CL · Expiry & renewal tracking
Never let your guards' operating directive expire
Anyone hiring security guards files an operating directive with the Undersecretariat for Crime Prevention at least fifteen days before services start; its approval is valid three years from notification (Law 21.659, Article 51; DS 209, Article 92). On expiry a new directive with updated security measures must be filed.
Law 21.659 on private security allows any natural or legal person to hire guards to protect homes, buildings, residential complexes, shops or other premises, either through an accredited company or by directly hiring licensed individuals (Article 51). The services the guards perform must be notified to the enforcement authority and the Undersecretariat for Crime Prevention and set out in an operating directive (directiva de funcionamiento) stating where they will be performed and identifying who provides them. The Undersecretariat may approve or amend the directive after a report from the enforcement authority; if it requests changes, the applicant has ten days or the reasonable period the Undersecretariat sets (Article 51).
Decree 209 of 2024 defines the directive as the instrument recording the guards' services and sets its minimum content: the place of the services; the identity of the persons providing them, with their defensive and protective equipment; an analysis of the installation's surroundings, with its weaknesses and threats; the security measures to counter criminal activity, naming the person in charge of supervision; and how communications with the Undersecretariat and the enforcement authority will be handled (Article 92). The natural or legal person for whom the guards work files the directive with the Undersecretariat at least fifteen days before the services start; the enforcement authority reports within fifteen days and the Undersecretariat decides within twenty days (Article 92).
The operating directive is valid for three years from notification of the approving resolution. After that period a new directive must be filed updating the security measures. The three-year validity does not apply to temporary services, such as mass events or condominium construction, where the directive is granted for the duration of the activity. A copy of the directive must always be kept on the premises and shown during inspections (DS 209, Article 92). The guards' defensive equipment must be recorded in the authorised directive (Article 93).
At a glance
| Rule | Law 21.659 on private security, Article 51; Decree 209 of 2024, Articles 92 and 93 |
|---|---|
| Who files it | The natural or legal person for whom the guards perform their duties (DS 209, Article 92) |
| When | At least fifteen days before the services start (DS 209, Article 92) |
| Who approves | Undersecretariat for Crime Prevention, after a report from the enforcement authority (Law 21.659, Article 51; DS 209, Article 92) |
| Validity | Three years from notification of the approving resolution (DS 209, Article 92) |
| On expiry | A new directive with updated security measures (DS 209, Article 92) |
| Temporary services | Mass events, condominium construction and similar: valid for the duration of the activity (DS 209, Article 92) |
| On the premises | A copy always available and shown during inspections (DS 209, Article 92) |
LeyChile records a note to Articles 92 and 97 of DS 209: Exempt Resolution 3493 of the Public Security ministry, published on 17 September 2026, set the meaning and scope of Article 92, stating that companies specialising in private security human resources must prove the human and training resources required by Article 50 when filing their operating directive. The text of that resolution was not reviewed for this guide.
Who is responsible?
The directive is filed by the natural or legal person for whom the guards perform their duties, who must apply for a new directive when the three years are up and keep a copy on the premises (DS 209, Article 92). If the Undersecretariat orders changes, the applicant must make them within ten days or the reasonable period set (Law 21.659, Article 51; DS 209, Article 92). Supervision of the measures falls to the person in charge named in the directive itself (DS 209, Article 92 No. 4).
If the deadline passes
The guards' services must be notified to the authority and set out in an operating directive (Law 21.659, Article 51), and after three years a new one must be filed (DS 209, Article 92). When the enforcement authority finds a breach of the law or the regulation, it files a complaint with the Local Police Court (Law 21.659, Article 88). Failing to comply with the terms of an authorisation is a serious breach (Article 96 No. 4), and the Undersecretariat may suspend or revoke authorisations of repeat offenders for serious or very serious breaches (Article 109). The law and the regulation set no express rule for the gap between expiry and the new approval, so the new directive should be filed in advance.
One directive per service, not per guard
The directive describes the service at a given place and the people providing it (DS 209, Article 92); its expiry is independent of each guard's authorisation, which lasts four years (Law 21.659, Article 50), and of the security company's authorisation, which also lasts four years (DS 209, Article 51). If the guards or the measures change, check whether the directive needs amending. The other two authorisations are covered in their own guides.
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add the operating directive for each installation and record as the expiry date three years from notification of the approving resolution; the 60- and 30-day reminders leave time to prepare the new directive with updated measures and file it before expiry.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before expiry and on the expiry day.
- The security adviser or the guard company can upload the new approving resolution through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the building administrator or security officer; if the directive is overdue, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the security guards' operating directive valid?
- Three years from notification of the resolution approving it. When that period ends, a new directive must be filed updating the security measures (DS 209, Article 92).
- How far in advance is it filed?
- At least fifteen days before the services start. The enforcement authority reports within fifteen days and the Undersecretariat for Crime Prevention decides within twenty days of receiving the report (DS 209, Article 92).
- What must the directive contain?
- At least the place of the services; the identity of the guards with their defensive and protective equipment; an analysis of the installation's surroundings with its weaknesses and threats; the security measures and the person in charge of supervision; and how communications with the Undersecretariat and the enforcement authority will be handled (DS 209, Article 92).
- What about temporary services?
- For temporary services, such as mass events or condominium construction, the three-year validity does not apply: the directive is granted for the duration of the activity (DS 209, Article 92).
Sources
- Ley 21.659 sobre seguridad privada: artículos 1, 50, 51, 88, 96 y 109 (LeyChile, BCN)
- Decreto 209 de 2024, Reglamento de seguridad privada de la Ley 21.659: artículos 51, 92 y 93 (LeyChile, BCN)
Last checked: Oct 14, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
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