PSARA Licence

Private Security Agencies Regulation Act licence for security agencies

Validity: 5 years (renewable)

What is PSARA Licence?

Security agencies providing guard or protective services to clients in India must be licensed under the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act (PSARA), 2005. We file the application with the state's Controlling Authority and manage verification requirements.

The Private Security Agencies Regulation Act, 2005 (PSARA) mandates that any individual or company providing private security services — security guards, event security, armed guards, or close protection officers — must obtain a PSARA Licence from the state Controlling Authority (typically the Home Secretary or Director General of Police of the state). PSARA licences are state-specific and each state in which the agency provides services requires a separate licence. The security agency must ensure that its guards meet the training and character requirements specified in PSARA rules, maintain a register of all security personnel, and submit periodic reports to the Controlling Authority. The PSARA scheme also provides for the approval of training institutes. PSARA compliance is monitored through surprise inspections and periodic audits of the agency's records.

Who Needs PSARA Licence?

Private security companies, security guard agencies, event security firms, CIT (Cash-in-Transit) service providers, and corporate security management companies operating in India.

What's Included

PSARA Licence obtained from the state Controlling Authority
State-specific licence compliance for each operating state
Guard training and character verification requirements confirmed
Monthly reporting formats set up
Surprise inspection compliance readiness assessed

⚠️ Penalty for Non-Compliance

Operating a private security agency without a PSARA Licence is a criminal offence. Penalties include fines of up to ₹25,000 for first offence and up to ₹1 lakh for subsequent offences, and cancellation of licence.

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How It Works

1
State Controlling Authority identification
We identify the state-specific Controlling Authority and obtain the current application format and requirements.
2
Document compilation
All required documents are compiled, including police verification reports for promoters.
3
Application filing
The PSARA application is filed with the Controlling Authority along with the prescribed fee.
4
Verification
The Controlling Authority conducts police verification of the applicant's background.
5
Licence grant
On satisfactory verification, the PSARA Licence is issued.

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Documents Required

Items marked Required are mandatory; others are situational.

Business

Certificate of Incorporation or firm registrationRequired
Registered office address proofRequired

Promoters

Police clearance certificate for each promoter/directorRequired
Background verification reportsRequired
Passport-size photographsRequired

Operations

List of supervisory staffRequired
PSARA-approved training institute tie-up documents

Fees & Pricing

Fees

State government fee

Varies by state — check the state's PSARA Rules

Varies

Professional fee

Quoted after confirming the states of operation

Varies

* Government fees may vary. GST applicable on professional fees. Final pricing confirmed after review.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a PSARA Licence required even if we only provide supervisory security staff?

Yes. Any entity providing security personnel as a service to third parties requires a PSARA Licence, whether the personnel are armed guards, unarmed guards, or supervisory security officers.

Can a PSARA Licence obtained in one state be used to operate in another state?

No. PSARA licences are state-specific. An agency operating in multiple states must obtain a separate licence from each state's Controlling Authority.

What are the training requirements for security guards under PSARA?

PSARA Rules specify minimum training hours and curriculum for security guards. Guards must receive training from a PSARA-approved training institute. The agency is responsible for maintaining training records.

What records must be maintained under PSARA?

The agency must maintain a register of all security personnel (with photographs, background verification, and training records), a register of clients, and records of all services provided. These are subject to inspection by the Controlling Authority.

How is PSARA enforced in practice?

The Controlling Authority and police can conduct surprise inspections of the agency and its field sites. Non-compliance results in fines, suspension, or cancellation of the licence.

Is armed security covered under the same PSARA Licence?

Armed security guard services require additional state-specific arms licences for each firearm in addition to the PSARA Licence.