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What is a PSARA Certificate? A Complete Guide for Setting Up a Security Agency in Delhi NCR By Verve Security | Updated: October 2025 | Category: Security Services If you’re planning to operate a security agency in Delhi, understanding the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (PSARA) certificate is crucial. In this article, we’ll explain what the PSARA certificate is, how to apply for one, the eligibility criteria, and why it matters when choosing a top-class security agency in Delhi NCR. We'll also tie this into how your firm—Verve Security—positions itself as a reliable partner for clients needing professional, compliant security services.
What is the PSARA Certificate? The PSARA certificate refers to a license issued under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (PSARA) which governs the regulation, licensing and functioning of private security agencies in India.
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In simpler terms:
If you want to start a business offering security personnel (guards, supervisors, bodyguards, etc.), you must obtain a license under PSARA.
The license ensures that the agency runs legally, meets training, infrastructure, background-check and other compliance requirements.
In jurisdictions like Delhi and nearby NCR (National Capital Region), this license is an essential prerequisite before the agency can be awarded contracts by governmental or institutional clients.
So when we talk about a PSARA Certificate, we are effectively discussing the license/registration under PSARA. Agencies that operate without it are liable to penalties and may not be considered “legitimate” by clients.
Why is the PSARA Certificate Important for a Security Agency in Delhi? Here are several reasons why the PSARA certificate matters—especially for a security agency in Delhi: 1. Legitimacy & Trust: Clients (residential complexes, corporate offices, institutions) look for agencies that are PSARA-licensed to ensure they are working with a regulated entity. For example, tender documents often demand “PSARA 2005 registered” status. 2. Compliance & Safety: PSARA mandates that security guards/supervisors undergo training, background verification, and operate under regulated standards. This helps ensure higher service quality, fewer liabilities and better safety outcomes. 3. Access to Contracts: Many government and privately-run entities in Delhi NCR will only engage agencies that hold a valid PSARA licence. Without it you may be disqualified from bidding or working. 4. Professional Branding: For a security agency like Verve Security, being PSARAcertified is a mark of professionalism and compliance, which helps build client confidence, secure better deals and operate sustainably.
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5. Avoid Legal Penalties: Operating without a license or failing to meet PSARA compliance can attract legal action or cancellation of contracts. Better to align from day one. Stating clearly: if you are planning to run or engage a security agency in Delhi, obtaining and maintaining a valid PSARA certificate is non-negotiable.
Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining a PSARA Certificate in Delhi NCR Here we outline key eligibility criteria when you wish to apply for PSARA-licensing. Note that there may be slight state-to-state variations, but for Delhi/NCR the core requirements are consistent.
Eligibility of the Applicant Agency
The applicant entity can be a sole proprietorship, partnership firm, limited liability partnership (LLP), private limited company, etc.
The agency must be registered in India, and typically majority shareholders should be Indian nationals.
The agency should have adequate infrastructure (office, communication lines, training tie-up, etc.) to operate as a security provider.
Eligibility of Directors / Promoters
Must be Indian citizens.
Must have clean criminal record: no conviction for offences with prison term ≥ 2 years, or involvement in banned organisations
Should be financially sound and capable of executing business operations.
Training and Personnel Requirements
Security guards and supervisors must undergo training at an institute approved under PSARA or a recognised MoU with such an institute.
Guards must typically be Indian citizens, minimum age 18 years, within an upper age limit (often up to 65 years), medically fit, of good character, and complete training.
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Other Compliance Requirements
The agency must maintain registers of its guards, clients, deployment and so on as per PSARA rules.
Must have documentation like PF (Provident Fund) registration, ESI (Employee State Insurance) registration, GST/PAN, Shop & Establishment registration, etc.
Additional Notes for Delhi
For Delhi region: you must specify whether you want a license for one district, five districts or the whole state.
There are stipulated fees depending on the license scope (e.g., one district vs whole state) in Delhi.
When we at Verve Security talk about eligibility, we ensure everything is rigorously checked: our directors are clean-recorded, training tie-ups are in place, infrastructure is ready, and statutory registrations are active. That way when you choose us, you are engaging a fully compliant security agency in Delhi.
How to Apply for a PSARA Certificate (License) – Step by Step Planning to apply for the certificate? Here’s a detailed step-by-step for applying in the Delhi / NCR region, adapted for a security agency like Verve Security so you understand the practical roadmap.
