SIA Licence Cost UK: Full Breakdown of Fees in 2026
Wondering how much an SIA licence costs in the UK? The total cost involves more than just the Security Industry Authority application fee. You may also need to budget for your SIA training course, Emergency First Aid qualification, licence renewal and other associated expenses. This guide explains every cost involved so you know exactly what to expect before starting your security career.
Official Fees
Understand the current SIA application and renewal charges.
Training Costs
See the typical cost of mandatory SIA training courses.
Additional Expenses
Learn about first aid, ID checks and other possible costs.
Money Saving Tips
Find practical ways to reduce the overall cost of getting licensed.
What Does an SIA Licence Really Cost?
The total SIA licence cost in the UK includes several elements. While the official SIA application fee is one part of the process, most applicants will also need to complete approved training, obtain an Emergency First Aid qualification and prepare the required identification documents. Understanding these costs in advance makes budgeting much easier.
Licence Fee
The Security Industry Authority charges an official fee when you submit your licence application or renewal.
Training Course
Before applying, you'll normally need to complete an approved SIA qualification from an accredited training provider.
First Aid
Many front-line licence applications require an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification before training can begin.
Other Costs
Travel, photographs and replacement documents may also contribute to the overall cost.
Looking for an SIA Training Course?
SecureXPS offers professional security training to help you prepare for your licence application. Browse our complete SIA training courses, or explore our Door Supervisor Course and Security Guard Course to find the qualification that matches your career goals.
If you're new to the industry, we also recommend reading our step-by-step SIA licence application guide before booking your course.
Table of Contents
Current SIA Licence Fees in 2026
From 1 April 2026, the official fee for a new SIA licence application is £204. The same £204 fee applies when renewing an existing licence. Training and other preparation costs are charged separately.
The SIA Licence Fee Increased on 1 April 2026
The previous rebated application fee of £184 ended on 31 March 2026. Applications received from 1 April 2026 are charged at the standard rate of £204.
First SIA Licence
This is the amount paid to the Security Industry Authority when submitting an application for one licence.
SIA Licence Renewal
Renewing a licence costs the same as making a first-time application. Refresher training may create an additional cost.
Additional Licence Sector
From 1 June 2026, an additional licence sector included within the same application receives a 50% discount on the standard fee.
| Application type | Official fee | What the fee covers |
|---|---|---|
| New application for one licence | £204 | The SIA’s processing and licensing charge for one security sector. |
| Renewal of one licence | £204 | The SIA fee for assessing and processing a renewal application. |
| Second sector in the same application | £102 | A 50% discounted fee where the additional sector is submitted as part of the same eligible application. |
| Training and qualifications | Varies | Paid separately to the training provider. The SIA does not set course prices. |
What Does the £204 SIA Fee Include?
The £204 is the official application charge paid to the Security Industry Authority. It does not include the price of your training course, first aid qualification, travel, replacement identification or any other preparation expenses.
Most SIA licences last for three years. A vehicle immobiliser licence is an exception and normally lasts for one year. Applicants should confirm that they can cover the complete cost before beginning the process.
Is the Renewal Fee Lower?
No. In 2026, an SIA licence renewal costs the same as a new application: £204. Depending on the licence type, the holder may also need appropriate refresher training before renewing. Read our SIA licence renewal guide for the wider renewal requirements.
Do Course Fees Go to the SIA?
No. Course fees are set by individual training providers and paid separately. You can compare the qualifications available through our main courses page or review our SIA training course options before applying.
How Much Does SIA Training Cost?
The cost of SIA training depends on the licence sector, course duration and whether you already hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work qualification. Training fees are paid to the course provider and are separate from the official £204 SIA application fee.
Door Supervisor Course
A popular option for applicants who want access to a broad range of security roles, including licensed premises, events, retail and general guarding work.
- ✓ Suitable for new security-sector entrants
- ✓ Includes classroom and practical assessments
- ✓ First Aid must be held separately
Door Supervisor with First Aid
This option combines the Door Supervisor qualification with Emergency First Aid at Work, making it suitable for learners who do not already hold a valid First Aid certificate.
- ✓ Door Supervisor qualification included
- ✓ Emergency First Aid training included
- ✓ Convenient combined booking
CCTV Operator Course
CCTV training prepares applicants for public-space surveillance and control-room roles in offices, shopping centres, transport locations and other monitored environments.
- ✓ Suitable for complete beginners
- ✓ Theory and practical surveillance training
- ✓ Assessment and learning materials included
Door Supervisor Refresher
Refresher training is designed for existing Door Supervisor licence holders preparing to renew under the updated training requirements.
