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COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
Apply for or renew the licence you need to work as a private or in-house investigator in Alberta.
You must be licensed to work as a private or in-house investigator in Alberta. As an investigator you investigate things like:
While investigating you:
Licences are issued under the Security Services and Investigators Act by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General.
Read the Security Programs Policy Manual for more information about an investigator licence.
The investigators licensing fee is $160. Your licence is valid for 2 years.
The renewal process is the same as the initial application process.
Investigators can’t hold a second licence as a locksmith or automotive lock bypass worker.
Your individual licence is portable. This means your licence is still valid if you change employers or if you work for multiple employers.
To apply for a licence you must:
All investigators must meet a specific English fluency standard. This is a level 5 benchmark according to the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks.
All investigators must:
There are 2 approved training courses. Take either the:
These courses must be completed through an approved training provider.
Contact Security Programs if you’ve:
After you’ve successfully completed your final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you’ll get your training certificate by mail within one week.
For information about exam rewrites, or to find out if you’re eligible to challenge an exam, contact Security Programs.
In order to carry a baton, you must:
Baton training re-certification is required every 36 months.
If you’re on a work or study permit, contact Security Programs for application and renewal steps.
See your local police service website to find out how to get your documents.
All three searches are mandatory – no exceptions:
For all classes of licences:
These documents expire 90 days after they have been issued.
PDF form issues
Fillable PDF forms do not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save the form:
Fill out all the forms in this package:
Application for Individual Licence (PDF, 569 KB)
When you apply, you’ll need to provide photocopies of your:
You’ll also need to provide a current:
There are 2 ways to submit your application:
In person
Take your application and documents to a registry agent that offers Security Programs licensing services.
Pay the licensing fee and service charge at the registry:
If your application is approved, you'll get a temporary licence that's valid for 60 days.
Send us your:
Pay the licensing fee with a (made payable to the Government of Alberta):
or
Pay by credit or debit online:
Do not use this online payment if you are submitting your application at a registry agent.
Address:
Security Programs
Alberta Justice and Solicitor General
P.O. Box 1023 Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2M1
If your application is approved, you'll get a temporary licence that's valid for 60 days emailed to you.
Your licence card will be mailed to the address in your application.
You must provide a photocopy of your licence card to your employer and carry the original with you while you’re working.
Follow the below steps to:
Lost or stolen licences must be reported to Security Programs within 24 hours.
Trouble opening PDF forms?
Fillable forms do not open on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save this form:
Update to Individual Licence (PDF, 1.6 MB)
There are 2 ways to submit the form:
Security Programs
Alberta Justice and Solicitor General
P.O. Box 1023 Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2M1
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 1-877-462-0791
Email: [email protected]
Security Programs
P.O. Box 1023 Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2M1
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