Ontario law requires a working security guard to carry their licence, identify themselves as a security guard on request and produce the licence on request.
At a glance
- The licence may be carried in digital or hard-copy form under current Ontario practice.
- The requirement supports transparency about regulated status while the person is acting as a security guard.
- A licence is not police identification and does not create police powers.
Short answer
The official rules establish the baseline, but the correct operational response still depends on the property, the applicable law and the facts. The safest approach is to define the procedure before the issue occurs and avoid adding powers, guarantees or requirements that the official sources do not establish.
Questions to confirm
- What form of licence does the guard carry?
- Who should be contacted if the licence cannot be produced?
- Does the site have a process for client verification concerns?
Picture this at your property
A tenant asks a guard to confirm that they are licensed. The guard should be able to identify themselves as a security guard and produce the licence as required by Ontario law.
The value of the example is the decision process: identify what is known, what remains uncertain, who has authority, and what information should be preserved for follow-up.
Practical takeaway
Treat the answer as a starting point. Confirm the current rule that applies to the organization and property, then document the procedure the people on site are expected to follow.
Official sources & verification
1. Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 — Ontario e-Laws
2. Requirements for security guards and private investigators — Government of Ontario
3. Security guard study guide — Government of Ontario
Last reviewed: 2026-08-08. This resource provides general Ontario information and is not legal advice. Legal authority and obligations depend on the facts, the property, the applicable law and current official guidance. Confirm current requirements with the responsible government authority or qualified legal counsel when a decision has legal consequences.