Campus security is one of the most dynamic and community-focused areas in the security field. Whether you’re protecting students, staff, or critical infrastructure, your presence makes a real impact every day. But no matter how experienced or dedicated you are, one administrative misstep can take you out of the game: letting your Ontario security guard license expire.
If your license is approaching its renewal date, here’s what you need to know to stay eligible, especially for those working in campus security environments across Toronto and Ontario.
Why License Renewal Matters – Especially in Campus Environments
Ontario law requires all security guards to hold a valid license issued by the Ministry of the Solicitor General. This isn’t just red tape—it’s a legal requirement under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act.
For those working in colleges, universities, and school campuses, license validity is more than compliance—it’s about credibility, trust, and preparedness. Campuses have unique challenges:
- High pedestrian traffic
- Diverse populations
- Mental health situations
- Public events and protests
These environments demand guards who are both qualified and current in their training and certification. If your license lapses, you are legally barred from working in any security role until it is reinstated.
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Ontario Security Guard License
Renewing your license is straightforward, but it requires planning. Here’s how to stay on track:
✅ Step 1: Mark Your Expiry Date
You can find your license expiry date on the front of your security guard license card or by checking your account at ServiceOntario. The Ministry does not send reminders, so set your alert at least 60 days before it expires.
✅ Step 2: Renew Online
You can renew your license up to 90 days before it expires via the ServiceOntario portal.
Have the following ready:
- A valid email address
- Digital photo (passport-style)
- Completed Declaration of Criminal Record form
- Payment method (credit or debit)
The current fee is $80, and most renewals are processed within 30 business days.
✅ Step 3: Don’t Work with an Expired License
If your license expires before your renewal is processed, you must pause work immediately. Even if your application is pending, you’re not permitted to work until the new license is issued.
Your employer could face penalties too—especially institutions like colleges or universities that must meet strict public safety guidelines.
Bonus Tip: Use Renewal as a Time for Re-Skilling
Instead of viewing license renewal as a task, use it as a checkpoint to upgrade your skills and boost your campus readiness.
Here are some ways to stay sharp and stand out:
- Take refresher courses in use of force, mental health awareness, or crisis de-escalation
- Stay updated on campus-specific protocols like emergency lockdown procedures
- Brush up on communication skills for interacting with youth, international students, or persons in crisis
Looking to upgrade your knowledge? Visit our Security Guard Training page to explore options available to you in Toronto and throughout Ontario.
What Happens If You Miss the Renewal Window?
If your license expires, you will need to reapply as a new applicant, including the criminal background check and a new photo submission. That means:
- Extra paperwork
- Delays of 4–6 weeks
- Lost shifts or job opportunities
In a competitive space like campus security, where staffing contracts and roles are tightly managed, missing your renewal could cost you your position.
Stay Ahead, Stay Eligible
Campus security guards are trusted to protect Ontario’s learning environments—places where thousands of students live, study, and grow. That trust starts with being properly licensed and prepared for every shift.
At Paragon Security, we encourage all guards to treat license renewal as part of their professional routine. We also work closely with our teams to ensure they remain eligible and competitive in specialized roles, including campus and institutional security.
Final Reminders
- Check your expiry date now – don’t wait!
- Renew online through ServiceOntario
- Use this time to upgrade your skills
- Stay eligible, stay ready—and continue making a difference on Ontario campuses
Need help or have questions about your renewal? Reach out to our team or explore our Security Guard Resources for guidance and support.
Take the next step
If you are ready to jumpstart your career in security, check out our careers page.
Join a booming industry! With ten years as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, a place in the Hall of Fame of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, being named Best Employer by Forbes Magazine for three years in a row, and winning the OSPA’s Outstanding Contract Security Company Award, Paragon is one of the fastest-growing companies across Canada. Be sure to follow and read Our Blog to learn more about Paragon and the exciting world of security.
Related Reading
- How to Get Your Ontario Security Guard License
- Why Security Guard Training Is Vital to a Successful Security Career
Learn how to obtain your Security guard license from the Ministry of Ontario.
Improve your communication skills with security guard training Coursera
Build interview skills with Security Guard Exam LinkedIn Learning.
