SIA Licence: The Ultimate guide

What is an SIA License? 

An SIA (Security Industry Authority) license is a legal requirement for every UK-based security operative. Physically, it takes the form of a wallet-sized photo ID card, similar to a driver’s license.

An SIA license not only identifies the license holder in question, it also demonstrates that the holder has been properly trained and background checked, and is physically able to perform the specific duties required of them.

Under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act (2001), every active security operative in the country must hold a valid license before discharging their duties. To work in security without an SIA license is a criminal offence, usually punishable by heavy fines, but sometimes by up to 6 months’ imprisonment.

There are 7 different SIA licenses (discussed below). Each one allows the holder to work in a different area of security. It is possible (in some cases, actively encouraged) for an operative to hold 2 or more SIA licenses.

1. Close Protection License – Designed for individuals responsible for safeguarding people from physical harm (typically celebrities and high-risk individuals).
2. Door Supervision Licence – For guarding licensed premises against damage, checking I.Ds and dealing with disorderly behaviour.
3. Public Space Surveillance Licence – For those who monitor public spaces, premises, property or people using camera or CCTV equipment.
4. Security Guard Licence – For those protecting premises or properties against theft, damage, unauthorised access or disorderly behaviour.
5. Key Holding Licence – For individuals responsible for holding keys to a property.
6. Vehicle Immobilisation Licence (Northern Ireland only) – For those authorised to immobilise vehicles.
7. Cash and Valuables in Transit Licence – For those guarding properties against damage or theft and transporting it in secure vehicles.

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How Do I Get an SIA License? 

The first step to getting SIA licensed is to pass a ‘license-linked’ qualification course (unless you only wish to apply for a non-front line or key holder’s license).

The next step is to find and complete a first aid course (‘Emergency First Aid at Work’ or equivalent). This is a legal requirement of security work in the UK, and some SIA courses will include a relevant First aid Course within the SIA courses.

Courses will vary depending on which license you wish to apply for. A CCTV operator’s license, for example, will require a CCTV operator training course, which is understandably different from a door supervisor’s course.

A qualifying course can last up to 6 days, and will include basic training, practical assessment, and multiple choice exams. Costs are subject to variables such as the training provider, duration of the course, location, and etc. However, a good benchmark figure would be between £150 – £200.

Next, you’ll need to complete the license application on the SIA website. As of 2023, applications cost £184, an amount which is non-refundable, even if the application is unsuccessful. The SIA will usually get back to you within 25 business days, although in rare cases an application may take up to 6 weeks to process.

Once you’ve formally applied, and your application has been accepted, you’ll need to submit to thorough background and identity checks. This will include providing all necessary documentation.

Security work is very important, as successful applicants will be responsible for the safety of the public. It is therefore vital that applicants can prove that they are who they say they are, and that there are no impediments to the proper and professional discharging of their duties. If you’ve lived outside the UK for 6 months or more, additional information relating to this may be required.

Finally, you must submit a formal application to the SIA. This will demonstrate that you are fully trained, are capable of doing the job, have proven your identity and that there are no other impediments (e.g., serious criminal infractions) that might prevent you from working as a security operative.

SIA licence requirements

In order to successfully apply for an SIA licence, there are several key requirements that must be met:

1. Identity: Applicants must provide legitimate documents that effectively verify their identity.
2. Address History: Complete details of all the addresses at which an applicant has resided in the last 5 years are required. This information is used in the process of identity and criminal record checks. For those living in the UK, an automatic check of the current address is conducted. If it fails to confirm residence, additional documents may be requested to prove the address.
3. Age: All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for an SIA licence.
4. Qualifications: To apply for a front line licence, applicants must hold a ‘licence-linked’ qualification. However, this is not necessary for a non-front line licence or a key holding licence.
5. Criminal Record: Applicants must pass the SIA’s criminal record checks. For those living outside the UK or having spent 6 consecutive months or more outside the UK in the last 5 years, evidence of overseas criminal record checks is required.
6. Right to Work in the UK: In most cases, it is mandatory to have the right to work in the UK to obtain a front line or non-front line licence. All UK citizens inherently have this right. For non-UK citizens, the SIA cross-verifies this right with the Home Office records. It should be noted that if your right to work in the UK has expired or is pending, your licence application might be denied.
7. Mental Health: Applicants are asked about any compulsory detention or compulsory measures under the Mental Health Act in the last 5 years. If an applicant has experienced such circumstances, the contact details of a treating psychiatrist, psychologist or a regular-contact GP are required. They may be asked to provide a medical report which can impact the application review.

These requirements aim to ensure that all SIA licence holders are fit and proper individuals capable of carrying out their duties responsibly and safely.

