What is PSARA License?
A PSARA license is a mandatory authorization required under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (PSARA). This foundational law governs how private security agencies operate in India, setting rigorous standards for everything from guard training to physical fitness.
To operate legally, every private security agency is required to obtain the PSARA registration. This ensures compliance with government regulations, which in turn fosters trust and credibility with clients.
Benefits of PSARA License
- Legal Recognition: Ensures your agency complies with Indian law, protecting it from legal issues and penalties.
- Credibility: Adds credibility and signals that your agency meets professional standards.
- Access to Government Contracts: Essential for bidding on high-value government contracts.
- Industry Recognition: Elevates your agency's profile within the security industry.
- Scalability: Enables district and state-wide expansion.
Eligibility Criteria
For Business Entities
Any registered Indian organization can apply, including Sole Proprietorship, Partnership Firm, LLP, OPC, or Private Limited Company.
For Directors/Principal Officers
- Must be an Indian citizen
- At least 18 years old
- Clean criminal record
- Not dismissed from government service due to misconduct
- Adequate financial resources
For Security Guards
- Indian citizen
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- Meet physical fitness standards
- Mandatory prior training
- Character verification
Documents Required
- Certificate of Incorporation/Partnership Deed
- PAN Card and ID proof of directors/partners
- GST Registration Certificate
- Office address proof (ownership/lease + NOC)
- Logo and uniform pattern details
- Photographs of promoters/directors
- Affidavit of non-conviction
- Character verification certificates
- Employee list with contact details
- MOU with government-approved training institute
- Training certificates for guards
- Arm license details (if applicable)
Application Process
- Business Registration: Register your security agency legally (Sole Prop/Partnership/LLP/Company).
- MOU with Training Institute: Sign an MOU with a recognized security training institute.
- Online Application: Fill out Form I on the state PSARA portal for antecedent verification.
- Police Verification: State police conducts background checks and issues NOC.
- Review & Issuance: Controlling Authority reviews documents and issues license in Form IV.
Timeline: Ideally 60 days, but can range from 50 to 120 working days.
Fees & Penalties
License Fees:
- Single district: ₹5,000
- Up to 5 districts: ₹10,000
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Operating without a valid license can result in imprisonment up to 1 year, fine up to ₹25,000, or both.
Renewal & Cancellation
Renewal
PSARA license is valid for 5 years (1 year in Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh). Renewal application must be submitted 45-90 days before expiry.
Cancellation Grounds
- Obtained through misrepresentation or false documents
- Violation of PSARA Act provisions
- Engaging in illegal activities
- Failure to commence operations within 6 months
- Repeated failures of security guards
Compliance Requirements
- Timely Operations: Commence within 6 months of obtaining license.
- Training: All guards must undergo mandatory training from recognized institutes.
- Supervisors: Appoint 1 supervisor for every 15 guards.
- Background Checks: Conduct comprehensive verification for all employees.
- Record Maintenance: Keep updated registers with employee, training, and deployment details.