How to Register with PSIRA: Complete Security Industry Guide 2026

The <a href='/glossary#psira'>Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority</a> (PSIRA) is the mandatory regulatory body for all security service providers in South Africa. Whether you're an individual security officer starting your career or a company providing <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/security'>guarding</a> services to government departments, PSIRA registration is not just a legal requirement—it's the gateway to billions of rands in public sector security contracts.

Government departments, municipalities, state-owned enterprises, and public facilities rely heavily on private <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/security'>security services</a>. From guarding national key points to providing access control at municipal buildings, the demand for <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a>-compliant security providers is substantial and growing. This guide provides everything you need to know about PSIRA registration for both individuals and businesses targeting government security tenders.

What is PSIRA and Why is Registration Critical?

<a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> was established under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (Act 56 of 2001) to regulate the private security industry and exercise effective control over security service providers. As of 2024, the South African private security industry employs over 2.5 million people—more than the police and defense force combined—making it one of the largest private security sectors in the world.

For government <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/supplies'>procurement</a> purposes, <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> registration serves as the primary compliance check. <strong>National Treasury's <a href='/glossary#scm'>Supply Chain Management</a> regulations</strong> and the <strong><a href='/glossary#csd'>Central Supplier Database</a> (CSD)</strong> require verification of PSIRA registration for any supplier providing <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/security'>security services</a>. Without valid registration, your bid will be disqualified at the mandatory compliance stage, regardless of price or capability.

Who Needs PSIRA Registration?

Security Service Providers (Businesses)

Any business providing <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/security'>security services</a> for remuneration must register as a Security Service Provider. This includes:

• <strong><a href='/sa-tenders/categories/security'>Guarding</a> services:</strong> Access control, static guarding, VIP protection, event security, retail security
• <strong>Armed response companies:</strong> Alarm response, patrol services, reaction units
• <strong>CCTV and monitoring:</strong> Control room operations, surveillance monitoring, off-site monitoring
• <strong>Cash-in-transit:</strong> Money transportation, ATM replenishment, cash management
• <strong>Security <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>training</a>:</strong> <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a>-accredited training providers, assessors, moderators
• <strong>Security installations:</strong> Alarm installers, CCTV installers, <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/security'>access control</a> system installers
• <strong>Private investigation:</strong> Corporate investigations, forensic investigators, tracing agents
• <strong>Security <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/professional-services'>consulting</a>:</strong> Risk assessments, security audits, compliance consulting

Security Officers (Individuals)

Every individual performing security functions must be individually registered, including:

• Security guards and officers (all grades)
• Control room operators and dispatchers
• Armed response personnel and patrol officers
• Security trainers, assessors, and moderators
• Security managers, supervisors, and shift leaders
• Private investigators and tracing agents
• Security installers and technicians

PSIRA Security Officer Grades Explained

<a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> classifies security officers into grades based on <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>training</a>, experience, and responsibilities. Understanding these grades is essential for both employers staffing tenders and individuals planning their security career progression.

Registration Requirements for Security Officers

Basic Eligibility Criteria

• Must be at least 18 years old
• South African citizen with ID document, OR valid work permit (foreign nationals)
• No criminal record for violent offences, dishonesty, or crimes involving firearms
• Physically and mentally fit to perform security duties
• Completed <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a>-accredited <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>training</a> for the applicable grade

Documentation Required

• Certified copy of South African ID or valid work permit (not older than 3 months)
• Two recent passport-sized photos (not older than 6 months)
• Completed <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> registration form (available from PSIRA offices or website)
• <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a>-accredited security <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>training</a> certificate for applicable grade
• Fingerprints taken at <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> office (required for criminal record check)
• Police clearance certificate (for foreign nationals from country of origin)

Training Requirements by Grade

Registration Requirements for Security Businesses

Registering a security service provider business has additional requirements beyond individual registration. All owners and directors must themselves be <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a>-registered before the business can be registered.

Business Documentation Required

• <a href='/glossary#cipc'>CIPC</a> company registration documents (CM1, CM2, or COR14.3)
• Certified ID copies of all directors and members (not older than 3 months)
• SARS <a href='/glossary#tcc'>Tax Clearance Certificate</a> or Tax Compliance Status PIN
• Proof of business address (utility bill, lease agreement)
• <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> registration certificates of all directors (minimum Grade C)
• Professional Indemnity Insurance (minimum R1 million cover)
• Public Liability Insurance (minimum R1 million cover, R5 million for larger contracts)
• Completed Security Service Provider registration form

Director Qualification Requirements

• All directors must be individually <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> registered
• At least one director must hold Grade C or higher registration
• No director may have been found guilty of security-related misconduct
• No director may be an undischarged insolvent

Step-by-Step PSIRA Registration Process

For Individual Security Officers

1. <strong>Complete Security <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>Training</a>:</strong> Enroll with a <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a>-accredited training provider and obtain your Grade E (or higher) training certificate
2. <strong>Gather Required Documents:</strong> Certified ID, passport photos, <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>training</a> certificate, and any additional documents
3. <strong>Visit <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> Office:</strong> Attend the nearest PSIRA provincial office in person for fingerprinting and document verification
4. <strong>Complete Application Form:</strong> Fill in the security officer registration form accurately and completely
5. <strong>Pay Registration Fee:</strong> Pay R560 (2026 rate) for new individual registration
6. <strong>Criminal Record Check:</strong> <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> conducts criminal record verification with SAPS (included in processing)
7. <strong>Processing Period:</strong> Wait 21 working days for new registrations
8. <strong>Collect Registration Card:</strong> Return to <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> office to collect your registration card, or opt for postal delivery

