What does SOSIA mean?
SOSIA = Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies. It's a unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) under the Civil Security Group, and it deals with the private security industry: private security agencies, security guards and other security professionals, and private detective agencies.
Its mission, from the SOSIA website, is to administer and supervise the organization, operation, training, business and activities of everyone in the country's private security industry.
The current law for the industry, Republic Act No. 11917 (the Private Security Services Industry Act), names SOSIA directly. To get a security license, your training must be covered by a letter of authority to conduct training issued by SOSIA (Section 12).
"Sosia" is also an Italian word meaning a lookalike or double. On a Philippine police clearance, it's always the acronym.
SOSIA on the police clearance: when to choose it
When you start a Clearance Application on pnpclearance.ph, the first thing you pick is the purpose:
| Purpose | Choose it when |
|---|---|
| General | Most job applications and general requirements |
| SOSIA | You're applying for or renewing a security guard license, or a security agency asks for a SOSIA-purpose clearance |
| LTOPF | You're applying for or renewing a License To Own and Possess Firearms |
The process, the ₱150 fee and the requirements are the same whichever purpose you choose. See how to get a police clearance and the application form fields.
Not sure? Ask the agency. If a security agency asked for your police clearance, ask whether they want the SOSIA purpose before you book. If an ordinary employer asked for a police clearance "for employment", choose General.
Security guard license (LESP): the basics
The license security guards need is the License to Exercise Security Profession (LESP). Under RA 11917 it's issued by the Chief PNP or a duly authorized representative, and it covers security guards, security officers, private investigators, K9 handlers and other private security professionals.
Who can get an LESP (Section 12). You must be:
- of legal age
- a Filipino citizen
- physically and mentally fit
- of good moral character
- never convicted of a crime or offense involving moral turpitude
Training first (Section 14). No one gets an LESP without completing the pre-licensing training program. The law names the Basic Security Guard Course and the Security Officers Training Course as examples. Training schools need a license from the PNP, and courses are prescribed by the PNP and adopted by TESDA.
Validity (Section 13). An LESP is valid for five years from the date it's issued.
LESP requirements (new and renewal)
From SOSIA's Citizen's Charter (2026, 1st Edition), one original copy of each:
| Requirement | Where to get it |
|---|---|
| Accomplished SOSIA application form (new or renewal) | SOSIA Personnel Licensing Section (filled in online) |
| Diploma: high school (security guards and watchmen); college diploma and transcript (security officers and managers); master's diploma and transcript (security consultants) | Your school |
| Birth certificate | PSA |
| National Police Clearance | pnpclearance.ph, choose the SOSIA purpose |
| Drug test result | DOH-accredited drug testing center |
| Neuro-psychiatric (NP) test result | DOH-accredited NP testing center |
| Medical certificate | DOH-accredited medical center |
| Training certificate: pre-licensing training (PLTP and/or PSPTP) for new applicants; refresher training (RTC) for renewals | A training agency (PSTA) with a valid license and letter of authority from SOSIA |
| Certificate of employment | Your employer (security officers and consultants only) |
The drug test, NP test, medical certificate and police clearance are needed for both new and renewal applications.
How to apply for an LESP online
The Charter puts the whole process at about 1 hour and 20 minutes of processing time per application:
Register online
Sign up on SOSIA's online LESP system (SOSIA e-Services), update your profile and fill in all the details.
Apply in the LESP dashboard
Open the Licensing tab, enter the training agency (PSTA) you last attended and the license category, click Apply, then upload scans or photos of your requirements and submit.
Wait for evaluation
It starts once the PNP Health Service validates your NP result and SOSIA's training division validates your certificates. You get an SMS about your application's status.
Book your schedule
When approved, a "For Scheduling" button appears. Choose your time and the satellite office or Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU).
Pay at Landbank
Get your order of payment at the SOSIA One-Stop Shop and pay at any Landbank branch.
Claim your LESP card
at the One-Stop Shop.
LESP fees
All categories pay a ₱200 ID card fee on top of the license fee:
| Category | License fee | Total with ID card |
|---|---|---|
| Security guard, security watchman, bank and armored guard, company security guard | ₱300 | ₱500 |
| Security hardware and systems operator; designer and planner | ₱300 | ₱500 |
| Security officer, security manager, security consultant | ₱450 | ₱650 |
| Company security officer or manager, security canine (K9) handler, protection agent, private detective | ₱450 | ₱650 |
| Government security manager | ₱450 | ₱650 |
Show as a table
| Item | Breakdown | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Security guard (and similar) | License fee ₱300 + ID card ₱200 | ₱500 |
| Security officer, manager, consultant | License fee ₱450 + ID card ₱200 | ₱650 |
Source: SOSIA Citizen's Charter (2026, 1st Edition). Training, medical and test fees are paid separately.
The Charter lists separate rates for government security guards (₱15 license fee, ₱215 total). Training, medical and test fees are paid separately to the clinics and the training school.
Verify, authenticate or certify an LESP
| Service | What it's for | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| SOSIA E-Verify | Check an LESP number online | Not stated |
| Authentication of an LESP or LTO | Official confirmation that a license is genuine, in the SOSIA database and valid. Bring a photocopy of the license | ₱100, about 3 days |
| Certification of an LESP or LTO | Certifies whether a person has a record in the SOSIA database | ₱50, about 30 minutes |
Fees are paid at Landbank with an order of payment from SOSIA's Records Section.