- ✓ Focused renewal training
- ✓ Suitable when valid First Aid is already held
- ✓ Licence fee paid separately
Refresher with First Aid
This package combines Door Supervisor refresher training with Emergency First Aid for licence holders whose First Aid qualification has expired or is no longer suitable.
- ✓ Refresher qualification included
- ✓ Emergency First Aid included
- ✓ Convenient renewal preparation
Security Guard Refresher
This refresher option is intended for Security Guard licence holders who need updated training and Emergency First Aid before submitting a renewal application.
- ✓ Security Guard refresher content
- ✓ Emergency First Aid included
- ✓ Designed for licence renewal
Why Do SIA Course Prices Vary?
Course fees vary because each qualification has a different duration, syllabus and assessment structure. A longer course involving physical intervention, practical exercises and several examinations will usually cost more than a shorter refresher programme.
First Aid Can Affect the Total Price
Applicants for relevant front-line training must hold an appropriate Emergency First Aid qualification. If you already have a suitable certificate, you may be able to book the training-only option. Otherwise, a combined course can be more convenient than arranging First Aid separately.
Check What the Course Fee Includes
Before booking, confirm whether the advertised price includes examinations, study materials, certification, resits and First Aid. SecureXPS provides the current course details and available dates through the main courses page.
You can also review our SIA licence application guide to understand when the qualification is needed during the application process.
Compare All SecureXPS Training Options
Browse current course prices, available dates, London training locations and qualification details before selecting the most suitable route.
Other Costs to Consider Before Applying
The official licence fee and training course are usually the largest expenses, but they may not be the only costs involved. Your location, existing qualifications and available documents can all affect your final SIA licence budget.
Emergency First Aid
Often included or charged separatelyRelevant front-line training normally requires an accepted First Aid qualification. A combined course may already include it, while other learners may need to book it separately.
Travel and Accommodation
Depends on your locationApplicants travelling to a training centre may need to budget for public transport, fuel, parking or accommodation during a multi-day course.
Identification Documents
Usually no cost if already availableYou may need valid identity and address documents. Replacing an expired passport, driving licence or missing certificate can increase the overall application cost.
Photographs and Printing
Usually a small expenseSome applicants may spend money on passport-style photographs, printing, photocopying or scanning documents required during training and licence preparation.
Resits or Additional Training
Provider-dependentWhere an assessment is not passed, the training provider may charge for a resit. Some learners may also need additional tuition or another practical assessment.
Criminal Record Documentation
May apply in specific casesApplicants who have lived outside the UK may need overseas criminal record evidence or translated documents, creating an additional administrative expense.
Which Additional Costs Apply to You?
Not every applicant will face all of these expenses. Someone who already has valid identification, lives close to the training centre and books a course with First Aid included may have very few additional costs beyond training and the official licence fee.
Check the Course Package Carefully
Before booking, check whether the price includes First Aid, examinations, course materials, certification and any available resit support. SecureXPS lists current options on the main courses page, helping you compare the training routes before paying.
Prepare Your Documents Early
Reviewing your documents in advance can prevent delays and unexpected replacement fees. Our guide to applying for an SIA licence explains the main stages of the application process and the information applicants should prepare.
Consider Renewal Costs Too
An SIA licence is not a one-time expense. Most licence holders eventually need to pay the renewal fee and may also require refresher training. See our SIA licence renewal guide for more information about preparing for renewal.
Will an Employer Pay for Your SIA Licence?
Some employers fund training, reimburse the licence fee or recruit candidates through sponsored training programmes. However, this varies between employers, so applicants should not assume that every cost will be covered.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew an SIA Licence?
Renewing an SIA licence costs more than the official application charge when refresher training, First Aid or other preparation is required. Planning ahead can help licence holders avoid last-minute course prices, document replacement fees and gaps in their ability to work.
The Official Renewal Fee Is £204
The Security Industry Authority charges £204 to process the renewal of one licence. This is the same official fee charged for a first-time application and must be paid as part of the renewal process.
The renewal fee does not include training. Door Supervisor and Security Guard licence holders may need suitable refresher training before renewing, depending on the current requirements for their licence sector.
Refresher Training May Be Required
Refresher courses update existing licence holders on important areas such as physical intervention, conflict management, terrorism awareness and other current security practices. The exact course depends on the type of licence being renewed.
SecureXPS currently provides Door Supervisor refresher training and Security Guard refresher training for eligible licence holders.
First Aid Can Increase the Renewal Cost
Where the licence holder does not already have a valid accepted First Aid qualification, a combined refresher and First Aid package may be required. This normally costs more than booking refresher training alone, but it can simplify the renewal process.
For a complete explanation of the timing, documents and training involved, read our step-by-step SIA licence renewal guide .
Door Supervisor Refresher
SecureXPS Door Supervisor refresher training currently starts from £169 for licence holders who already meet the relevant First Aid requirement.
