To register as an individual security officer you must be 18 or older, be a permanent resident of South Africa, have no scheduled offences under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act, and have completed training at a PSiRA-accredited training centre (minimum Grade E, or recognition of prior learning). You apply online through the e-PSiRA portal of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA).
Do the steps in order: confirm the training centre is accredited, complete your training, register, then work for a registered employer. Working unregistered is an offence, so the order matters.
Business Requirements at a Glance
PSiRA lists these requirements for an individual applicant (see PSiRA’s FAQ):
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a permanent resident of South Africa
- Have not committed any scheduled offence under the PSIR Act
- Have completed training at an accredited training centre, at least Grade E (or recognition of prior learning)
- Not be a member of an official military, security police or intelligence force — former members need a clearance certificate
- Pay the registration fee
Registration and Legal Requirements
Training. The minimum for registration is Grade E, or recognition of prior learning. Your training must be captured on PSiRA’s system; if it is not, your application shows as “Training Pending”. Which further grades you need depends on the role you are going for, so ask your employer or PSiRA before you pay for more than Grade E.
Check the training centre first. Only training from an accredited provider counts. Look the provider up on PSiRA’s accredited training provider list before you pay anything.
Criminal record. Your fingerprints are checked against criminal records, and scheduled offences stop you registering. If you have a record, find out where you stand with PSiRA before you spend money on training.
Former security force members. If you were a member of an official military, security police or intelligence force, you must supply a clearance certificate.
Documents and Ownership Information Required
PSiRA’s individual application checklist asks for:
- An authenticated copy of the first page of your ID document
- One authenticated, recent, clear passport-size photo
- An authenticated, clear and complete set of your fingerprints
- Authenticated proof of accredited training (at least Grade E captured on PSiRA’s system) or recognition of prior learning
- A criminal record clearance certificate, but only if you answer “yes” to the criminal record question on the application form
Make the application on the e-PSiRA portal and keep the checklist above to hand when you go to the branch.
Tax, Licence and Compliance Requirements
Fees. The online registration payment step showed R310 in October 2026. The registration fee is non-refundable, and PSiRA reviews its fees each year, so confirm the amount on the portal before you pay. A printed (ink) certificate is optional and costs R75 on first registration; the digital certificate is free.
Annual fees. Annual fees are statutory and run for the financial year, 1 April to 31 March. Not paying can block your renewal and may lead to suspension or withdrawal of your registration under section 26 of the PSIR Act. PSiRA publishes its annual fee amounts in its fee reviews, so confirm the current figure with PSiRA. If your employer has linked you to their business and deducts the annual fee, you do not pay it separately.
Check your employer. You can verify an individual by ID or PSiRA number, and a business by company name, on the PSiRA home page.
Process, Deadlines and Ongoing Obligations
- Confirm your training centre is accredited, and complete at least Grade E.
- Go to the e-PSiRA portal, choose Security Officer, then Register now, and fill in your details.
- Pay the registration fee online.
- Have your fingerprints taken at a police station on a SAP91 form.
- Book a branch visit on your PSiRA profile and submit the fingerprints with a certified copy of your ID.
First-time fingerprints must be handed in at a branch. Couriering is only allowed for a retake.
Renewal. Renew your certificate online on the portal; PSiRA’s FAQ gives the renewal fee as R75.
If your application is held up or rejected. If you have a case awaiting trial, you have 90 days to upload the stamped case results. A rejected application can be appealed within 60 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need training before registering?
Yes. You need training from an accredited training centre, at least Grade E or recognition of prior learning, captured on PSiRA’s system. Check the provider on PSiRA’s accredited list before you pay.
Can a foreigner or non-permanent resident register as a security officer?
PSiRA’s stated requirement is that you are a permanent resident of South Africa. If your status is different, ask PSiRA before you start training.
Does a criminal record disqualify me?
Scheduled offences under the PSIR Act do. Your fingerprints are checked, and if you answer “yes” to the criminal record question on the form you must supply a clearance certificate. Ask PSiRA about your position before paying for training.
How much does individual registration cost?
The online payment step showed R310 in October 2026. The fee is non-refundable and reviewed each year, so confirm it on the portal. The printed certificate is optional at R75; the digital one is free.
Where do I get the fingerprints done?
At a police station, on a SAP91 form. You then book a branch visit on your PSiRA profile and submit them with a certified ID copy.
How do I check my employer or training provider is registered?
Use the search on the PSiRA home page for the employer, by company name, and the accredited training provider list for training centres. Individuals can be checked by ID or PSiRA number.
PSiRA sets these requirements and fees and may change them, so confirm with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority before you apply. See company registration requirements if you plan to start a security business, and browse all business and compliance requirements.