SIA Licence Checker Guide: How to Check an SIA Licence Online
The SIA licence checker is the quickest way to verify whether a security operative holds a valid Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. Whether you're an employer carrying out compliance checks, a client confirming a contractor's credentials, or an individual checking your own licence status, this guide explains exactly how the SIA licence checker works, what information you'll need, and how to understand the results.
What You Need to Check an SIA Licence
The official SIA licence checker allows members of the public, employers and security businesses to confirm whether an individual appears on the Register of Licence Holders. Prepare as much accurate information as possible before beginning your search.
SIA Licence Number
The simplest search method is to enter the operative’s unique 16-digit SIA licence number exactly as it appears on their licence.
Personal Details
When the licence number is unavailable, you may search using the person’s surname and supporting details such as their date of birth and security role.
Security Role
Selecting the correct role—such as door supervision, security guarding or CCTV operation—can help narrow the results.
Licence Status
Review the result carefully to confirm the licence type, current status and whether it covers the security work being performed.
Ready to Search the Official Register?
Use the government’s official Register of Licence Holders rather than relying only on a photograph or physical badge. If you are preparing to enter the security industry, read our complete SIA licence application guide before starting your application.
What Is the SIA Licence Checker?
The SIA licence checker is the official online search tool provided by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). It allows anyone to verify whether a person currently holds a valid SIA licence and whether they are legally authorised to work within the private security industry.
The checker searches the public Register of Licence Holders and displays important information including the licence holder's name, licence status, licence type and expiry date. This helps employers, clients and members of the public confirm that a security professional is properly licensed before they begin work.
If you are planning to become a security officer yourself, our guide on how to apply for an SIA licence explains the complete application process from training through to receiving your licence.
Who Uses the SIA Licence Checker?
The licence checker is used by thousands of people across the UK every day. It provides an easy way to verify that a security professional meets the legal licensing requirements before carrying out regulated security duties.
- Employers recruiting licensed security staff.
- Businesses hiring door supervisors or CCTV operators.
- Event organisers employing temporary security personnel.
- Security companies carrying out compliance checks.
- Individuals checking the status of their own licence.
- Customers wanting reassurance that their security provider is properly licensed.
Why Checking an SIA Licence Is Important
Employing or hiring someone without a valid SIA licence can create legal, financial and reputational risks. A quick licence check helps ensure compliance with SIA regulations and gives confidence that the licence is active and appropriate for the work being undertaken.
If a licence has expired or cannot be located, the individual may need to complete the SIA licence renewal process before returning to regulated security work.
Quick Facts
- ✓ Official SIA public register
- ✓ Free to use
- ✓ Available 24/7
- ✓ Confirms licence validity
- ✓ Used by employers and the public
- ✓ Helps verify legal compliance
How to Use the SIA Licence Checker
The public register is free to use and normally takes only a few minutes to search. You can look for an individual using their 16-digit licence number or their surname and supporting personal information.
Search by Licence Number
This is generally the quickest and most precise method. Enter the full 16-digit SIA licence number displayed on the individual’s badge or provided by the licence holder.
Search by Personal Details
When the licence number is unavailable, search using the person’s surname and other known details, such as their first name, date of birth and security role.
Open the Official Register
Visit the official SIA Register of Licence Holders through GOV.UK. Avoid unofficial websites that may display incomplete, copied or outdated licence information.
Choose Your Search Method
Select the option to search by licence number when you have the complete 16-digit number. Otherwise, use the personal details search and enter all the accurate information available to you.
Check the spelling carefully. A missing digit, incorrect surname or wrong date of birth can prevent the correct record from appearing.
Enter the Required Information
Complete the relevant fields shown by the checker. When searching by personal details, provide the person’s surname and any additional details you know to help distinguish them from people with similar names.
The date of birth may be used as part of the search, but it is not displayed publicly in the returned result.
Review the Licence Record
Compare the result with the individual standing in front of you or with the applicant’s employment records. Pay particular attention to the person’s name, licence number, security role, current status and expiry information.
The licence type should be appropriate for the work involved. For example, a person completing door supervision duties should hold the relevant front-line licence.
Confirm the Licence Is Current and Suitable
Do not treat the presence of a record alone as sufficient. Confirm that the licence is current and covers the specific regulated activity the person will perform.
When the licence is approaching its expiry date, the holder should review our guide on how to renew an SIA licence .
Record the Check Where Appropriate
Employers and security businesses should follow their internal compliance procedures when recording that a licence check has been completed. The licence may need to be checked again before deployment or when its expiry date approaches.
Applicants who do not yet hold a licence can read our step-by-step SIA licence application guide and explore the available SIA training courses .
Check a Licence on the Official SIA Register
Have the licence number or the individual’s identifying details ready before beginning your search.
What Does the SIA Licence Checker Show?
After completing your search, the SIA licence checker displays information that helps confirm whether someone is legally licensed to carry out regulated private security work. Understanding each field correctly is important before making recruitment or compliance decisions.
