Unlicensed private detectives or security guards face fines of $2,000 under new legislation.

The Private Investigators and Security Guards Amendment Act 2010 is to be tabled before MPs shortly.

It firms up previous legislation in 1974 by making it an offence for an individual or company not to have a licence, punishable by a $2,000 fine, or $5,000 for a company.

Private investigators and security guards must also complete an official training programme in order to obtain a licence. A register of all licensed persons must also be kept by the Commissioner of Police.

The bill gives unlicensed persons a year's grace in which to apply for a licence.