A private security agency in Rajasthan, whether it supplies two guards to a housing society or two hundred to a factory, needs a licence under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, commonly called PSARA. The licence is issued by the Controlling Authority designated by the Government of Rajasthan. This guide explains who needs it, how coverage works, what to prepare, how long it takes and what you must do after you get it.
Operating a security agency without a PSARA licence is an offence: imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to ₹25,000, or both. Many clients, especially government bodies and large companies, also ask for the licence before awarding a contract.
Who needs a PSARA licence
- Any proprietorship, partnership, LLP or company that provides security guards or security services to other persons or premises.
- Agencies that provide armoured-car or cash-escort guards, which also need the separate licences those activities require.
- Not required for a business that employs its own guards only for its own premises, without supplying them to others.
District, multi-district or whole-state coverage
In Rajasthan the licence can be taken for one district, several districts or the whole state. The licence fee increases with the area. Most new agencies start with their home district and the districts where they already have clients, and extend later. If you plan to bid for contracts across Rajasthan, a state-wide licence avoids repeated applications.
Eligibility basics
- The owners and the principal officer must not have been convicted of an offence of the kind the Act lists, or dismissed from government or security-force service on grounds of misconduct.
- The agency's constitution document, such as the MOA, LLP agreement or partnership deed, should include security services as an object.
- Foreign investment in private security agencies is restricted and needs approval above prescribed limits, so check this before bringing in a foreign partner.
- The agency must arrange training for its guards through a recognised training institute.
Documents to prepare
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| PAN, Aadhaar and photographs of owners | Identity of the proprietor, partners or directors |
| Incorporation certificate, MOA or deed | Shows the entity and that security services is an object |
| GST, EPF and ESI registrations | Labour and tax compliance expected of an employer of guards |
| Office address proof | The agency's registered and operating office in Rajasthan |
| MOU with a training institute | Shows how guards will receive the prescribed training |
| Affidavits in the prescribed form | Declarations on convictions and past service |
| Antecedent-verification details | Used by the police to verify each owner |
Step-by-step process
- 1
Set up the entity: Form or update the company, LLP or firm with security services as an object, and obtain PAN.
- 2
Register as an employer: Obtain GST, EPF and ESI registrations and, where applicable, Shops & Establishment registration.
- 3
Arrange training: Sign an MOU with a recognised security training institute.
- 4
Apply: File the PSARA application online with documents, affidavits and the fee for the districts you want to cover.
- 5
Police verification: The Controlling Authority sends the owners' details for antecedent verification.
- 6
Grant: Once verification and scrutiny are complete, the licence is issued for five years.
Duties after the licence is issued
- Police-verify every guard and supervisor before deployment, and keep the verification on record.
- Ensure every guard completes the prescribed training.
- Issue photo identity cards and uniforms in the prescribed manner, distinct from police and armed-forces uniforms.
- Maintain registers of guards, supervisors, clients and wages, and display the licence at the office.
- Pay wages, PF, ESI and GST on time; these are checked when contracts and renewals are reviewed.
- Apply for renewal at least 45 days before the five-year licence expires.
Fastlegal handles the entity, registrations, training tie-up, application and police-verification follow-up, then runs payroll, PF, ESI and GST for the agency every month if you want.
Frequently asked questions
Is a PSARA licence mandatory to supply security guards?↓
Yes. Under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, no person may carry on or commence the business of a private security agency without a licence from the Controlling Authority of the state. Doing so is punishable with imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to ₹25,000, or both.
How long is a PSARA licence valid?↓
Five years. Renewal must be applied for at least 45 days before expiry.
Can one licence cover several states?↓
No. Each state's Controlling Authority licenses agencies for that state. Within Rajasthan, one licence can cover one district, several districts or the whole state.
How long does the licence take?↓
Typically 60 to 90 days, mostly because of police antecedent verification of the owners. Complete documents and a ready training tie-up keep it at the shorter end.
This guide is general information under rules current at the date shown, not professional advice for your situation. Rules, due dates and fees change by notification.