How to renew a NSW security licence

NSW security licences are administered by the NSW Police Force Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate (SLED). There are two main kinds: an operative licence (Class 1 or Class 2, for the person doing the work) and a master licence (for the security business). The renewal windows are the same, but they are separate licences and separate applications.

When you can renew

SLED and Service NSW say you can renew online from 8 weeks before the licence expiry date. Once the expiry date has passed, you have 90 days to submit a late renewal. A late fee applies.

Service NSW says you can renew an operative licence for 1, 3 or 5 years. SLED publishes a fee schedule for those terms. Late renewal costs more than an on-time renewal, and the amounts can change, so check the official fee list before you pay.

• You need a MyServiceNSW account.
• Have your licence number and the renewal number from your reminder notice, including every digit and letter. If you do not have the renewal number, Service NSW says you can use your name, date of birth and postcode.
• If you cannot apply online, call SLED on 1300 362 001.

Working after the licence expires

When the licence has expired, you cannot carry on security activities. Service NSW says you can resume only after a late licence renewal application is granted. After renewal is granted, you must wear your expired security licence card until the new card arrives.

If it is more than 90 days after the expiry date, you cannot renew. SLED says you will need to submit a new application, including evidence that you meet the current security licence course training requirements. That is a slower and more demanding path than renewing on time.

The photo appointment, and do not amend first

SLED says you must present your photograph advice letter in person and have your photograph taken at any Service NSW centre within 60 days whenever you renew, replace or amend your licence. Service NSW says that if you need to go in for a photo, you will get a letter. After the application is approved and the photo is taken (if required), the new card is posted to you. If it has not arrived within 10 business days, call SLED.

If your licence is up for renewal, or you are about to lodge a late renewal, complete the renewal before you add or remove subclasses or change your name. SLED says the system will not process a renewal if there is an outstanding amendment or variation on the licence. Adding subclasses and renewing are two separate transactions.

How employers can check a NSW security licence

Do not rely only on the plastic card. SLED tells people to verify NSW security operative and master licences on the public register. The official look-up is Verify NSW. Confirm that the licence is current, the name matches the person in front of you, and the class covers the work they will actually do.

SLED lists these operative subclasses on its verification page:

• Class 1A — Security Officer
• Class 1B — Bodyguard
• Class 1C — Cash-in-Transit Guard
• Class 1D — Guard Dog Handler
• Class 1E — Monitoring Centre Operator
• Class 1F — Armed Guard
• Class 2A — Security Consultant
• Class 2B — Security Seller
• Class 2C — Security Equipment Specialist
• Class 2D — Security Trainer
• Class 2E — Private Investigator

Master licence subclasses are listed as MA, MB, MC, MD and ME. A person with only an operative licence also needs to be employed or provided by a master licence holder, or hold a master licence themselves, before they can carry out a security activity.

What this means for a roster

For a security firm, or an events business that engages crowd controllers, the practical risk is rostering someone whose licence has already expired, or whose class does not cover the shift. Record each person’s licence number, class, expiry date and the date you last checked it on Verify NSW. Many sites also ask for current first aid and, for licensed venues, a current RSA.

Datesly can keep those dates against each guard or crowd controller and remind you at 30, 14 and 7 days, and on the day. It does not replace a check on the official register, and it does not decide which class someone must hold. See pricing or try the live demo.