Do security installers and locksmiths need a licence in Australia?
It depends on the state. Most states license people who install CCTV, alarms and access control, but only some license locksmiths. Tasmania and the NT do not have an installer licence.
Licence by state
| State | Licence needed? | Licence and who issues it | Check a licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSWNew South Wales | Yes | Security operative licence, Class 2C (installer / locksmith); 2B to sell equipment NSW Police Force Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate (apply through Service NSW) Locksmiths need Class 2C. A licensed electrician installing cameras for clients still needs 2C. |
Check a security operative licence (Service NSW) |
| VICVictoria | Depends on the work | Private security individual licence (security equipment installer) + business licence Victoria Police Licensing and Regulation Division Installers of cameras, alarms, safes and electronic access control need a licence. The page does not mention lock-only locksmith work. |
Register of Licence, Registration and Permit Holders |
| QLDQueensland | Yes | Security equipment installer licence Office of Fair Trading Queensland In most cases locksmiths need this licence. Retail key cutting is exempt. |
Check a security licence (OFT public register) |
| WAWestern Australia | Yes | Security installer licence (Class 1 safes/locks, Class 2 alarms/CCTV, Class 3 security doors, Class 4 locks) WA Police Force Licensing Services Self-employed installers using their own ABN also need a Security Agent's licence. |
Security licence: current licence holders (PDF lists) |
| SASouth Australia | Depends on the work | Security agent licence - security systems work Consumer and Business Services (CBS) Installing or maintaining alarm or surveillance systems needs a licence. CBS licence categories do not list locksmith work. |
CBS licensing register (Find a licence holder) |
| TASTasmania | No | Consumer Affairs Tasmania (formerly CBOS) Tasmanian security licence activities do not include installers or locksmiths. Mains-powered wiring still needs an electrician. |
Find a licensed security agent |
| ACTAustralian Capital Territory | Yes | Security employee licence subclass 2E (install, maintain, monitor, repair security equipment) + master licence for businesses Access Canberra (ACT Government) From 11 May 2026 employee licence applications are online through an ACT Digital Account. |
Access Canberra public registers |
| NTNorthern Territory | No | Licensing NT (NT Government) NT licenses security officers, crowd controllers and security firms. Installers and locksmiths are not listed. |
NT Government Public Register |
Jobs that need an extra licence
Hard-wired CCTV, alarms or access control on mains powerElectrical licence
every state
Data, NBN or network cabling for camerasACMA cabling registration
every state (national)
Running a security businessMaster, agent or business security licence
NSW, VIC, WA, SA, ACT
Locksmith workSecurity licence covering locks
NSW (Class 2C), QLD (security equipment installer), WA (security installer Class 1 or 4), ACT (2E)
Hiring? How to check a licence
- Ask for the licence number and the exact name on the licence.
- Search that number on the official register for your state (links below).
- Check the licence is current, not expired, suspended or cancelled.
- Check the licence class covers your job.
- Make sure the name on the quote or invoice matches the licence holder or business.
- Check the licence class covers installing equipment or locks, not just guarding.
- For hard-wired systems, check an electrician does the mains wiring.
- Ask for the compliance certificate or safety certificate when the job is done.
Find local businesses: Home Automation and SecurityLocksmithSecurity Screens and Doors
On ServiceTasker, a business uploads its licence and our team checks it before a licence badge shows on its profile. You see what it holds, never the number or the document.
For businesses: how to get this licence
- Check your state: most need a security licence to install CCTV, alarms and access control. Some also cover locks.
- Training: some states need a course (e.g. WA Class 2 Technical Security course; SA Certificate II or III in security equipment). QLD and VIC need no training for installers.
- Probity: expect a criminal history check. Some states also take fingerprints (e.g. SA, NT).
- Documents: 100 points of ID, photos, and certificates.
- Apply to your state regulator (links below). A business may need its own business or agent licence.
- Licensed in another state? Automatic mutual recognition (AMR) may cover you. Check with the state regulator first.
| State | Who issues it | Apply here (official) | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | NSW Police Force Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate (apply through Service NSW) | How to apply | Requirements |
| VIC | Victoria Police Licensing and Regulation Division | How to apply | Requirements |
| QLD | Office of Fair Trading Queensland | How to apply | Requirements |
| WA | WA Police Force Licensing Services | How to apply | Requirements |
| SA | Consumer and Business Services (CBS) | How to apply | Requirements |
| TAS | Consumer Affairs Tasmania (formerly CBOS) | Ask the regulator | Requirements |
| ACT | Access Canberra (ACT Government) | How to apply | Requirements |
| NT | Licensing NT (NT Government) | Ask the regulator | Requirements |
Last checked: 12 November 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change: always check with the regulator in your state before you hire or apply. Some details could not be confirmed online and are left out; the regulator can confirm them.
Official sources (22)
- service.nsw.gov.au /services/security-operative-licence
- service.nsw.gov.au /transaction/apply-for-a-security-operative-licence
- service.nsw.gov.au /transaction/check-a-security-operative-licence
- police.nsw.gov.au /online_services/sled/security_licences/class_2_licences
- police.vic.gov.au /private-security-licence-activities
- police.vic.gov.au /apply-for-a-new-private-security-licence
- police.vic.gov.au /register-licence-registration-and-permit-holders
- qld.gov.au /community/fair-trading/regulated-industries-licensing-and-legislation...
- qld.gov.au /community/fair-trading/regulated-industries-licensing-and-legislation...
- wa.gov.au /organisation/western-australia-police-force/security-licence-types-of...
- wa.gov.au /organisation/western-australia-police-force/security-licence-applicat...
- wa.gov.au /organisation/western-australia-police-force/security-licence-current-...
- sa.gov.au /topics/business-and-trade/licensing/security/business-licence/apply-n...
- cbs.sa.gov.au /documents/licence_categories_guide_security_and_investigation_agents....
- cbs.sa.gov.au /find-a-licence-holder
- consumeraffairs.tas.gov.au /topics/licensing-and-registration/licensed-occupations/security-and-i...
- consumeraffairs.tas.gov.au /topics/licensing-and-registration/search-licensed-occupations/mvt-sec...
- accesscanberra.act.gov.au /business-and-work/security/security-industry-licences
- services.accesscanberra.act.gov.au /s/public-registers
- service.nt.gov.au /services/business-industry/occupational-licences/security/apply-for-a...
- licensingnt.nt.gov.au /PublicRegister/
- acma.gov.au /how-become-cabler
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