Use only sosia.pnp.gov.ph. Apply and verify through the official SOSIA site. Don't pay fixers or Facebook pages that offer to "process" an LESP.
Security agencies: License to Operate
A private security agency needs a License to Operate (LTO) from the Chief PNP (Section 6). Under RA 11917:
| Rule | What the law says |
|---|---|
| Who can own an agency | Filipino citizens, or companies wholly owned and controlled by Filipinos (Section 4) |
| Agency size | No more than 2,000 private security professionals (Section 4) |
| Operator requirements | At least 25 years old, a bachelor's degree, good moral character, no conviction involving moral turpitude, and passing the PNP's neuro-psychiatric and drug tests (Section 5) |
| LTO validity | Up to five years, renewable (Section 7) |
| Bond | Every LTO application needs a bond from a surety or insurance company accredited by the Insurance Commission (Section 8) |
SOSIA vs PADPAO
They're often mentioned together, especially in security guard training, but they're different:
- SOSIA is a government office under the PNP.
- PADPAO is the Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators, an association of agency operators, not a government office. The old law, RA 5487, required the regulator to consult PADPAO when issuing rules (Section 17).
SOSIA history: from PCSIASO to SOSIA
SOSIA's website gives this timeline:
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 13 June 1969 | RA 5487, the Private Security Agency Law, is signed |
| 4 August 1969 | The PC Security and Investigation Agency Supervisory Office (PCSIASO) is organized under the Philippine Constabulary |
| 29 June 1979 | Renamed the PC Supervisory Unit for Security and Investigation Agencies (PCSUSIA) |
| 31 May 1996 | Becomes the Security Agencies and Guards Supervision Division (SAGSD) under the PNP Civil Security Group |
| 25 September 2009 | Renamed the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) |
RA 5487 vs RA 11917
For over 50 years the industry was governed by RA 5487 (1969). RA 11917, the Private Security Services Industry Act, repealed it and became law on 30 July 2022. Older training materials may still quote RA 5487, but RA 11917 is the law now.
Sa Tagalog: ano ang SOSIA?
Ang SOSIA ay Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies, isang opisina ng PNP para sa mga security agency, security guard at private detective. Sa police clearance, piliin ang SOSIA bilang purpose kung para ito sa lisensya ng security guard o kung hiningi ito ng security agency. Para sa karaniwang trabaho, piliin ang General. Ang lisensya ng security guard (LESP) ay ₱500 (₱300 license fee at ₱200 ID card) at valid nang limang taon sa ilalim ng RA 11917.
Frequently asked questions
What does SOSIA stand for?
Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies. It's the PNP office for the private security industry: security agencies, security guards and private detectives.
Should I choose SOSIA or General on my police clearance?
Choose SOSIA only if the clearance is for a security guard license or a security agency asked for it. For most jobs and general requirements, choose General.
Is the police clearance fee different for SOSIA?
No. The PNP's guide lists one fee, ₱150 plus a convenience fee that depends on the payment channel, whatever purpose you choose.
How long is a security guard license valid?
Under RA 11917, the License to Exercise Security Profession (LESP) is valid for five years from the date it's issued.
Is SOSIA the same as PADPAO?
No. SOSIA is a PNP office. PADPAO, the Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators, is an association of security agency operators.
What law covers security guards in the Philippines?
Republic Act No. 11917, the Private Security Services Industry Act, which became law on 30 July 2022 and repealed RA 5487.
Who is the chief of SOSIA in 2026?
The SOSIA website named PBGEN Glenn Oliver C. Cinco as Chief, SOSIA when we checked it on 4 October 2026. Officials change, so confirm on sosia.pnp.gov.ph.
How do I verify a security guard license (LESP)?
Use SOSIA E-Verify on sosia.pnp.gov.ph and enter the LESP number.
Where do I renew my LESP?
Online through SOSIA e-Services on sosia.pnp.gov.ph, which handles both new applications and renewals. For a renewal you need a refresher training (RTC) certificate, a new police clearance, drug test, neuro-psychiatric test and medical certificate.
How much is the LESP fee for a security guard?
₱500: a ₱300 license fee plus a ₱200 ID card fee, per SOSIA's Citizen's Charter (2026, 1st Edition). Security officers, managers and consultants pay ₱650.
What are the requirements for an LESP?
The SOSIA application form, your diploma, PSA birth certificate, National Police Clearance, drug test, neuro-psychiatric test, medical certificate, and a training certificate from a licensed training agency. Security officers and consultants also need a certificate of employment.
Can I apply for a security guard license on this site?
No. PapelesPH is an independent guide, not the PNP. Licensing goes through the PNP and its accredited training schools. Never pay anyone offering a license without training: RA 11917 requires pre-licensing training for every LESP.
Keep reading
Police clearance application form
Every field and purpose on the online form, explained.
Read guide PolicePolice clearance requirements
The ID, documents and profile details you need on appointment day.
Read guide PoliceHow to get a police clearance
The full NPCS process, from registration to release, in 4 steps.
Read guideSources
- SOSIA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (PDF): services 6, 9 and 10
- RA 11917, Private Security Services Industry Act
- RA 5487 (repealed), Section 17
- SOSIA official website (homepage, checked 4 October 2026)
- SOSIA e-Services: LESP application and renewal
- SOSIA E-Verify: check an LESP number
- PNP: How to apply for a National Police Clearance (PDF)
- pnpclearance.ph
Last checked 4 October 2026. See how we research and the updates log.