For Security Service Provider Businesses

1. <strong>Register Directors Individually:</strong> Ensure all directors have valid <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> registration before starting business registration
2. <strong>Obtain Insurance:</strong> Secure Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance meeting minimum requirements
3. <strong>Compile Company Documents:</strong> Gather all <a href='/glossary#cipc'>CIPC</a> documentation, tax clearance, and proof of premises
4. <strong>Complete SSP Application:</strong> Fill in the Security Service Provider registration form with all company details
5. <strong>Submit Application:</strong> Present all documentation at <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> office for verification
6. <strong>Pay Business Fees:</strong> Pay registration fee (R3,500) and first annual levy
7. <strong>Premises Inspection:</strong> <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> may conduct a site inspection of your business premises
8. <strong>Certificate Issued:</strong> Upon approval, receive your Security Service Provider registration certificate

PSIRA Registration Fees 2026

<strong>Processing Time:</strong> Individual registrations take approximately 21 working days. Business registrations may take 4-6 weeks depending on inspection requirements. Renewals should be submitted 30 days before expiry to avoid service interruption.

Maintaining PSIRA Registration

• <strong>Annual Renewal:</strong> Both individual and business registrations must be renewed annually before expiry date
• <strong>Employee Monitoring:</strong> Businesses must ensure all security employees maintain valid individual registration
• <strong>Insurance Maintenance:</strong> Keep professional indemnity and public liability insurance current at all times
• <strong>Report Changes:</strong> Notify <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> within 30 days of any changes in directors, address, or company structure
• <strong>Display Registration:</strong> <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> registration must be prominently displayed at business premises and officers must carry their cards
• <strong>Uniform Compliance:</strong> All security personnel must wear approved uniforms displaying <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> registration number

PSIRA Registration for Government Tenders

When bidding on government security tenders, proper <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> documentation is critical. Here's what <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/supplies'>procurement</a> officials typically require:

• <strong>Valid SSP Certificate:</strong> Security Service Provider registration certificate not expired
• <strong>Current Annual Levy Receipt:</strong> Proof that annual fees are paid up (<a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> <a href='/glossary#coida'>Letter of Good Standing</a>)
• <strong>Director Registration:</strong> Individual <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> registration of directors named in tender
• <strong>Staff Compliance:</strong> Commitment to deploy only <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a>-registered officers (often verified during contract)
• <strong>Grade Compliance:</strong> Demonstration that proposed staff meet grade requirements in Terms of Reference
• <strong>Insurance Certificates:</strong> Current Professional Indemnity and Public Liability policies

Common PSIRA Registration Issues and Solutions

Criminal Record Issues

<strong>Issue:</strong> Application rejected due to criminal record for relevant offences.

<strong>Solution:</strong> Not all criminal records result in automatic rejection. Minor offences may be considered after a cooling-off period. Apply for exemption through <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a>'s appeals process with evidence of rehabilitation and good character references. Serious violent or dishonesty offences typically result in permanent disqualification.

Foreign National Documentation

<strong>Issue:</strong> Complex requirements for non-South African citizens.

<strong>Solution:</strong> Foreign nationals need valid work permits specifically authorizing security work, plus police clearance certificates from their countries of origin (apostilled and translated if necessary). The process takes longer due to international verification requirements. Budget 6-8 weeks for foreign national registrations.

Expired Registration Recovery

<strong>Issue:</strong> Registration lapsed due to missed renewal.

<strong>Solution:</strong> If expired less than 6 months, submit renewal with late penalty fee. If expired more than 6 months, you may need to re-apply as new registration including fresh <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>training</a>. Avoid this by setting renewal reminders 60 days before expiry.

PSIRA and B-BBEE Considerations

<a href='/sa-tenders/categories/security'>Security services</a> are evaluated under the <strong>Generic Codes of Good Practice</strong> for <a href='/glossary#b-bbee'>B-BBEE</a>. Most government security tenders apply the 80/20 or <a href='/glossary#90-10-system'>90/10 preference point system</a> under the PPPFA, allocating 10-20 points based on B-BBEE status. Having <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a>-registered black-owned security companies and black security professionals improves your B-BBEE credentials and tender competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreign nationals register with PSIRA?

Yes, foreign nationals can register with valid work permits that specifically allow security work. Additional documentation includes police clearance certificates from the country of origin, which must be apostilled and translated if not in English. The registration process typically takes longer due to international document verification.

How do I verify if a security company is PSIRA registered?

Use the <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA</a> online verification portal at www.psira.co.za

or call PSIRA's verification line. Enter the company registration number or security provider registration number to confirm validity. Government <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/supplies'>procurement</a> officials routinely verify PSIRA registration as part of bid evaluation.

What training is required for armed response positions?

Armed response personnel need minimum Grade C registration, plus SAPS-issued firearm competency certificate for business purposes. The company must hold valid firearm licenses for service firearms. Additional <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>training</a> in tactical response and first aid is typically required for armed positions.

Related Resources

• <a href='/industries/security'>Security Industry Guide</a> - Complete overview of security sector tender requirements
• <a href='/blog/how-to-get-coida-letter-good-standing'>COIDA Letter of Good Standing</a> - Essential compliance for all tenders
• <a href='/blog/bbbee-compliance-checklist'>B-BBEE Compliance Guide</a> - Improve your tender scoring
• <a href='/glossary#psira'>PSIRA Glossary Entry</a> - Quick reference definition