Want to start a Security Agency Business? Raje Shivaji Security is ready to walk every step with you — from documentation and police verification to filing and follow-up — to set up your own Private Security Agency.
A mandatory license required to operate a private security agency legally anywhere in India, enacted under the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act, 2005.
PSARA stands for Private Security Agencies Regulation Act, 2005. It is a mandatory license to start a Private Security Business in India. With PSARA, one can provide security guards, engage at housing societies, the corporate sector, and government entities. Failure to obtain the license carries strict penalties under the law.
An Individual, Partnership Firm, LLP, One Person Company (OPC), or a Private Limited Company can make the application for a PSARA Licence to the Competent Authority of the concerned state. The name of the entity must contain words like "Security Services" or related terms that represent the object of the applicant.
The PSARA Licence is valid for five years in most states. In states like Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand, it is valid for one year. Renewal can be filed 90 days before the expiry of the licence. The licence is state-specific — to operate in another state, a separate application must be filed with that state's controlling authority.
Before applying, ensure your organization and its principals meet all these conditions set by the Controlling Authority.
An Individual, Partnership Firm, LLP, OPC, or Private Limited Company can apply. The entity name must contain "Security Services" or related terms. In case of a company, the MOA must list Security Services as a Main Object.
Must be a Resident Indian with sound financial standing (ITR required). Must have a clean antecedent and must not have been convicted of any offense.
The applicant must enter into an MOU with a training institute approved by the state controlling authority to impart training to security guards. Ex-servicemen are given relaxation on this requirement.
A PSARA Licence cannot be granted to a person found to have links with any organisation or association banned under any law or government order for national security or public order.
Under Section 6(2) of PSARA Act 2005, the licence shall not be issued to entities not registered in India, or having a proprietor, majority shareholder, partner, or director who is not a citizen of India. FDI up to 49% is allowed under the approval route.
Applicant and all directors must have no pending cases, no activity prejudicial to national security or public order, and no details of earlier security agencies with a negative record.
The total time to complete the PSARA License process is approximately 60 days from the date of filing the application. The procedure varies slightly by state.
Talk to an ExpertCollect all necessary registrations — PAN Card, TAN Number, GST, PF, ESI, Shops & Establishment Registration, ITR of every director, and other state-specific documents.
File Form-I for police verification. In case of a firm, company, or association, a separate verification form is filed for every partner or director. This involves a background check by the Deputy Police Commissioner's office.
Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with a recognized training institute for training security guards and supervisors. Every state has its own list of recognized institutes.
The PSARA application is filed before the Controlling Authority of the state. It is then processed for verification. After receipt of the NOC from Police, the authority either grants the licence or rejects it with a stated reason.
PSARA specifies qualifications and disqualifications for security guards. Applicants must engage supervisors. Preference must be given to ex-servicemen (Army, Navy, Air Force) with minimum 3 years of service.
Upon approval, the PSARA License is issued — valid for 5 years in most states. The licence can be applied for a single district, up to five districts, or the entire state.
The following are the commonly required documents. Each state Controlling Authority may have additional specific requirements.
Note: This list is indicative. Each state's Controlling Authority may have additional requirements. Contact us for state-specific guidance.
| Scope of License | Government Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| For One District | ₹ 5,000/- | 5 Years (most states) |
| For 2 to 5 Districts in a State | ₹ 10,000/- | 5 Years (most states) |
| For the Entire State | ₹ 25,000/- | 5 Years (most states) |
| Karnataka – Entire State | ₹ 50,000/- | 5 Years |
| Chhattisgarh / Uttarakhand | As applicable | 1 Year |
Government fee can be paid via Demand Draft or through cash challan at designated banks. Fees are identical throughout India except where noted.
Beyond PSARA licensing, we assist with all registrations and compliance requirements to help your security agency run smoothly.
Assistance in obtaining police verification certificates for directors and personnel.
Support for obtaining guard board licenses as required by state authorities.
Guidance and documentation support for obtaining arms/gun licenses.
Assistance in PAN card allocation for new companies and directors.
End-to-end GST registration support for your security agency.
Provident Fund registration for your agency to remain compliant.
Employee State Insurance Corporation registration services.
Registration under the Shops & Establishment Act for your business premises.
Registration under the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act.
IEM registration from DIC to avail MSME benefits (optional).
Training institute MOU for PSARA compliance and staff certification.
Company incorporation and compliance services for new security agencies.
We provide PSARA License assistance across India. Find your state or city below.
Don't see your city? Contact us — we cover all states and union territories across India.
Contact our expert consultants today. We handle everything — documentation, police verification, training MOU, application filing, and follow-up — so you can focus on building your security agency.