• Other Information: The SIA also assesses any other information held about applicants. This might be sourced from our collaborative organisations such as the police, HM Revenue and Customs, other regulators, local authorities, and private security companies. It could also be derived from our own avenues, including: previous warnings issued to you, county court judgments, fixed penalty notices and penalty notices for disorder, CCTV footage, social media, news reports, reports from Crimestoppers, and reports from the general public. This comprehensive check aims to highlight: any relevant criminal activity, links to criminal activities, any anti-social behaviour, failure to comply with SIA licence-linked training, failure to comply with the Private Security Industry Act 2001, any behaviour that may tarnish the reputation of the private security industry, instances of knowingly or recklessly misleading a government body, and overall suitability to hold a licence.

Once these steps have been completed, there is nothing left to do except wait for your license to arrive in the post. As stated earlier, this usually takes around 6 weeks. An SIA license is valid for 3 years, after which it must be renewed.

It is possible to work in security while you are waiting for your license to be issued for you. To do so, you must have a letter from the SIA stating that your license is in progress. Not all employers will accept this, but many will, so (provided you disclose this fact to any prospective employer). You are therefore free to apply for security positions once your application has been successful.

You must be 18 years or over to apply for an SIA license.

How Much Does an SIA License Cost? 

Since 2023, the cost of an SIA license has been fixed at £184.

In some cases, employers of security personnel will pay this fee (or contribute towards it), but in most cases, this is paid for by the applicant. It is also non-refundable in cases wherein the application is rejected.

Those who are applying for a second license (e.g., a CCTV operator’s license) will only need to pay 50% of the initial fee.

Can I Get an SIA License for Free?

It is possible to apply for and receive an SIA license without paying (or by paying a reduced fee).

The UK Government will sometimes subsidise (or partially subsidise) SIA training, license applications and related qualifications. This may come from the Job Centre if the applicant is unemployed, and has been so for over a year. However, it is not universal.

In some cases, companies will pay for the training and application of a prospective employee. Often the employee must pay the money back (sometimes with interest), although not always.

In addition, some non-profit groups and community outreach programs will pay for SIA training. Some industry-specific companies and groups will also offer grants.

What Types of SIA Licenses Can I Apply For?

There are 7 different types of SIA license available in the UK. These are:

Door Supervisor 

Holders are legally entrusted with monitoring those entering and leaving an approved premises (e.g., pubs, clubs, venues, and private functions). Holders of this license have the power and obligation to safely remove troublesome people from the premises.

Security Guard 

Holders are entrusted with the safety of a property or premises (e.g., a shopping centre, supermarket, or other public or private building). This license holder is expected to guard the area to which they are assigned, and keep it safe from thieves, vandals, and other antisocial and/or dangerous people.

Mobile Security

Holders are usually required to patrol an area or premises at regular intervals, to ensure its safety. Mobile security patrols often take place at night, or during the day if the premises is abandoned or under construction.

Close Protection

The holder of this license is essentially a bodyguard. Their job is to provide personal security to VIPs, such as celebrities, politicians, diplomats, and other prominent people. Duties vary considerably from those of the other license holders.

CCTV Operator

Under the terms of the GDPR, CCTV footage cannot be watched or played back by an unlicensed individual. In effect, if a business or company is using CCTV, they can do precious little with the footage unless they employ the holder of one of these licenses. A CCTV license holder is often tasked with viewing security footage as it is taken, and responding to any incidents that may occur.

Key Holding

The holder of this license is responsible for the storage and protection of the key to a premises or other locked door. They ensure that only authorised people may gain entry.

Vehicle Immobilisation

The holder of this license is responsible for the clamping and releasing (pending payment) of illegally parked vehicles. This license only exists in Northern Ireland, and is not valid elsewhere in the UK.

Which License is Best For Me?

The SIA license you apply for really depends on which areas you wish to work in. The most commonly held license is the Door Supervisor (DS) license, making up 65.5% of all currently-valid licenses in the UK.

The Door Supervisor license is by far the most versatile, and therefore offers the best opportunities at yielding a stable, reliable income. This license opens a lot of doors (if you’ll pardon the pun), from retail security, to working the doors at nightspots, clubs, popular venues, and more.

With a course that covers everything from verbal de-escalation strategies, to physical intervention skills, interaction with the public, and more besides, the Door Supervisor’s license is usually the best option for first time applicants. It sits comfortably with other licenses on the list, as well (for example, the CCTV Operator’s license), which only adds to its usefulness.

When Will I Need to Renew My License?

An SIA license is valid for 3 years. You can apply to renew your license at any time during the final 4 months of the license’s validity. It is recommended that applications be made sooner, rather than later, as this gives the SIA a better chance of renewing your license without disrupting your availability for work.

The license renewal date will not affect the term of the license’s validity. Therefore, if the license is renewed 4 months before expiration, this period of time will simply be added to the term of the new license. This allows for a smooth transition between license terms, continued availability for work, and ensures that no one is financially penalised for processing their renewal early.

How Much Does A License Renewal Cost?

The cost of renewing a license is the same as applying for a license. At the time of writing, an SIA license costs £184. This cost remains unchanged if a license is renewed.

