How to Apply for an SIA Licence

How to Apply for an SIA Licence in the UK

Published: February 2026 | Authority: Security Industry Authority Compliance | Region: United Kingdom

The private security industry remains a cornerstone of the United Kingdom's infrastructure, supporting the safety of over 5.6 million businesses across the nation. As we move into the 2025-2026 period, the demand for licensed professionals continues to grow, driven by an evolving landscape of public safety requirements and professional standards. Applying for a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence is no longer merely a bureaucratic hurdle; it is a gateway to a regulated professional career that ensures the integrity of the UK's retail, hospitality, and corporate sectors.

400,000+ Active SIA licence holders currently operate across the UK, contributing to a sector that ensures 76% of consumers feel safer when visible security is present during local business interactions.

Determining Which SIA Licence Type Suits Your Career Path

Before beginning an application, you must identify which sector of the security industry you intend to enter. The SIA issues several types of licences, each requiring specific training and background checks. Misapplying for the wrong category can lead to significant delays and additional costs.

The Difference Between Frontline and Non-Frontline Roles

A frontline licence is a plastic credit-card sized card that you must wear when you are working. This is for individuals who directly perform security activities such as door supervision, security guarding, or close protection. Conversely, a non-frontline licence is for those who manage, supervise, or employ individuals in frontline roles, but do not perform the activities themselves. In England and Wales, failing to hold the correct licence is a criminal offence under the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

Specific Categories: Door Supervision vs. Security Guarding

Whilst many entrants gravitate towards Security Guarding, the Door Supervision licence is often considered more versatile. A licensed Door Supervisor can perform the duties of a Security Guard, but a Security Guard cannot work in licensed premises (such as bars or clubs) where alcohol is sold. In Scotland, where the hospitality sector contributes significantly to the local economy, the demand for versatile Door Supervisors remains particularly high.

Licensing for CCTV and Public Space Surveillance

Professionals focusing on the technical side of security often opt for the Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence. This is mandatory if you are monitoring images of the public in either the public or private sector using fixed or mobile cameras. This role has seen a 43% increase in demand as businesses integrate more advanced digital monitoring tools.

Essential Eligibility Criteria for UK Applicants

The SIA maintains strict standards to ensure only "fit and proper" persons enter the industry. Understanding these criteria beforehand will prevent you from wasting resources on training if you are ineligible.

Age Requirements and Identity Verification Standards

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for an SIA licence. The identity verification process is rigorous. You will need to provide a combination of Group A and Group B documents, such as a valid UK passport, a driving licence, and recent utility bills. For applicants in Northern Ireland, additional cross-border identification nuances may apply if you have resided in the Republic of Ireland recently.

The "Fit and Proper" Person Test and Criminal Record Checks

The SIA will look at your criminal record for the last five years. While having a criminal record does not automatically bar you from getting a licence, certain offences—particularly those involving violence, dishonesty, or drugs—will likely result in a rejection. The SIA uses a "points" system to assess the relevance and recency of past convictions.

Right to Work Status in the United Kingdom

You must have the legal right to work in the UK. The SIA coordinates with the Home Office to verify your status. If you are an EU citizen residing in the UK, you must demonstrate your settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. This is a non-negotiable requirement for all applicants across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The Mandatory Training Phase: Finding an Approved Provider

You cannot apply for a frontline licence without first passing a nationally recognised qualification. This training ensures all security personnel operate with a shared understanding of the law, conflict management, and emergency procedures.

Selecting a Training Centre with SIA Approval

Only training delivered by an SIA-approved awarding body counts toward your licence. These include organisations like Highfield, Pearson (BTEC), and City & Guilds.

In Wales, Business Wales provides resources to help local startups and individuals find reputable vocational training paths that align with National Occupational Standards.

Understanding Course Length and Assessment Methods

Training typically lasts between 4 to 6 days depending on the licence type. For example, the Door Supervisor course recently increased in length to include more physical intervention and first aid training. Since 2021, all applicants must hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate before they can even take the security training exams.

Pro Tip: Always verify the "SIA Approved" status of a training provider on the GOV.UK website. Some "discount" providers in London and the South East have been flagged for delivering sub-standard training that the SIA refuses to recognise, leading to total loss of fees for the student.

