How to Apply:

  1. Click the link to the e-form on the Private Investigators and Security Guards web page.
  2. Fill out the application form.
  3. Click the green Submit button at the end of the application form. This will take you to the payment page.
  4. Pay the licensing fee using Visa, MasterCard, Visa Debit, or MasterCard Debit.
  5. A confirmation number will appear on the screen after you pay the fee. You will receive a receipt by email. Please check your spam or junk mail folder if you have not received the receipt.
  6. Please wait for us to review your application. Our compliance team might need to do background checks or investigation.
  7. When we approve your licence, you will get an email saying that it has been issued.
  8. We will mail your licence card to the address you gave on your application form.
  9. If your application is missing information, we will send you an email to ask for what we need.
  10. If our compliance team needs more details, we will email or call you for what we need.
  11. If we cannot approve your licence, we will send you a letter by email and by mail. The letter will explain why your licence might not get approved. This will also give you a chance to respond. We call this your opportunity to be heard. You will have two weeks to reply to the letter. The due date will be in the letter.
  12. If you do not respond to the letter, we will make a final decision about your licence.
  13. If you respond to the letter, our compliance team will review the information you send in. After we review your information, we will make a final decision about your licence.

You can work as a security guard or private investigator after you receive your licence card in the mail.

New Licence Application:

To apply for a new licence, fill out all required fields on the online application form.

You can upload all required documents for the application to the form. Please do this before you submit your application.

All document uploads must be in .jpeg file format.

You must complete your own application form.

The information you give on your application form must be true and correct. If you provide incorrect or dishonest information, we may not approve your licence.

For a new licence application, you need to provide the following:

  1. Complete the online application form. You can find a link to the online application form on the program webpage. Be sure to complete all fields on the application form.
  2. Upload your criminal record check results. They must be dated within 6 months before your application date.
  3. Upload your Manitoba child abuse registry check results. These must be dated within 6 months before your application date.
  4. Upload a digital photograph (in .jpeg file format). You can find a list of photo requirements below.
  5. Upload your training. To get a security guard licence, you must have completed the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program. Upload your certificate. For a private investigator licence, please see private investigator competency below.
  6. Upload a copy of two pieces of government-issued identification. You can find a list of acceptable identification documents below.
  7. If you need to work in loss prevention as a security guard, please fill out a uniform exemption form. Download the form from the program website. Complete the form with your employer before you apply. Upload the completed form to your application.

Important: Do not submit your application without all required documents.

Renewal Licence:

You must renew your licence each year before it expires. If your licence expires, you cannot work.

The expiry date of your record check documents is 3 years from the date on the record check. We will send you a reminder letter 60 days before your licence or record checks expire.

You must submit a new criminal record check result every three years.

You must submit a new child abuse registry check result every three years.

You must submit a new photograph every three years.

To renew your licence, complete all required fields on the online form. You can upload all your documents to the application form. Upload your documents before you submit the application.

All document uploads must be in .jpeg file format.

You must complete your own application form.

The information you give on your application form must be true and correct. If you provide incorrect or dishonest information, we may not approve your licence.

To renew your licence:

  1. Complete the online application form. You can find a link to the online application form on the program webpage. Complete all fields on the application form.
  2. Upload your criminal record check results if needed. They must be dated within 6 months before your application date.
  3. Upload your Manitoba child abuse registry check results if needed. These must be dated within 6 months before your application date.
  4. Upload a digital photograph (in .jpeg file format). You can find a list of photo requirements below.
  5. Upload a copy of two pieces of government-issued identification. You can find a list of acceptable identification documents below.
  6. If you need to work in loss prevention as a security guard, please fill out a uniform exemption form. Download the form from the program website. Complete the form with your employer before you apply. Upload the completed form to your application. *You need a new form if you have changed your employer.

It is your responsibility to renew your licence on time. Please check our webpage for application processing dates. This ensures you allow enough time for processing.

A renewal application form will only be accepted up to 30 days past the expiry date of your licence.

After your licence expires for more than 30 days, you must make a new licence application. A new licence application will need a new criminal record check and a new child abuse registry check.

Criminal Record Check – All Applications

You need to get your criminal record check from the Canadian police agency for the area where you live. We recommend that you apply for a criminal record check that includes the vulnerable sector search. The Registrar may ask you to provide this.

If you live in Winnipeg, you should get your criminal record check done by the Winnipeg Police Service.

If you live outside Winnipeg, you should get your criminal record check done by the police service for your area.

If you get your criminal record check from another service provider, you may be asked to submit one from the police service for the area where you live.

If you have criminal convictions or charges on your record, you must include what we call a transcript. A transcript is the list of charges and convictions on your record that comes with your record check. If you have convictions or charges on your record, your record check must include the vulnerable sector search.

