Ontario maintains a public registry for agency licences. Verification is a practical first step before relying on a company’s licensing claims.
At a glance
- Ontario’s private-security program provides public tools to check licence status.
- A business that sells security-guard services requires an appropriate agency licence.
- The licensed business name matters because Ontario law restricts carrying on the business in a name other than the licensed name.
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 legal business name appears on the licence?
- Is the licence active?
- Does the public-facing business identity match the licensed entity?
Picture this at your property
A client receives two proposals. One includes a licence number and legal business name; the other only says “fully licensed.” The client checks the public registry before proceeding.
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 — Government of Ontario
2. Apply for a security guard and private investigator agency licence — Government of Ontario
3. Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 — Ontario e-Laws
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.