All persons engaged in the business of providing inquiry agents or security guards services must obtain a licence.  This includes the following types of companies:  

• Investigation
• Collection
• Armoured Services
• Security

Applicant must:

• Be a Bahamian citizen
• Pay the required fee
• Be 18 years and older

1. Complete the form “Application to Engage in the Business of Providing Inquiry Agents and/or Security Guards".  

2. Submit the completed application form, supporting documents and fee to the:
             
   Permanent Secretary
   Ministry of National Security
   P.O. Box N-3217
   Nassau, New Providence
   Attention: Private Sector Security Services Unit
   
   or by hand to:                        

   Permanent Secretary
   Ministry of National Security
   3rd Floor, Churchill Building
   Rawson Square
   Nassau, New Providence
   The Bahamas
          

3. Applicant may be vetted regarding character, financial position and compliance before the licence is granted.
4. Applicant will be contacted by telephone or e-mail to collect licence within ten business days of receipt of application.

Note:

• After vetting by the police, the applicant will be eligible for an annual licence.
• Family Island applicants can submit their applications through their Administrator’s Office or  via mail. They must ensure that all relevant documents and fees are enclosed.

This service can be accessed at the following location:

Ministry of National Security
3rd Floor Churchill Building
Rawson Square
East and Bay Streets
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 356-6801/2/3, 4400/1/2/3, or 6792 or 3
Fax. (242) 356-6087
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Application to Engage in the Business of Providing Inquiry Agents and/or Security Guards

The following documents are required when applying for the service:

• Completed Application Form.
• Four passport sized photographs.
• Birth Certificate or Bahamian Passport.
• Current Original Police Record (not more than six months old).
• Design of badge (in case of Security Guards only):

1. The minimum size of 2”x2”.
2. Distinctive Colour.
3. Legend indicating wearer is a Security Guard.

• Design and colour of uniform (in case of persons providing Security Guards)
• Copy of incorporation or certificate of Business Registration.

Note:

• An Annual Licence expires 31st December following the date of issue.
• Eligibility for an Annual Licence is given after favourable investigation.
• All existing Companies must be licensed by 31st January of the current year.
• A Licence is not transferable.
• The licence is valid for a period of one year.

• Temporary Licence Fee - BS$125.00 (every three months)
• Annual Licence Fee - BS$500.00

Note:  

• All payment by cheque must be certified and made payable to the Public Treasury or The Ministry of National Security.
• Other forms of acceptable payment are cash or money order.
• Cash payment should be made to the Public Treasury, and receipt submitted to the Ministry of National Security.
• Fees are to accompany Application Form with relevant documents.

Ministry of National Security
3rd Floor Churchill Building,
Rawson Square
East and Bay Streets
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 356-6801/2/3, 4400/1/2/3, or 6792/3/03
Fax.(242) 356-6087
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays
 

Statute Laws of The Bahamas -  Inquiry Agents and Security Guards Act – Chapter 210.