can apply for more than one district, subject to the applicable state procedure and fee. Under the central fee structure, the standard slab covers more than one and up to five districts.
A statewide license allows the agency to operate throughout the concerned state.
There is no single national PSARA license that automatically allows an agency to work throughout India. If an agency wants to operate in several states, it generally needs to obtain the relevant license separately in each state. Each state has its own controlling authority and may have additional state-level requirements.
This is one of the most common points applicants misunderstand when planning their expansion.
Before beginning PSARA license registration, check eligibility first. Fixing an eligibility problem after filing can waste both time and money.
The applicant must be a person or business eligible under the Act and applicable state rules. Depending on the state, agencies may operate through structures such as
For a company, firm, or association of persons, Section 6(2) requires registration in India and restricts the relevant ownership or management positions to Indian citizens.
The business documents should also clearly support the proposed security activity. For example, state authorities may check the company's MOA object clause or partnership deed to confirm that security services form part of the permitted business activity. Some state checklists specifically require the words or purpose relating to “security business” in the constitutional documents.
So don't wait until filing day to discover that your company's objects don't match the business you actually want to run.
The people controlling the agency are subject to background checks.
The applicant and relevant directors, partners, or majority shareholders must meet the conditions under Section 6 and the applicable rules. The authority can verify their identity, residence, criminal history, and other antecedents.
The 2020 Rules require Form II for the relevant proprietor, majority shareholder, partner, or director and use electronic crime databases such as CCTNS and ICJS for antecedent verification.
An applicant may be disqualified where the person:
The affidavit submitted during the application specifically covers several of these declarations.
Section 6(2) places restrictions on foreign ownership and management in a private security agency. The MHA has stated that foreign investment in the private security sector is permitted up to 49%, subject to the applicable FDI policy and conditions.
Applicants with foreign investment should not treat this as a simple ownership percentage question. The application asks for details such as the foreign shareholder, country, number of shares, percentage of foreign holding, and approval details.
For a business with foreign investment, the ownership structure should be checked before filing.
The exact checklist can vary by state, but a typical PSARA License Eligibility and Documents review includes the following:
The agency needs arrangements for prescribed security training. This may involve a recognized training agency or another arrangement accepted by the Controlling Authority.
Depending on the state and nature of services, applicants may need:
The 2020 Form I itself asks for information covering CIN, ESI, EPF, labor registration, GST, FDI, management, training arrangements, security equipment, uniforms, and intended districts of operation.
That is why PSARA license eligibility and documents should be checked as a state-specific checklist rather than copied from a random website.
The Central Model Rules, 2020, prescribe several forms used during licensing and ongoing compliance.
|
Form |
Main purpose |
|
Form I |
Application for grant or renewal of a PSARA license |
|
Form II |
Verification of antecedents of the applicant |
|
Form III |
Affidavit covering eligibility and Section 7 requirements |
|
Form IV |
License issued to the private security agency |
|
Form V |
Character and antecedent verification of a security guard or supervisor |
|
Form VI |
Affidavit relating to the eligibility of a guard or supervisor |
|
Form VII |
Character and antecedent certificate |
|
Form VIII |
Training certificate |
|
Form IX |
Appeal under Section 14 |
Form X is used for the electronic register maintained by the agency, while Form XI is the prescribed photo identity card for guards and supervisors.
For a fresh PSARA license registration, Forms I, II, and III are especially important. The authority uses the information to assess the applicant and the people behind the agency.
Here is how PSARA license registration generally works.
First, establish an eligible business structure and make sure its documents support security services.
Review the antecedents, citizenship, and eligibility of the proprietor, partners, directors, and other relevant persons.
The agency needs an appropriate training arrangement. The 2020 Rules set training standards for security guards and supervisors. Entry-level guard training includes at least 100 hours of classroom instruction and 60 hours of field training over at least 20 working days. Ex-servicemen and former police personnel need to follow a lesser course, as they already hold most of the basic skills needed for this job.
Complete Form I, Form II, Form III, and the other required state-specific documents. Be sure to check every name, address, date, and identification number before submitting your application.
Where the state has enabled online filing, the applicant can proceed with the PSARA License Online. Apply through the designated licensing system.
The government rules allow applications through electronic means, and the national portal supports digital processes.
Pay the applicable fee based on the geographical area selected.
The authority checks the applicant and relevant management persons. It can also verify the agency premises.
There may be some queries or questions from the authority regarding application details. In that case, the applicant should provide the required clarification or correct documents.
The Controlling Authority passes the order within 60 days of receiving the complete application, under the Central Model Rules.
However, it doesn’t mean that you will get your license during this period. There are other procedures too, like state-specific processes, police verification, inspections, objections on documents, and any other incomplete submissions, which affect the practical timeline of license issuance.