Step 1: Company/En ty Forma on
Register your business entity (e.g., Pvt Ltd / LLP / Sole Proprietorship) in India.
Obtain PAN, GST registration (as applicable), open bank account, etc.
Step 2: Set up Office and Infrastructure
Establish a registered office address, utility bills, lease/rent agreement or ownership proof.
Set up infrastructure: communication lines, telephone, control room, training tieup or MoU with security training institute. Training MoU is crucial.
Step 3: Obtain Required Registra ons
PF (Provident Fund) registration and ESI (Employee State Insurance) registration.
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Registration under Shop & Establishment Act, Contract Labour Act (if required)
Ensure all directors/promoters have identity proof (Aadhaar, passport), PAN cards, address proof, photos.
Step 4: Training Tie-Up / MoU with Recognised Training Ins tute
Your agency must partner with a PSARA-recognised security training institute, sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) so that guards will be trained as per the Act.
Conduct training of your security personnel (guards, supervisors) so they get the required “PSARA Training Certificate”.
Step 5: Prepare and Submit Applica on with Documents Prepare the application and submit to the controlling authority (in Delhi that typically involves the Home Department, Controlling Authority of Private Security Agencies). Key documents include:
Incorporation certificate / registration of your company/firm.
Signed MoU with training institute.
Proof of office address, rent/lease or ownership.
PF/ESI registration certificates.
Affidavit under PSARA for security training and other compliance
PAN/Aadhaar/identity proof of directors/promoters.
Financial records, ITRs of directors, etc.
Step 6: Police Verifica on & Background Check
The controlling authority will conduct police verification of promoters, directors and, in some cases, the agency office premises.
Ensure no convictions, no links to banned organisations, and clean record for key personnel.
Step 7: Pay Fees & Await Approval
In Delhi, depending on coverage (one district, five districts, whole state) fees vary.
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Approval may take up to about 60 days from the date of submission (subject to state authority and completeness of docs).
Step 8: Commencement of Opera ons
Once license is granted, your agency can legally start providing security services in the permitted area.
Important: your deployment of guards must comply with training, verification, register-keeping, etc.
Also ensure you maintain compliance: renew license when due, keep training ongoing, maintain records.
At Verve Security, we guide our clients (if they are agencies) or ourselves internally through every step to ensure 100% compliance. If you are a client hiring a security agency in Delhi, you will want to verify that the chosen agency holds the PSARA licence and has up-to-date training and infrastructure.
Key Documents Checklist (Specific to Delhi NCR) Here is a consolidated checklist of key documents you will need when applying in Delhi/NCR region:
Incorporation certificate of agency (company/firm)
PAN card of promoters/directors
Aadhaar/Passport/Address proof of promoters/directors
Proof of registered office address (lease/rent agreement/utility bill)
Logo of security agency
Shop & Establishments registration certificate
PF registration certificate
ESI registration certificate
MoU with recognised security training institute
Affidavit of security training (guards/supervisors)
Character certificates for promoters/directors, and guards’ antecedent verification records
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Income Tax Returns of promoters/directors (for financial soundness)
Deployment registers, guard records, client records (as per PSARA rules)
When you engage Verve Security as your chosen security agency in Delhi, you can ask us for proof of all these documents (licence number, training certificates, PF/ESI registrations, etc) to ensure you are engaging a well-compliant agency.
Renewal, Validity & Ongoing Compliance Having obtained the licence is only half the job. Ongoing compliance is essential:
The PSARA licence typically has a validity (often 5 years in many states) and must be renewed before expiry.
Failure to renew or maintain compliance (training, records, infrastructure) can lead to cancellation of licence or non-eligibility for tenders.
Continuous training: Guards/supervisors must undergo refresher training as prescribed.
Maintenance of registers and submission of periodic returns/updates as required by the controlling authority.
Infrastructure must be maintained: offices, control rooms, vehicles (if part of service), communication systems. Several tenders in Delhi NCR specifically require agency to have Quick Reaction Team (QRT), control room, fleet, etc.
At Verve Security, we treat compliance as a core discipline—not just a paperwork exercise. It ensures your safety, protects your contract ecosystem and enhances service reliability.