Information You May See
A successful search normally provides enough information to confirm the identity of the licence holder and the validity of their licence.
- Licence holder's name
- SIA licence number
- Licence type
- Current licence status
- Licence expiry date
- Approved security sector
What Different Licence Statuses Mean
The licence status helps you understand whether the person is currently authorised to undertake regulated security work.
- Active – The licence is currently valid.
- Expired – The licence has ended and can no longer be used.
- Suspended – The licence is temporarily inactive.
- Revoked – The licence has been withdrawn by the SIA.
- Pending – An application or change may still be in progress.
What If You Cannot Find an SIA Licence?
If no licence record appears, double-check that the information entered is correct. Small spelling mistakes or an incorrect licence number can prevent the correct record from being returned.
If the individual believes they should already hold a licence, they may need to check the progress of their application or renewal. Our guides on applying for an SIA licence and renewing an SIA licence explain what happens during both processes and what to do if there are delays.
If the individual has not yet completed the required qualifications, SecureXPS also provides SIA training courses to help candidates begin their journey towards obtaining an SIA licence.
Checking SIA Licences Before Hiring Security Staff
Employers should confirm that each operative holds the correct SIA licence before allowing them to perform regulated private security duties. The check should verify both the licence status and whether its type is suitable for the proposed role.
What Should an Employer Verify?
A physical SIA badge can help identify the operative, but it should not replace a check against the official public register. The register provides a more reliable way to confirm that the licence remains valid at the time of recruitment or deployment.
Checking the Correct Licence Type
Different security activities require different licence types. Someone working as a CCTV operator, for example, may require a different licence from a door supervisor or security guard. Employers should therefore check the role shown on the register rather than confirming only that a licence exists.
Candidates preparing for front-line work can explore our Door Supervisor course, Security Guard course and CCTV Operator course to understand the training available for each career route.
Important: The SIA Licenses Individuals, Not Security Companies
The public register is designed to check whether an individual holds an SIA licence. It does not confirm that a security company itself is “SIA licensed”. Businesses assessing a supplier may need to carry out separate due diligence in addition to checking individual operatives. Applicants can learn more about the process in our guide to getting an SIA licence.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SIA Licence Checker
Find clear answers to common questions about checking an SIA licence, understanding licence records and confirming whether someone can work legally in the private security industry.
Is the SIA licence checker free to use?
Yes. The official SIA public register can be searched free of charge. You should not need to pay a third-party website to verify an individual licence.
Can I check an SIA licence using only a name?
A surname can be used as part of a personal-details search, although providing additional accurate information can make it easier to identify the correct person. A full licence number usually provides the most precise result.
Where can I find the SIA licence number?
The licence number is shown on the individual’s SIA licence. Employers may also request it directly from the operative during recruitment or before deployment.
Why is an SIA licence not showing on the register?
The information entered may be incorrect or incomplete. Check the licence number, surname and other details carefully before repeating the search.
A recent application or renewal may also still be progressing. The licence holder should review their application account or contact the relevant authority when necessary.
Can someone work while their SIA licence has expired?
An expired licence should not be treated as valid authorisation for regulated security work. The individual should complete the necessary renewal process before resuming duties that require an active licence.
See our SIA licence renewal guide for more information about preparing a renewal application.
Does an SIA licence cover every security role?
No. The licence type must match the regulated activity being carried out. Door supervision, security guarding and CCTV operation can involve different training and licensing requirements.
Compare our Door Supervisor course, Security Guard course and CCTV Operator course to explore the available pathways.
How often should employers check an SIA licence?
Employers should verify the licence before allowing an individual to carry out regulated duties. Further checks may be appropriate before future deployments, near the expiry date or whenever there is a compliance concern.
Can I use the checker to track my application?
The public register is primarily used to verify licence-holder information. Applicants should use their own application account or official communication channels to monitor an application that has not yet resulted in an active licence.
Our SIA licence application guide explains the wider application process and the stages involved.
Still Preparing for Your SIA Licence?
Explore the available training options and choose a course that matches the security role you want to pursue.
Need Training Before You Apply for an SIA Licence?
The SIA licence checker helps employers and members of the public verify an existing licence. However, candidates must complete an approved qualification before submitting a new licence application for most front-line security roles.
SecureXPS provides practical SIA training courses in London for candidates preparing to work as door supervisors, security guards and CCTV operators. You can also follow our step-by-step SIA licence application guide to understand what happens after training.
Application Guidance
Understand the documents, eligibility checks and stages involved by reading our SIA licence application guide .
Licence Renewal Help
Already licensed? Prepare for your next application using our SIA licence renewal guidance .
Course Support
Unsure which qualification you need? Contact SecureXPS for help choosing a suitable training route.
Already Hold an SIA Licence?
Use the official SIA licence checker to confirm your current record and note the expiry date. Begin preparing early when renewal approaches, particularly when your licence type requires additional or refresher training.