PSARA License in India – Registration, Fees, Process & Documents

Who Needs a PSARA License in India?

Any eligible business planning to provide private security services must obtain the required PSARA licence before starting operations.

Common examples include agencies providing security guards for:

• Corporate offices and commercial buildings
• Factories, warehouses and industrial units
• Hospitals, schools and colleges
• Hotels, shopping malls and retail stores
• Residential societies and apartments
• Construction sites and events

A private security agency may operate as a proprietorship, partnership firm, LLP or company, provided it meets the legal requirements.

If you are starting a new business, you can explore Proprietorship Firm Registration, Partnership Firm Registration or LLP Registration.

Who Can Apply for a PSARA License?

An eligible individual, firm or company can apply for a PSARA licence. However, the applicant must meet the conditions under the PSARA Act and the applicable state rules. The Act places restrictions on applicants with certain criminal convictions or other disqualifications. It also contains conditions relating to Indian registration, citizenship and ownership or management.

For example, a company registered in India must still check whether its ownership and management meet the requirements under Section 6 of the Act. A new business can apply before starting security services. It does not need to wait until it has already started supplying guards.

Types of PSARA License and Government Fees

A PSARA licence can cover one district, more than one district or an entire state. The applicant should select the area based on where the agency plans to provide security services.

These application fees are prescribed under Section 7 of the PSARA Act, 2005.

Which PSARA License Should You Choose?

If you want to provide security guards in only one district, a single-district licence may be suitable. If you plan to operate in three districts of the same state, you can apply for a licence covering those districts. However, if you want to provide security services across the entire state, a whole-state licence may be more suitable.

Example: A business providing security guards in both Delhi and Gurugram cannot rely on a Delhi PSARA licence alone. Gurugram is in Haryana, so the business must meet Haryana’s separate licensing requirements.

What Is the Total Cost of a PSARA License?

The government application fee is only one part of the total cost. Other expenses may include document preparation, training arrangements, certificates required under the applicable state rules and professional assistance.

For example, two businesses applying for a whole-state licence may pay the same 25,000 government fee but have different overall costs because their documents and training arrangements are different..

Eligibility and Requirements for PSARA License

Before applying for PSARA License Registration, the applicant must meet the legal requirements and prepare the business for operating a private security agency.

Business Registration

The applicant should have a suitable business structure and the required registration documents. Depending on the type of business, these may include a Certificate of Incorporation, LLP agreement, partnership deed or proprietorship-related records.

Background and Police Verification

The applicant and relevant persons connected with the business must meet the applicable character and background requirements.

Police verification is an important part of the licensing process. The authority checks the required details before deciding whether to grant the licence. The authority also needs a no objection certificate (NOC) from the police before it can give you the licence.

Security Guard Training

Private security guards must receive the training required under the applicable rules.

The Central Model Rules, 2020 provide for a minimum of 100 hours of classroom training and 60 hours of field training over at least 20 working days for entry-level guards. Ex-servicemen and former police personnel can take a shorter course: 40 hours of classroom training and 16 hours of field training over at least 7 working days.

Training Institute MoU

Applicants must ensure that the required training will be provided to their security guards and supervisors. Depending on the state, this may involve signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a recognised security guard training institute.

Example: If you are starting a security agency but do not have your own training centre, you may be able to arrange training through an institute recognised by the concerned authority.

Office and Supervisor Requirements

The agency must follow the applicable rules for its office, supervisors, employee records and security guard deployment.

The exact requirements may differ between states. As a general rule, there should be one supervisor for every 15 guards or fewer. The owner of the agency also has to complete a short training of 6 working days under the Central Model Rules.

Who Can Work as a Security Guard?

Your agency can only hire a person as a security guard if the person:

• Is an Indian citizen (or from a country the Government of India has notified)
• Is between 18 and 65 years old
• Has completed the required security training
• Has passed the background and police checks

You are responsible for checking this before you put a guard on duty. To learn more, read our guide on managing security guards at client locations.

Documents Required for PSARA License Registration

The documents required for a PSARA licence depend on the applicant’s business structure and the rules of the concerned state.

