How to apply for a security clearance for security-sensitive explosives

To apply for a security clearance, you'll need to:

• be at least 18 years of age
• have an Australian residential address
• pass the criminal history and suitability checks.

Process for new applications

From April 2026, all new applications for a security clearance must be submitted using the RSHQ Portal (the Portal).

1. If you don't already have a Portal account, you will need to create one. You can find guidance and a help video under the heading 'Getting started in the RSHQ Portal' on the Portal's Training and support page.
   1. Before completing your QESC application, you will need to verify your identity to use the Portal – this must be completed to a 'Strong' level to obtain access to security sensitive explosives.
2. Log in to the Portal, and select Licensing & clearances in the top menu toolbar, then Explosives applications, and Apply for Queensland Explosives Security Clearance (QESC).
3. The Create Queensland Explosives Security Clearance Status (QESC) application screen will display. Read the text and follow the prompts to proceed through the application process.
4. For detailed instructions on how to make your application, refer to the document Applying for a Queensland Explosives Security Clearance (QESC) under the 'Explosives and Fireworks' heading on the Portal's Training and support page.

Renewals

Your security clearance is valid for 5 years, except where it is refused, suspended or cancelled (see below).

Renewal applications must be submitted using the RSHQ Portal (the Portal). The Portal will issue automatic email reminders at 42, 14 and 7 days prior to the expiry of your clearance. Follow the instructions in the email, to apply for your renewal in the Portal.

If you do not receive any reminder emails and have checked your spam folders, email qesc@rshq.qld.gov.au to ensure we have the correct email address on file.

Photo requirements

Your application must be accompanied by a passport-quality photograph that is uploaded and submitted via the Portal. Submission of poor-quality photographs is a common cause for refusal. To avoid your application being rejected, your photo needs to satisfy these requirements:

• photo less than 6 months old
• no retouching of any kind
• clear, in-focus image – without any 'red eye'
• plain white or grey background
• even, flat lighting so there are no shadows on your face
• you are looking at the camera straight-on, with a neutral expression, eyes open and mouth closed
• nothing covering your face (hair, glasses, face-coverings). Note: Some exemptions are available for religious and medical reasons – see Applying for a Queensland Explosives Security Clearance (QESC) under the 'Explosives and Fireworks' heading on the Portal's Training and support page.

Confidentiality

The information you provide in your security clearance application will be treated as confidential. We will not share the information you provide or the results of our security checks with your employer.

Fees

Note: No refunds of the security clearance fee will be given if a security clearance application is refused or if the security clearance is surrendered, suspended or cancelled after it has been given.

All security clearance fees are GST free.

Fees for security clearances

What happens next

We will conduct security checks and assess your application. This will normally take 20–40 business days depending on:

• your provided photo and identity documents meeting requirements
• your criminal or domestic violence history (if any)
• whether any further information is needed (e.g. about your mental health).

Once we've completed our assessment, we will notify you. If successful, you should receive your security clearance notification via email. You can track the status of your application in the Portal under the View my applications tile.

From April 2026, security clearances are issued only in a digital format. Once issued, you can view your clearance in the Portal under the View licenses, permits and certificates tile.

If your application is refused, you can apply for review of our decision (see below).

Refusal, suspension or cancellation of security clearance

We can refuse, cancel or suspend your security clearance if:

• you provided incorrect or misleading information in your application
• we consider that you are not (or are no longer) a suitable person to continue to hold a security clearance
• you are convicted of, or charged with, an offence that involves
  • weapons or explosives-related offences
  • violence or threatened violence
  • misuse of drugs
  • breaking and entering into premises, burglary, robbery, stealing, or receiving stolen property
  • fraud, fabricating evidence, perjury, or making a false declaration or statement

We will refuse your application and will immediately cancel or suspend a security clearance if there is a temporary protection order or police protection notice in effect against you, or if you there are release conditions in effect under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012, s. 125.

Right to review of our decision

Immediate suspensions and cancellations related to domestic violence cannot be appealed.

Otherwise, you can apply to have our decision reviewed by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Notifying us of any changes

During the term of your security clearance, you are required to tell us about any changes to your criminal history or domestic violence status. You must also notify us of changes to your name, address or any other circumstances that may affect your suitability to hold a security clearance (e.g. mental health).