The central act sets the following basic fee slabs:
|
Area of operation |
Standard government fee |
|
One district |
₹5,000 |
|
More than one and up to five districts |
₹10,000 |
|
Entire state |
₹25,000 |
These amounts are specified under Section 7(3) of the Act.
Additionally, state-specific rules and their procedures can create differences in the final amount to be paid. As a matter of fact, Karnataka is a notable exception when it comes to total fee payable for licensing. This is clearly mentioned in their state-specific licensing guidelines. The fee structure is higher than the central slabs of ₹5,000/₹10,000/₹25,000. The Karnataka government also lists the fee as ₹10,000 for one district, ₹20,000 for up to five districts, and ₹50,000 for the entire state.
So, when applying for a PSARA license, treat ₹5,000, ₹10,000, and ₹25,000 as the central statutory fee structure. It should not be understood that every state will charge exactly these specific amounts.
The final costing can also include factors like business registration, training, affidavits, documentation, state-specific costs, and professional assistance.
The Central Model Rules say the Controlling Authority should take a decision on a complete application within 60 days after submission.
In practice, the total time can be longer if:
A good application is not about submitting quickly. It is about submitting a file that doesn't create avoidable questions.
Under the Central Act, a license is generally valid for five years and can be renewed for another five-year period.
Under the Central Model Rules, 2020, the renewal of an application must be filled at least 45 days before its expiry. If the renewal application is not submitted within this period, the present license stands invalid after its expiry.
Some state rules prescribe a longer renewal window. For example, Delhi's state rules require renewal at least 90 days before expiry.
For this reason, my practical recommendation is simple: start your PSARA renewal process 90 days before expiry, even where the central model rule allows 45 days. That gives you room to deal with document corrections and state-level requirements.
Some states may also have different validity arrangements under their own rules. Applicants should check the current state notification rather than assuming that every state follows exactly the same validity period.
The government's PSARA licensing system has moved much of the process into a digital environment.
The national licensing portal provides a single-window approach and connects the licensing process with digital systems used for antecedent verification. The Ministry of Home Affairs has described features including online payment, e-signature, geo-tagging, and linkage with the Integrated Criminal Justice System.
The 2020 Rules also specifically provide for the use of electronic databases such as CCTNS and ICJS for antecedent verification.
The portal also provides a “Know Your Agency” type verification facility and publishes license status information. This is useful for clients who want to check whether a security agency has a valid license.
For someone planning PSARA License Online Apply, this digital setup makes filing easier than the older paper-heavy process, but it doesn't remove the need for accurate documents and physical verification where required.
Getting the license is the start of compliance, not the end.
Guards and supervisors must receive prescribed training. The 2020 Rules set detailed training requirements and provide for training certificates in Form VIII.
Before engaging a guard or supervisor, the agency must satisfy itself about the person's character and antecedents. The rules allow electronic verification through CCTNS and ICJS through the Controlling Authority or police.
Security guards must follow the applicable uniform requirements and display their photo identity card while on active duty. The 2020 Rules specify items such as an agency arm badge, position badge, whistle, appropriate footwear, and headgear.
The Central Model Rules provide for one supervisor for not more than 15 guards. Where guards work across different premises and one supervisor cannot practically supervise them, additional supervisors may be needed.
The Act requires agencies to give preference, when engaging supervisors, to persons with at least three years' experience in the armed forces, state or Union police, armed constabularies, or Home Guards.
A PSARA license doesn't replace normal business and tax compliance.
Security services can attract GST, subject to the applicable GST law, registration threshold, and specific tax rules. The agency should maintain proper invoices, records, and GST filings where registration is required.
The agency must follow the Income-tax Act requirements that apply to its business structure, including return filing, books of account, TDS, and audit requirements where applicable.
Security agencies are employers. Depending on employee strength, wages, location, and business setup, laws relating to EPF, ESIC, minimum wages, payment of wages, and other employment requirements may apply.
This is one area where a business can have a valid security agency license but still face problems because its payroll or labor compliance is weak.
The PSARA Act allows authorities to take action against agencies that breach its requirements. The Act includes provisions dealing with the cancellation and suspension of licenses, unauthorized use of uniforms, and punishment for contraventions.
Running a private security agency without the required license is the most serious mistake. Other problems can include:
The exact outcome depends on the nature of the breach and applicable law and regulations.
After reviewing how the application works, a few practical mistakes stand out.
An applicant selects one district because the fee is lower and then expects to provide services across the whole state. The license does not work that way. Your approved area matters.
If the company's MOA or partnership deed doesn't support security services, the authority may raise an objection.
A small spelling difference in a director's name or an old address on one document can create unnecessary verification issues.
Training is part of the licensing framework. The 2020 Rules specifically require prescribed training arrangements and standards.
The Central Model Rules are a starting point, but states can frame their own rules. Fees, forms, document formats, and renewal procedures may differ.