Common documents include:

1. PAN card of the business and relevant applicants.
2. Certificate of Incorporation, LLP agreement or partnership deed, as applicable.
3. GST registration details, where applicable.
4. Proof of the registered office or business premises.
5. Identity and address proof of directors, partners or proprietors.
6. Passport-size photographs of the relevant applicants.
7. Details of directors, partners and authorised persons.
8. Affidavits and declarations required under the PSARA Act.
9. Information needed for police verification.
10. Details of security guard training arrangements.
11. Training institute MoU, where required.
12. Employee and supervisor information, where applicable.
13. Other documents required by the concerned State or Union Territory.

For example, a company applying in Uttar Pradesh should check the requirements followed by the Uttar Pradesh authority rather than assuming that Delhi’s document checklist will be identical.

Tip: Make sure the business name, address and details of directors or partners are the same across your documents. Incorrect or mismatched information can delay your application.

Important PSARA Application Forms

Forms are different in every state. Download the exact forms from your state’s PSARA portal or from the Controlling Authority’s office. Most states use these:

• Application form for a new licence
• Police verification form
• Affidavit or declaration
• Training certificate
• Renewal application form

Important: Do not assume that the same form number applies in every state. Check the official state rules and application portal before submitting documents.

How to Apply for a PSARA License Online

The PSARA License Registration process involves submitting an application, providing the required documents, completing verification and receiving approval from the concerned Controlling Authority.

You can check the official PSARA Government Portal for application services and licensing information.

Step 1: Register Your Business

Choose a suitable business structure, such as a proprietorship, partnership, LLP or company.

Complete the required business registration and prepare the documents.

Step 2: Select the State and Licence Area

Decide where your agency will provide security services.

Choose a licence covering one district, multiple districts or the whole state, depending on your business plans.

Step 3: Arrange Security Guard Training

Check the training requirements followed by the concerned state.

Where required, arrange training through a recognised institute and prepare the necessary MoU or other documents.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Collect your business registration records, identity proofs, office address documents, declarations and other information required by the authority.

Step 5: Submit the PSARA Application

Visit the official PSARA portal or the application system accepted by the concerned Controlling Authority.

Complete the application and provide the required information.

The exact online filing procedure may differ by state.

Step 6: Pay the Government Fee

Pay the prescribed application fee based on the area covered by your licence.

Keep the payment receipt for your records.

Step 7: Complete Police Verification

The authority checks your application, and the police give a no objection certificate (NOC) after background checks.

If documents are missing or wrong, the authority may ask you to send more details or fix them.

Step 8: Receive Your PSARA License

After completing the required checks and approving the application, the Controlling Authority issues the licence.

Your agency can then operate within the approved geographical area, subject to the licence conditions.

How Long Does PSARA License Registration Take?

Under Section 7 of the PSARA Act, the Controlling Authority is required to grant or refuse a licence within 60 days after receiving an application with complete particulars and the prescribed fee, following the required checks.

This does not mean every applicant will receive a licence within 60 days.

Missing documents, police verification issues and state-specific requirements may affect the actual processing time.

PSARA License Validity, Renewal and Compliance

A PSARA licence is generally valid for five years, unless it is cancelled earlier under the Act. If you want to continue operating your private security agency, you must renew the licence before it expires.

When Should You Apply for PSARA License Renewal?

Under Section 8 of the PSARA Act, an application for renewal must be submitted at least 45 days before the licence expires. Some states ask you to apply even earlier, so check your state’s rules. For example, if your licence expires on 31 December, you should start preparing your renewal documents well before the deadline.

The Act also provides a 30-day decision period for a complete renewal application.

Documents Required for PSARA License Renewal

The exact renewal checklist depends on the state and the applicant’s circumstances.

Commonly requested documents may include:

• Existing PSARA licence details
• Updated business registration documents
• Current office address proof
• Details of directors, partners or authorised persons
• Updated training arrangements or MoU, where required
• Information required for background verification
• Prescribed renewal application and fee

The concerned authority may ask for additional records to confirm that the agency has followed the licence conditions.

Rules to Follow After Getting a PSARA License

Obtaining a licence is not the end of the process.A private security agency must continue to follow the applicable rules relating to employee records, training, supervisors, verification and deployment. The agency should also maintain the required registers, issue identity cards where prescribed and operate only within the geographical area covered by its licence.

