PSARA License

Overview

A PSARA licence is a mandatory approval for operating a private security agency in India, governed by the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005. The licence is granted by the Controlling Authority of the concerned state, and it can be sought for a single district, a group of districts or the whole state. Agencies must also tie up with a recognised training institute to train their security guards as required under the Act.

Objective

To obtain lawful authorisation to run a private security agency and provide security personnel within a state.

Characteristics

• Governed by a central Act but administered by state Controlling Authorities
• Issued for one district, multiple districts or an entire state
• Requires a tie-up with a recognised security training institute
• Involves police verification of directors, partners or proprietors
• Subject to renewal and compliance with prescribed conditions

Eligibility

• An Indian company, firm or individual proposing to run a private security agency
• Directors, partners or proprietors who are Indian citizens
• Applicants who meet the character and antecedent requirements of the Act
• Agencies willing to enter a training agreement with a recognised institute
• Entities meeting any additional criteria set by the state Controlling Authority

Governing law

• Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (PSARA)
• Respective State Private Security Agencies Rules
• State Controlling Authority (usually within the Home Department or Police)

The process

1. 1
   Preparation

   We help set up the entity, training tie-up and documentation required under PSARA and the applicable state rules.

2. 2
   Application filing

   We file the licence application in the prescribed form with the state Controlling Authority.

3. 3
   Verification

   We coordinate the police verification of the promoters and address departmental queries.

4. 4
   Grant of licence

   We follow up until the Controlling Authority grants the PSARA licence for the requested area.

Documents required

• Certificate of incorporation, partnership deed or proprietorship proof
• PAN of the entity and identity and address proof of promoters
• Memorandum of understanding with a recognised training institute
• Proof of registered office and business address
• Employee provident fund and ESIC registration details where applicable
• Affidavit and undertakings as prescribed under the state rules

Benefits

• Provides lawful authority to operate a private security agency
• Builds client trust through a recognised regulatory licence
• Supports participation in tenders that require a PSARA licence
• Helps ensure guards are trained as required by law

Frequently asked questions