We consider any criminal convictions or charges on your record when deciding about your licence.

The date on your record check results must be within the 6 months before the date of your application.

We do not accept any other criminal record check service providers. If you get a record check from a provider that isn’t your local police service, it won’t be accepted. Your application will be marked as incomplete and returned.

For questions about where to get your record check done, please contact our office.

The cost of all record checks is the responsibility of the applicant or licence holder.

Returned or Incomplete Applications

If your application comes back due to an error or missing info, you have 90 calendar days to respond. If we don’t receive the information within 90 days, we will close your application. If this happens, you may re-apply for a licence later. All payments of the application or licence fee are non-refundable.

Establishing Your Identity:

We need to verify your identity before giving you a licence. For this, two pieces of government-issued identification (ID) are needed with your application. Please see below for a list of the acceptable identification documents. The Registrar may request more information if needed.

  • Your ID must be valid (not expired).
  • Your name on your application must match your legal name on your ID.
  • Your ID must be in English or French.
  • The copy of your ID must be clear and legible. Include both the front and back of your ID.

Acceptable identification documents (ID)

You must submit two different pieces of ID. Select one ID from each list:

List 1: Choose one ID from this list to verify your full legal name, photograph, date of birth, and signature:

  • valid Manitoba Driver's licence
  • any valid Passport (showing photo and signature page)
  • Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (card with photo)
  • Provincial Identification Card issued by a Canadian province or territory
  • Canadian Department of National Defence Identification Card or Canadian Forces Card
  • Certificate of Indian Status Card
  • Refugee Protection Claimant Document (must have photo)

List 2: Choose your second piece of ID from this list to verify that you are eligible to work in Canada:

  • Canadian birth certificate
  • Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
  • Canadian Citizenship Card
  • Canadian passport (photo and signature page)
  • Valid Permanent Resident Card
  • Valid work permit or study permit:
    • Your permit must be current. If it has expired, you must provide the original permit and a valid extension document.
    • Your permit must allow employment in a security guard or private investigator role.
  • Certificate of Indian Status Card (issued by the Canadian Government)
  • Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad
  • Department of National Defence (DND) Services Card
  • Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) Canadian Forces Card

The following documents are not accepted:

  • Manitoba health card
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN) card
  • Firearms Possession and Acquisition (PAL) or Possession-Only (POL) licence
  • Your security guard or private investigator licence card

We may accept other identification or documents. If you do not have two pieces of ID from the acceptable list, please contact our office.

Photo Requirements

If you are applying for a new licence you will need to submit a photograph with your licence application.

Photos are valid for three years. If you are renewing your licence, you need to submit a new photograph every three years.

If your appearance changes, you need to submit a new photograph with your renewal application.

If you want to update your photograph before it is due, you may send a new photograph with your renewal.

Your photo must be a digital photograph. The photo must be in a .JPEG file format.

Photographs must meet the following requirements:

  • Photo must be in color and a headshot showing a true likeness of yourself.
  • Photo should not have been altered or edited in any way.
  • The photo cannot be a photo of an existing photograph or a photo of a printed photograph.
  • Photo should not be a ‘selfie’.
  • Photos should be clear, sharp, and in focus.
  • Take your photo in front of a white or light-colored background. There should be a clear difference between your face, clothing, and the background.
  • Photo must be recent, taken within the last 6 months.
  • Photo should show your natural skin tone. Avoid shadows or distortion across your face, eyes, head, or shoulders.
  • Take the photo straight on, with your face and shoulders centered and squared to the camera.
  • Your eyes must be open and visible, mouth closed. Your expression is neutral (not smiling).
  • Photos with a red-eye effect are not accepted.
  • Do not use filters.

Glasses: You may wear prescription glasses if your eyes are clearly visible. No reflection or glare on the lenses. Sunglasses may not be worn.

Hats and head coverings: You can wear head coverings only if worn daily for religious or medical reasons. No hats. Your full face must be visible in your photo. Your head covering must not cast a shadow on your face.

Uniforms: You cannot wear a uniform in your photograph. Do not wear your security guard uniform in your photo.

Legal Change of Name:

You may need a legal change of name document when:

  • Requesting a change of name on your licence.
  • Submitting an application that has a change to your name.
  • If requested to do so by the Registrar.
  • A new licence application showing a previous legal name.

Acceptable legal change of name documents:

  • Marriage certificate issued by a Canadian province or territory.
  • Certificate of Change of Name (issued under the Change of Name Act or by a Canadian province or territory)
  • Certificate of Election of Surname
  • Certificate of Resumption of Surname
  • Certificate of Divorce and birth certificate (for a return to maiden name)

Security Guard Training and Exam

In Manitoba, you can work as a security guard only after you have a licence to do so. Before you can get a security guard licence, you must take the security guard training course.