Navigating the SIA Online Portal and Application Form

The application process is entirely digital. Creating an account on the SIA's "Licensing Home" portal is the first technical step toward your career.

Creating Your Personal Online Account

You will need a valid email address and your National Insurance number. This account will be your hub for the duration of your career, used for renewals every three years and for updating your personal details, such as a change of address. Under ICO regulations, your data is protected, but the SIA is required to share certain information with law enforcement agencies if necessary.

Step-by-Step Data Entry and Document Submission

When filling out the form, ensure every detail matches your identity documents exactly. Minor discrepancies in the spelling of names or addresses can trigger an automatic flag, delaying the background check process by weeks. If you are based in Northern Ireland, ensure your address history is meticulous, particularly if you have moved between jurisdictions.

Paying the Licence Application Fee

As of 2025/2026, the standard fee for an SIA licence is £184. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. However, if you require more than one licence (e.g., Door Supervision and CCTV), you may be eligible for a 50% discount on the second licence, provided it is processed while the first is still active.

The Role of the Post Office in Identity Verification

Once you have submitted your online application and paid the fee, the SIA will send you a set of instructions. Most applicants must then visit a participating Post Office to complete the final verification.

Completing the Next Steps at a Participating Branch

You must take the specific documents you listed on your application to the Post Office. The staff will scan your documents and take a digital photograph of you. This photo will be the one printed on your SIA card. In rural parts of Scotland and Wales, it is advisable to check the "Post Office branch finder" to ensure your local branch offers the "SIA identity service."

Handling Overseas Criminal Record Checks

If you have lived outside the UK for six continuous months or more in the last five years, you must provide a criminal record check from that country. This must be an official document translated into English. For those who have served in the British Armed Forces overseas, specific military records can often be used as a substitute, provided they meet the SIA's strict criteria.

Processing Times and Managing the Waiting Period

The time it takes to get your licence can vary significantly based on the complexity of your background and the current volume of applications.

Tracking Your Application Status Online

The SIA portal provides a real-time tracking tool. Most "clean" applications are processed within 25 working days. However, during peak hiring seasons (such as the lead-up to the Edinburgh Fringe in Scotland or major sporting events in Cardiff and London), these times can stretch. The SIA processes over 10,000 applications a month during these periods.

What to Do if Your Application is Put "On Hold"

Applications are often put on hold due to missing information or a need for further clarification on a criminal record. If you receive a "Minded to Refuse" letter, do not panic. You have 21 days to provide additional context or evidence to support your application. This is your opportunity to demonstrate rehabilitation or correct factual errors in the record.

The Right to Appeal a Rejected Application

If your application is formally refused, you have the right to appeal to a Magistrate's Court (or a Sheriff Court in Scotland).

Legal representation is not mandatory but can be helpful. Statistics show that around 15% of initial refusals are overturned on appeal when robust character references and evidence of stability are provided.

SIA Compliance for Employers and Businesses

For UK business owners, ensuring your staff are correctly licensed is not just a safety issue; it is a legal imperative. HMRC and local authorities frequently conduct joint inspections to verify compliance.

The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) Advantage

Businesses that provide security services can apply for the SIA's Approved Contractor Scheme. Being an ACS member demonstrates that your firm meets high standards of management and service delivery. This is often a prerequisite for winning local government contracts or working with major UK institutions like the British Chambers of Commerce.

Checking the Register of Licence Holders

As an employer, you should never take a physical SIA card at face value. You must use the SIA's "Register of Licence Holders" online to verify that the licence is active and not revoked or suspended. This is a free service and should be part of every security firm's standard onboarding process.

99.3% of UK businesses are SMEs. For these smaller operators, hiring an unlicensed security guard can result in fines of up to £5,000 and the potential loss of their premises licence.

Maintaining Your Licence and Professional Standards

Obtaining your licence is only the beginning. You must adhere to a strict code of conduct to keep it.

Mandatory Reporting of Changes and Convictions

If you are cautioned or convicted of an offence while holding a licence, you must notify the SIA within 21 days. Failure to do so is a criminal offence. Likewise, if you change your home address, you must update your online account. This ensures that any correspondence regarding your licence—including renewal reminders—reaches you on time.

