Ontario guide
Ontario Security Guard Licence Renewal
How to think about Ontario licence renewal timing, documents, and avoiding expiry surprises.
Last reviewed: by Ontario editorial team.
Quick answer
An Ontario security guard licence may be renewed up to 90 calendar days before it expires. Renew before the expiry date and use the current Ontario application instructions. An expired licence does not authorize security guard work, and a late application can create a gap even if you previously held a valid licence.
Understand the expiry date
Ontario ties individual security guard licence expiry to the holder’s birthday. A first licence expires on the second birthday after it is issued, which may be noticeably less than two full years. When a valid licence is renewed before expiry, the new expiry date is normally two years in the future and remains linked to the birthday.
Check the actual date shown on the digital licence rather than estimating from the issue date. Set reminders at 120 and 90 days so there is time to collect documents and resolve account access problems.
What to review before renewal
- Confirm that your legal name, Ontario mailing address, email, and other contact information are current.
- Obtain the current Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check in the format Ontario requires.
- Check whether the photo on file is still valid or a new compliant photo is needed.
- Prepare the required identification documents and any name-change document.
- Confirm the current fee and accepted payment method.
- Make sure you can sign in to the Ontario.ca account if renewing online.
Ontario says photos are typically valid for six years, but the system or mail instructions determine whether a new one is required for a particular renewal. Do not assume that the photo from the first application can always be reused.
Online and mail timing
A correctly completed online application can take up to 15 calendar days to process; a correctly completed mail application can take up to 30 calendar days. Those are stated processing periods, not guarantees. A returned application, document mismatch, mail delay, or record-check delay can take longer.
Submitting on the last day of validity does not mean approval will arrive before expiry. Early renewal reduces the chance of an employment interruption.
Changes and reportable information
Ontario requires licensees to keep certain information current. The official page says a listed conviction or finding of guilt must be reported within five days. A name, address, or contact change also needs to be updated through the appropriate process. Renewal is not a substitute for a notification that should have been made earlier.
After renewal
Download the renewed digital licence and verify the category, name, and expiry date. Replace the copy stored on your phone and any printed copy carried at work. If an employer keeps licensing details, provide the updated information through its approved process.
The current security guard renewal fee is $80, but fees and document rules can change. Use the official Ontario page linked below immediately before submission.
Report an error or outdated source. Include the page URL and the official source you want us to review.