However, as of 2021, additional first aid ‘top-up training’ may also be required. This mandatory training could cost an additional £50, adding to the overall expense.

This can be overlooked, however, if you already hold a relevant first aid qualification (such as First Aid at Work, First Person on Scene, or First Response Emergency Care) less than 3 years old.

As stated above, a 50% discount is available for renewals if the holder holds another fully-paid-for license for a different licensable activity (and that license has 4 months or more left until expiry).

Renewing a Door Supervisor Licence

Renewing your Door Supervisor Licence is a crucial step to maintaining your career in the security industry. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) requires all licensed individuals to renew their licence every three years. This ensures that door supervisors are up to date with the latest rules and regulations, and continue to possess the necessary skills and qualifications for their role.

Renewing a Security Guard Licence

Renewing your Security Guard Licence is a straightforward process, but it’s crucial to ensure all steps are carefully followed to avoid any lapses in your licensure. Start by logging into your SIA online account and navigating to the licence renewal section. It’s advisable to begin the renewal process well in advance of your licence expiration date, typically about 4 months prior, to accommodate any potential delays.

Renewing a Close Protection Licence

Renewing a Close Protection Licence requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. The process begins with submitting a renewal application before your current licence expires to avoid any lapse in authorization. It’s crucial to ensure that all personal details are up to date, including your address and contact information, as incomplete or inaccurate information can delay the renewal process.

What Happens if My License Expires?

If a license is allowed to expire without renewal, the SIA will automatically invalidate that license under the assumption that the license holder is no longer seeking work in the security industry.

If the expiration date is reached, the license can no longer be renewed. Instead, the holder must apply for a new SIA license.

Can My License Be Revoked? 

Any SIA license may be suspended or revoked, but only under certain circumstances. If a license has been suspended or revoked, the license holder is legally barred from working in security, and any party that employs them after this time may be criminally charged.

Security operatives must be held, and must hold themselves, to very high professional standards. In a very real sense, lives may depend on them. Therefore, in the interest of public safety, if an operative is formally charged with committing a crime, their license will be suspended.

Although suspending a license is the first official step towards formally revoking it, it doesn’t always come to that. For example, if formal charges against the license holder are dropped, or if the holder is found to be innocent following a trial, the suspension will be lifted.

If your license is suspended, you will have 21 days to appeal the decision via a Magistrates’ Court or Sheriff’s Court. All suspensions are monitored and reviewed after 90 days.

If a license is formally revoked, the holder will never again be permitted to work in the security industry. License revocations occur if the license holder is convicted of a crime, is formally cautioned by police, fraudulently obtains (or attempts to obtain) a license, or is credibly accused (with evidence) of professional wrongdoing.

License revocations may also be appealed the same way suspensions are.

Changes in Circumstances

Its important to notify the SIA if anything changes in your personal circumstances, as this could affect your ability to hold an SIA licence. Watch this video below to find out how to tell us when something has changed.

What’s the Difference Between a Front-Line and Non-Front-Line SIA License? 

Holders of a ‘front-line’ SIA license perform ‘front-line’ duties, for example, door supervision, perimeter or city centre patrols, or otherwise providing security to people or places.

Holders of non-front-line licenses do not discharge these duties. Instead, they coordinate others from management or supervisory roles. If you wish to be a manager or director or a security firm, a non-front-line license is required.

Non-front-line licences come in the form of an official letter, instead of a card. This does not need to be formally displayed. Also, non-front-line license holders are not required to have completed any courses (although it is recommended that they have some knowledge or experience of the security industry before applying).

How Should My SIA License Be Used?

Your SIA license must be displayed prominently as part of your uniform, and should be easily visually accessible to any members of the public in your immediate vicinity.

If the card is lost or stolen, the SIA must be formally notified so that a replacement may be issued.

Some license holders (e.g., those who must use discretion or covert tactics to discharge their duties) may not be required to display their licenses. However, they must carry their licenses whenever they are working, and be able to produce them on request.

An SIA license can be a passport to a fulfilling and rewarding career, and is well worth considering if you’re looking for a new vocation.

SIA licences for Business

Registering your security business on the security portal will allow you to manage your staff’s SIA licenses, pay for new recruits or renewals, and know when someone has had their license revoked or suspended. Applicants must link their accounts to yours to enable these functionalities.

Additionally, you can update details such as name and address, run ID checks, pay for licenses, and request replacement licenses. However, you need to be an approved contractor to perform these actions.

Checking the Progress of an SIA Licence

Once you’ve created an account and logged in, you can conveniently check the status of your SIA licence application. Simply navigate to the ‘Application Status’ section of your personal dashboard. Here, you’ll be able to track your application’s progress in real-time, providing peace of mind as you await your licence. Remember, the SIA strives to process applications as swiftly as possible, however, the timeline may vary based on individual circumstances.