You can find a list of training providers that Manitoba Justice has approved on our website. The mandatory training course for security guards is 40 hours. After you finish the course, you need to take the security guard licensing exam. You can book an exam online through E-proctor Canada. You cannot book your exam until you have finished the 40 hours of training.

To pass the licensing exam, you need to get a mark of 75% or higher on the test. If you pass the exam, you will get your training certificate. After you have your certificate, you can apply for a licence.

You may take the exam up to 3 times. If you do not pass after your third test, you will need to re-take the training course before you can take the exam again.

Private Investigator Competency

In Manitoba, you need to prove your skills to get a private investigator license. This proof must be part of your application. The current criteria for proof of competency is:

  • Certificate of Service issued by a Canadian municipal, provincial, or federal police service.
  • Proof of completing a regulated private investigator training standard from another Canadian province.
  • Proof that you have completed a program that includes police studies, criminal law, and/or criminal justice. You must have taken the program of study at a university, college, or vocational school.

Out of Province Licences

You need a licence from Manitoba to work as a security guard or private investigator in Manitoba.

A licence issued in Manitoba is only valid for the province of Manitoba.

A licence issued by another Canadian province or territory is not valid in Manitoba

It is not possible to transfer a licence from another province or territory. You must apply for a new licence in Manitoba.

If you have a licence and training from another province, you might not need to take the Manitoba course. For this, you must have a valid licence in another province and have a training certificate. The other province must have a standard training course in place. You will still need to apply for a Manitoba licence.

To apply:

  1. Complete a Manitoba application for a new licence. The application form is on the program webpage.
  2. Include all required documents with your application. (Follow the instructions for a new licence application).
  3. Include a copy of your valid licence from another Canadian province or territory.
  4. Include a copy of your security guard training certificate.
  5. You must have a valid Manitoba address (you might need to provide proof of your address if asked).
  6. For Ontario licence holders, we may accept a training completion number (TCN).

The compliance team reviews all applications. You must meet the eligibility criteria for a licence in Manitoba. Your licence from the other province must be in good standing.

Verifying your Manitoba Address:

To get a licence in Manitoba, you must live in the province of Manitoba. You may need to provide proof of your address if we ask. Any exceptions for non-residents will need approval from the Registrar.

If we ask you to provide proof of your Manitoba address, you will need two supporting documents. The date on your supporting documents must be within 90 days of your application date. If you live in rural Manitoba, one of your documents must show your physical address. The second document may contain your mailing address.

Acceptable documents to verify your Manitoba address are:

  • Bank statement or a voided cheque
  • Employment confirmation
  • Manitoba Health Card
  • Mortgage document or residential lease
  • Personal income tax document
  • Social assistance benefit confirmation
  • Utility Bill

Replacement Licence Cards

There is a $15.00 fee for replacement licence cards.

Lost or stolen licence card:

  • Report your lost or stolen security guard license card to the police.
  • Send an email to the program at infopisg@gov.mb.ca. Tell us about the lost or stolen licence card and include the police report number.
  • The licence holder must send this email to us.
  • In the email, please provide the following details:
    • Security guard licence number
    • Full name (as on your licence card)
    • Date of birth
    • Telephone number
    • Your mailing address
  • Program staff will contact you to pay for the replacement card fee.
  • A new licence card will be sent by mail.

    • Online Application Tips:

    • Please do not submit more than one online application form.
    • Application fees are non-refundable.
    • Only the applicant themselves may submit their application.
    • After you submit your application, you cannot add to it or make changes.
    • If you need to add info or change your application, email infopisg@gov.mb.ca with the details.
    • All documents uploaded must be .jpeg file format.
    • Save and upload your documents to the online form. The form does not accept shared files or documents shared from your computer or drive. Attaching shared documents will cause an error and you will not be able to submit your form.
    • If you do not pay the application fee, your application has not gone through.
    • You must wait until you receive your licence card before you can work.
    • You have 90 days to submit any missing information.
    • You can find application processing dates on the program website.

    If you are having trouble submitting your online form, try this before you contact us:

    • Check the file size of your attachments. The files may be too large.
    • Check the file type on your attachments. The form may allow you to attach other file types such as .pdf but you will not be able to submit your form. File attachments must be a .jpeg file type.
    • Try using a different internet browser.
    • Try using a different device or computer.

    If you need more help, please contact our office.

    Contact Us:

    By phone: 204-945-2825

    The Private Investigators and Security Guards program staff check this line for messages. Calls are usually returned by the next business day. The line is not live answered, please leave a voice message. Include your name, phone number, and licence number if you have one.

    By email: infopisg@gov.mb.ca

    By Mail: Private Investigators & Security Guards Program
                       PO Box 20 Stn MainPO Box 20 Stn Main
                       Winnipeg, MB R3C 0C6

    Website: Private Investigators & Security Guards Program