How to Verify a Security Agency's PSARA Licence in Mumbai

Every private security agency in India must hold a licence under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (PSARA). You can check an agency's licence in about ten minutes, and you should do it before you sign a contract.

This guide is a buyer's checklist. It is general guidance, not legal advice. The same checks apply to any agency, including NTR Security Services.

Why the licence matters

An unlicensed agency can leave you exposed. If its guards are untrained, unverified or paid below the legal wage, the problem lands on your premises. A valid licence is the first sign that the agency is accountable to a regulator.

Five steps to verify a licence

1. Ask for a copy of the licence. It should carry the agency's exact legal name, a licence number, the area or districts it covers and a validity period.
2. Check the name matches the contract. The agency name on the licence, the quote, the GST registration and the contract should be the same legal entity.
3. Check validity and area. The licence must be current, and it must cover the district where your guards will work.
4. Confirm with the licensing authority. Verify the licence number with the state licensing authority (in Maharashtra, the police department that issues PSARA licences) and, where available, on the official PSARA portal. If the authority cannot confirm it, treat it as unverified.
5. Keep a copy on file and diarise the renewal date so you can ask for the renewed licence.

Other documents to ask for

• EPF and ESIC registration and proof of recent contributions for the guards on your site.
• Police verification of each guard assigned to you, and the training certificate for the grade of guard.
• GST registration matching the agency name.
• Minimum-wage compliance: wage slips or bank transfer records for the guards.
• Insurance or fidelity cover, if the agency claims it.

Red flags

• The agency will not show the licence, or shows only a photo of a certificate.
• The licence is in a different name from the one on the quote or contract.
• The licence is expired or covers another area.
• Guards cannot show ID, training or verification papers.
• The quote is far below others and does not show EPF or ESIC.

How NTR shows its compliance

NTR publishes scans of its registrations and licences on the certificates page and explains what each one means on the compliance and licences page. You can also read our guide to choosing the right security agency and request a free quote and site survey.

Frequently asked questions

What does PSARA stand for?

PSARA is the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005. It requires private security agencies to be licensed and sets rules for guard verification and training.

Can I verify a PSARA licence online?

You can confirm the licence number with the state licensing authority and, where available, the official PSARA portal. If neither can confirm it, ask the agency for the issuing authority's contact details and check directly.

Is a PSARA licence enough to hire an agency?

No. It is the first check. Also ask for EPF and ESIC proof, police verification and training for the guards, a written post plan and a replacement commitment.

What if my agency's licence has expired?

Ask for the renewed licence in writing. Do not let a post continue under an expired licence without written confirmation that renewal is in process, and take legal advice if there is a dispute.