Failure to follow the rules may result in regulatory action, including suspension or cancellation of the licence.

What Happens If You Operate Without a PSARA License?

Running a security agency without a licence is a crime under Section 4 of the PSARA Act. Under Section 20, you can be jailed for up to one year, fined up to 25,000, or both. If you break the rules on training, guard eligibility or other duties (Sections 9, 10 and 12), you can be fined up to 25,000. The authority can also suspend or cancel your licence.

Get your licence before you start any security services.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During PSARA Registration

Many applicants face delays because they submit incomplete documents or misunderstand the licensing requirements.

Here are some common mistakes:

• Choosing the wrong licence area: A licence for one district does not automatically cover the whole state.
• Using a licence from another state: A Delhi licence cannot be used to operate a security agency in Haryana.
• Submitting mismatched documents: Different names or addresses may create problems during verification.
• Ignoring training requirements: Applicants should arrange the required training before starting operations.
• Providing incomplete background information: Missing information can delay police verification.
• Applying late for renewal: Waiting until the licence is about to expire may create problems for the business.

Checking these details before applying can help you avoid unnecessary delays.

PSARA License Registration in Different States of India

A PSARA licence is issued by the concerned State or Union Territory Controlling Authority. Although the PSARA Act, 2005 provides the main legal framework, states may have different application procedures, document requirements and training conditions.

For example, if your agency operates in Delhi and later wants to provide security guards in Noida or Gurugram, you must meet the licensing requirements of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

PSARA License Requirements in Major Indian States

Businesses planning to operate in Noida can also read our guide on PSARA License Registration in Noida.

Important: This table provides general guidance. It does not mean every state follows the same application procedure.

Can One PSARA License Be Used in Multiple States?

No. A PSARA licence issued in one state does not automatically allow a private security agency to operate in another state.

For example, if your company wants to provide security guards in Delhi, Noida and Gurugram, you must meet the licensing requirements for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

However, if you want to operate in several districts within one state, you can choose the appropriate district-wise or whole-state licence.

How to Apply for a PSARA License in Your State

First, identify the state where your agency will operate. Next, choose the licence area and check the applicable eligibility, documents and training requirements.

You can visit the PSARA Government Portal to find licensing information and available application services.

How Compliance Calendar LLP Helps With PSARA License Registration

Starting a private security agency involves more than completing an application form. You must select the correct licence area, prepare business documents, arrange the required training and complete the verification process. Compliance Calendar LLP helps businesses understand the PSARA License Registration requirements and prepare for the application process.

Our team can assist with eligibility guidance, document preparation, understanding the applicable state procedure and responding to application-related questions.

We also provide guidance on PSARA License Renewal and ongoing compliance requirements.

Why Choose Compliance Calendar LLP?

We explain legal and registration requirements in simple language so that business owners can understand what they need before applying.Whether you are starting a new security agency or planning to expand into another state, our team can guide you through the relevant requirements.

Need help with PSARA License Registration?

Contact Compliance Calendar LLP for assistance with eligibility, documents, government fees and the application process.

Phone: +91 9988424211
Email: info@ccoffice.in

Case Study: Successful PSARA License Assistance for JUST HIRED SKILL BRIDGE LLP

Compliance Calendar LLP assisted JUST HIRED SKILL BRIDGE LLP with its PSARA License application. Our team supported the client with the licensing requirements, document preparation and application process to help them obtain the required licence for their private security agency.

How We Assisted the Client

Our support included:

• Understanding the client's PSARA licensing requirements.

• Helping prepare and organise the required documents.

• Guiding the client through the application process.

• Assisting with application-related compliance requirements.

Result

With our assistance, JUST HIRED SKILL BRIDGE LLP successfully obtained its PSARA License.

This case reflects our commitment to helping businesses understand regulatory requirements and complete their licensing applications with proper guidance.

Helpful Guides on PSARA Licensing

You can also read our guides to understand the licensing process and legal requirements in more detail:

• Is PSARA License Mandatory in India?

• PSARA State-wise Licensing Process

• PSARA License Fees in India

• PSARA License Documents Checklist

• Penalty for Operating Without PSARA License

• Can One PSARA License Cover Multiple Districts in a State?