Why Choose Verve Security as Your Trusted Security Agency in
Delhi Now that you understand what the PSARA certificate is and how critical compliance is, let’s touch on why partnering with Verve Security makes sense.
We hold a valid PSARA licence (you may request our licence number and copies) and we maintain full compliance with training, PF/ESI, infrastructure and all statutory obligations.
Our guards and supervisors are trained at recognised institutes and hold “PSARA training certificates” so you’re assured of professionalism.
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We provide state-of-the-art services: 24/7 monitored control room, fleet, patrol services, modern security communication systems—aligned with what major tenders in Delhi NCR demand.
Transparent documentation: we provide you access to our compliance records, training certificates, PF/ESI proofs, licence details—so when you engage us as your security agency, you are not exposed to hidden risks.
Customer-centric: As a leading security agency in Delhi, we understand local terrain, regulatory expectations, and client needs (corporate, institutional, residential). We customize services accordingly.
Long-term reliability: Since we operate within the PSARA regulatory framework, we are here for the long haul, giving you peace of mind rather than short-term fixes.
When you hire Verve Security, you aren’t just hiring guards; you are engaging a fully licensed, professional partner committed to compliance, safety and service quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1. What does PSARA stand for? A1. It stands for the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005. The licence issued under this act for a security agency is commonly referred to as the “PSARA certificate” or “PSARA licence”. Q2. Is a PSARA licence mandatory for a security agency in Delhi? A2. Yes. If you wish to operate a security agency in Delhi and deploy security guards/supervisors/related services, you must be registered under PSARA, and hold a valid licence from the controlling authority in Delhi. Q3. How much time does it take to obtain a PSARA licence? A3. It varies depending on completeness of documents and verification process, but typically around 60 days from submission of the application in many states. Q4. What is the validity of a PSARA licence? A4. In many states it is valid for five years (though you should check the specific state/region). Renewal before expiry is required. Q5. Can a single licence cover multiple districts or the whole state in Delhi? A5. Yes. In Delhi you have options: a license may cover “one district”, “five districts” or “entire Delhi state”. The fee and scope vary accordingly.
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Q6. What are the fees for a PSARA licence in Delhi? A6. For example, as per one guide: One district: Rs. 5,000; Two-five districts: Rs. 10,000; Whole state: Rs. 25,000. These are indicative and professional/consultancy charges may add. Q7. What happens if a security agency operates without a PSARA licence? A7. Operating without licence is illegal, may lead to disqualification from contracts, legal action, inability to renew or obtain government tenders. It also undermines trust with clients. Q8. When engaging a security agency in Delhi, what should a client verify? A8. Ensure the agency:
Holds a valid PSARA licence (ask for licence number and expiry)
Has training certificates for their guards/supervisors
Has PF/ESI registrations, insurance (if applicable)
Maintains control room, infrastructure, patrol vehicles (if in scope)
Provides transparent documentation and demonstrates compliance
Has experience deploying in Delhi NCR and meets client requirements (female guards, ex-servicemen, fleet etc if required)
Q9. As a security agency, do we need to train our guards under PSARA? A9. Yes. The PSARA licence requires that your security guards and supervisors receive training from a recognised institute or under an MoU with such an institute. They must have “PSARA training certificates”. Q10. What is the renewal process for a PSARA licence? A10. Before expiry, you must apply for renewal with updated documents, compliance certifications, training records, and pay the renewal fee. Staying non-compliant or missing renewal may lead to licence cancellation.
Final Thoughts For anyone looking to start or engage a security agency in Delhi, the PSARA certificate is the foundation of lawful, reliable operations. It sets the standard for training, infrastructure, staff quality, background checks and compliance. Without it, your agency may struggle to win credible contracts, and as a client you may face risks if the agency is unlicensed.
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At Verve Security, our commitment is clear: we operate fully under PSARA, conduct continuous training, maintain robust infrastructure, and provide transparent and professional security services tailored to Delhi NCR’s unique requirements. If you are seeking a trustworthy, licensed security partner, we are well positioned to meet your needs.
Final Thoughts If you’re looking for affordable, reliable, and trained security guards in Delhi NCR, choose Verve Security — a name trusted by homes, banks, and businesses alike. +91-9654005655 | www.vervesecurity.com B-82, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-1, New Delhi
“Because real safety begins with the people who protect you.” — Verve Security