Form II asks detailed questions about residence, previous employment, criminal proceedings, and earlier involvement in private security agencies. Incorrect or incomplete information can create serious problems.
Online submission removes some paperwork. It doesn't remove scrutiny. The authority can still verify the people, premises, and documents.
A good PSARA license registration service provider should do more than fill out an online form.
The experts at Services Plus help security agency owners understand the process and requirements first before they apply for the license. Not only with the required documents, affidavit, and legal requirements, but they also help with the practical parts, including training arrangements, replying to authority queries, and following up on the registration.
If you are applying for the PSARA license for the first time, you wouldn’t want to get yourself confused by the whole process. This is where expert guidance from professionals having all the knowledge and practical experience can be great help for you. There are a lot of things, such as background verification, legal requirements, and compliance procedures, that you may need help with.
This also holds true for someone who is expanding their security agencies’ presence in other states. Our experts can guide them thoroughly on what specific state-wise requirements need to be fulfilled. The primary objective of PSARA license registration is not just to receive a verified document but also operate within the specified legal obligations.
If you're looking for a PSARA license registration service, Services Plus can help you through the entire process, including the regulatory requirements, documentation, and application, and manage all the other registration processes.
Let’s be real; obtaining that license is just the beginning. You still have to continually invest time and effort in verifying your staff, training the guards, keeping records up-to-date, following labor and tax laws, and making sure your license stays up to date.
When applying for a PSARA license registration, the ideal process is to figure out your eligibility, document requirements, and other things before you fill out the online application. Make sure that you have everything in order to avoid any unnecessary delay later on.
For expert support and guidance, Services Plus offers help every step of the way. The experts will walk you through eligibility checks, get your documents ready, handle your online application, keep track of verification, and even help out after you’ve got your license.
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What is a PSARA license?
A PSARA license is a government-issued certificate under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, required by the law to run a private security agency. It is issued by the Controlling Authority of the relative State or Union Territory.
Is a PSARA license mandatory for a private security agency?
Yes. A person cannot legally carry on the business of a private security agency without the license required under the PSARA Act.
Can I complete the PSARA license online apply?
Yes, where the concerned state has enabled online filing through the PSARA licensing system. The Central Model Rules also recognize electronic submission of applications.
What are the main PSARA license eligibility and document requirements?
The PSARA license eligibility and document requirements are applicable as per the relative 2005 act and state-specific rules where your security agency is based. Common documents required for license registration include Business registration certificate PAN Identity and address proof of the owner Office address proof Affidavits Training arrangement documents Uniform details State-specific documents
How much does a PSARA license cost?
As per the central statutory fee structure, the cost of a license is: ₹5,000 for one district, ₹10,000 for one to five districts, ₹25,000 for the whole state. State-specific fees can differ,; therefore the total application cost could go up accordingly.
How long does a PSARA license remain valid?
The PSARA license, after approval, is valid for a five-year period. However, it can be cancelled or suspended as per the government act.
When should I apply for PSARA license renewal?
You should apply for your PSARA license renewal at least 45 days before your current license expires, as mandated by the Central Model Rules. However, this period may differ state-wise. For example, security agencies based in Delhi have to apply for renewal at least 90 days before expiry.
Is there one PSARA license for the entire country?
No, your PSARA license is applicable for the state your agency is operating in. If you want to expand your agency’s presence in other states, then you have to apply fresh for that state-specific license.
Do directors and partners undergo background verification?
Yes. Relevant proprietors, majority shareholders, partners, and directors are subject to antecedent verification. The 2020 Rules provide for Form II and electronic verification through systems such as CCTNS and ICJS.
Is a training arrangement required for PSARA registration?
Yes. The licensing framework requires the agency to ensure prescribed security training for guards and supervisors. The application also asks for details of the training arrangement or facility.
Can a person with a criminal conviction obtain a PSARA license?
Usually not. This is mentioned in Section 6 of the license act. It clearly mentions the criteria for disqualification according to the particular convictions, fraud activities, and government orders. However, each case is checked by the Controlling Authority separately to determine the grounds for disqualifying license registration.
Can a company with foreign investment apply for a PSARA license?
A company with foreign investment may be eligible subject to the PSARA Act and applicable FDI rules. According to the MHA guidelines, foreign investment in the private security sector is allowed up to 49%, subject to applicable conditions.
How long does PSARA approval take?
The Central Model Rules provide a 60-day decision period for a complete application. The actual process can take longer when verification, inspection, state procedures, or document corrections are involved.
Can I start providing security guards after submitting the application?
No. Filing an application does not by itself give you a PSARA license. The agency should not start regulated private security operations merely because its application is under process.
What happens after I receive the PSARA license?
The agency must continue meeting its license conditions. This includes prescribed guard and supervisor training, antecedent verification, proper identity cards and uniforms, supervision, record maintenance, and other requirements under the Act and applicable rules.
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