Refresher with First Aid
The combined Door Supervisor refresher and First Aid option currently starts from £199.99, before the separate £204 renewal charge.
Security Guard Refresher
Security Guard refresher training with First Aid currently starts from £179. Browse the SecureXPS courses page for current availability.
How to Budget for Your Licence Renewal
Check the Expiry Date
Review your licence early so you have enough time to complete any required training.
Confirm the Training
Identify whether your licence sector requires refresher training and valid First Aid.
Reserve the Full Budget
Put aside money for the course, £204 renewal fee, travel and possible document expenses.
Apply Before Expiry
Complete the necessary preparation and submit the renewal without leaving it until the final days.
Need Refresher Training Before Renewal?
Compare available refresher and First Aid packages through the SecureXPS course catalogue before choosing the option that matches your licence type.
How to Reduce the Cost of Getting an SIA Licence
Although becoming an SIA licence holder requires an investment, there are several legitimate ways to reduce the total cost without compromising on the quality of your training. Planning ahead and choosing the right provider can often save both time and money.
Choose the Right Course Package
Many learners spend more than necessary by booking separate courses. If you do not already have a valid Emergency First Aid qualification, a combined training package may offer better overall value.
- Compare complete course packages instead of individual prices.
- Check whether examinations, certificates and learning materials are included.
- Review all available options on our SecureXPS Courses page.
Plan Your Application Early
Booking your training well before you need your licence gives you more course dates to choose from and reduces the risk of paying extra for urgent bookings or delaying employment opportunities.
- Book your training several weeks in advance.
- Prepare your identity documents before your course.
- Read our SIA Licence Application Guide before applying.
Choose a Trusted Training Provider
The cheapest course is not always the best value. A recognised provider offering experienced trainers, quality facilities and good learner support can reduce the likelihood of assessment resits and unnecessary additional costs.
- Check course reviews.
- Confirm exactly what is included.
- Understand the provider's support and resit policy.
Ask About Employer Funding
Some employers, security companies and recruitment agencies contribute towards SIA training or licence costs for suitable candidates. Funding opportunities vary, so it is always worth asking before paying yourself.
- Ask prospective employers about funded training.
- Look for recruitment programmes.
- Keep your qualifications up to date to improve employability.
Ready to Start Your Security Career?
Whether you're applying for your first licence or preparing for renewal, SecureXPS offers accredited training designed to help you meet the latest SIA requirements. Browse our complete range of SIA training courses or contact our team for guidance on choosing the right qualification.
SIA Licence Cost FAQs
Find answers to the most common questions about SIA licence fees, training costs, renewals and additional expenses before starting your application.
The official Security Industry Authority (SIA) application fee is £204 for both a new licence application and a renewal. This fee is paid directly to the SIA and does not include your training course or any other expenses.
The cost depends on the qualification you choose. SecureXPS currently offers Door Supervisor courses from £258, combined Door Supervisor and First Aid courses from £299.99, CCTV Operator training from £249.98, and Door Supervisor refresher training from £169.
No. Training fees and the official SIA application fee are separate. After completing your qualification, you'll submit your licence application and pay the official £204 fee directly to the SIA.
The official renewal fee is £204. Depending on your licence type, you may also need refresher training and a valid Emergency First Aid qualification before renewing.
Most applicants should budget for:
- Training course
- Emergency First Aid (where required)
- Official SIA application fee (£204)
- Travel and personal expenses
In many cases the total investment is approximately £450–£550, depending on the course selected.
Some training providers offer instalment plans or finance options, while others require payment in full when booking. Availability varies between providers.
Yes. Some employers and security companies contribute towards training or licence costs, particularly when recruiting new staff. Funding policies differ between employers.
Most SIA licences remain valid for three years. Before the licence expires, you should complete any required refresher training and submit your renewal application if you intend to continue working.
The SIA itself does not charge hidden fees. However, depending on your circumstances you may need to budget for:
- Emergency First Aid training
- Travel expenses
- Replacement identification documents
- Assessment resits
- Passport photographs or printing
You can browse SecureXPS's complete range of accredited SIA training courses, compare prices and available dates on our Courses page. If you're unsure which qualification you need, our team will be happy to help.
Book Your SIA Training Course with SecureXPS
Whether you're applying for your first SIA licence, renewing an existing licence or comparing training providers, SecureXPS offers accredited security training delivered by experienced instructors. Browse our latest courses, compare prices and book the qualification that's right for you.
✓ Accredited Training
Industry-recognised SIA qualifications delivered by experienced trainers.
✓ Competitive Prices
Transparent course pricing with no hidden training costs.
✓ London Training
Convenient training locations with regular course dates.
✓ Expert Support
Friendly guidance before, during and after your training.