The Renewal Process and Top-Up Training

SIA licences last for three years. You should start your renewal application four months before your current licence expires. In recent years, the SIA introduced "top-up" training for Door Supervisors and Security Guards. This ensures that even long-term professionals are updated on the latest counter-terrorism and physical intervention techniques.

Future Trends in UK Security Licensing (2026 and Beyond)

The security landscape is shifting towards a more integrated, technology-driven approach. Understanding these trends can help you choose the right specialisations.

Integration of AI and Digital Surveillance

By 2026, 71% of security roles are expected to interact with some form of AI-enhanced surveillance. Professionals who combine their SIA licence with technical certifications in digital monitoring will find themselves in high demand. This is particularly true in tech hubs like London, Manchester, and Belfast.

Emphasis on Soft Skills and Conflict De-escalation

The "modern" security professional is as much a customer service representative as a guardian. Training now places a heavy emphasis on mental health awareness and de-escalation.

Businesses in the hospitality sector now report that 68% of customers value "approachable and helpful" security staff as much as they value "firm and effective" enforcement.

"Hey Siri, how much does a UK security licence cost in 2026?"

The current application fee for an SIA licence is £184. If you need a second licence for a different role, you can get a 50% discount, making the second one £92.

"Alexa, how long is SIA training for door supervisors?"

SIA Door Supervisor training typically takes 6 days and includes modules on conflict management, physical intervention, and emergency first aid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in security while my SIA application is still processing?

In most cases, no. You must wait until your licence is granted and you have the physical card or can see your name on the Register of Licence Holders. However, if your employer is an SIA Approved Contractor (ACS), they may be able to issue you a "Letter of Authority" which allows you to work while the application is being processed, provided you have completed your training and passed the identity checks.

Does an SIA licence from England work in Scotland?

Yes, the SIA licence is a UK-wide qualification. A licence issued in England is valid for work in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, you should be aware of regional legal differences, such as the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, which governs how alcohol is sold and may affect your specific duties on-site.

What is the most common reason for an SIA licence to be rejected?

The most common reasons are failing the criminal record check due to recent relevant convictions and providing incorrect or incomplete identity documentation. Discrepancies between your application data and your Post Office verification are also a frequent cause for delays and eventual refusals.

Do I need to be a British citizen to get an SIA licence?

No, you do not need to be a British citizen. You simply need to have the legal right to work in the UK. This can be through various visas, settled status, or being a Commonwealth citizen with the appropriate work permissions. The SIA will verify this directly with the Home Office.

Is first aid training now mandatory for all SIA applicants?

Yes. As of current 2025/26 regulations, all new applicants and those renewing their Door Supervisor or Security Guard licence must hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification before they can take their licence-linked training. This must have at least 12 months of validity remaining.

How much do security guards earn in the UK in 2026?

Earnings vary by region and role. In London and the South East, hourly rates often range from £13 to £18. In Northern Ireland and Wales, rates are typically closer to the National Living Wage, though specialised roles in Close Protection or high-value transit can command much higher salaries across the board.

Can I get an SIA licence if I have a medical condition?

Generally, yes. The SIA does not have a general medical test. However, you must be physically and mentally capable of performing the duties required by your role. For example, a Door Supervisor must be able to perform physical interventions. If a condition might affect your ability to keep the public safe, you should consult with your training provider.

What happens if I lose my physical SIA card?

You must report the loss immediately through your SIA online portal. You can order a replacement card for a fee (usually around £10-£15). While waiting for the replacement, you can still work as long as your name appears on the public Register of Licence Holders, though some employers may require you to have the physical card on display.

Are there any grants available to help pay for SIA training?

In Scotland, you may be eligible for an ILA (Individual Learning Account) or support through Skills Development Scotland. In Wales, the ReAct+ programme sometimes supports those who have been made redundant.

In England, checking with your local Jobcentre Plus is the best route, as they often fund security training for those seeking re-employment.

Can I appeal if the SIA suspends my licence?

Yes, if the SIA suspends your licence (usually due to an ongoing police investigation), you can submit "representations" to explain why the suspension should be lifted. If the suspension leads to a permanent revocation, you have the full right to appeal in court within 21 days of the final decision.