How to apply for an SIA Licence in the UK
The information below outlines key details of the SIA licence application process to help ensure candidates clearly understand the steps involved and submit their application successfully.
Table of Contents:
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the organisation that oversees and regulates the private security sector in the United Kingdom. It operates as an independent public body and reports to the Home Secretary under the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
The main purpose of the SIA is to ensure that the private security industry is properly regulated. Its role is to help reduce criminal activity within the sector, improve professional standards, and promote high-quality services across the industry. The SIA’s responsibilities apply throughout the United Kingdom
Anyone wishing to work in the private security sector in the United Kingdom must hold a valid licence issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Before the SIA can grant this licence, individuals must complete an appropriate security qualification with an approved training provider. This training ensures that candidates have the necessary knowledge and skills needed to work in the industry.
After successfully completing the SIA training with Securex Premium, each candidate will receive guidance on applying for an SIA licence.
Relevant Notes:
- Candidates must be 18 years old to qualify for an SIA licence.
- An ID is required as proof of identification documents. If you do not have a UK passport, you may provide your valid foreign passport. It will be accepted once you are granted the right to work in the UK.
- An address covering the last five years must be provided. If you have been residing in the UK for less than five years, you can contact your home country’s embassy to collect your PCC (Police Clearance Certificate). It may take some time; therefore, it is advisable to apply for your PCC as soon as you plan to commence the SIA course. Remember to check the cost with the embassy. Please submit the original copy of your PCC.
- If you have a criminal record, you must contact the Security Industry Authority before attending the course to confirm your eligibility to hold an SIA licence.
Required documents for SIA licence application:
According to the SIA instruction, you must provide the original copies of the documents. You need to provide one ID from group A and two proofs of address from group B.
Group A:
- Current and valid UK passport
- Signed a valid passport of any other nationality
- Driving license photocard if it was issued by the DVLA in Great Britain.
- Driving license photocard and its paper counterpart issued by the DVA in Northern Ireland.
- UK original birth certificate issued within 12 months of birth
- UK biometric residence permit card
Group B:
- Bank or building society statement issued within the last three months.
- Utility bill issued within the last three months
- A credit card statement sent to your current address within the last three months
- Council Tax statement issued in the last 12 months.
- Mortgage statement issued in the last 12 months.
- Letter from H.M. Revenue & Customs, Department of Work and Pensions, employment service, or local authority issued within the last three months.
- P45 statement of income for tax purposes on leaving a job issued in the last 12 months.
- P60 annual statement of income for tax purposes issued in the last 12 months.
- Current UK driving license – paper version (not the paper counterpart to a photocard).
- Driving license photocard (without a paper counterpart) issued by the DVA in Northern Ireland.
- Pension, endowment or ISA statement issued in the last 12 months.
Start SIA licence application online
To apply for an SIA licence, you must complete the online application form with the Security Industry Authority. Ensure that all information you provide on the form is accurate, including your name, date of birth, and address, which should correspond with your identification and documents.
You will be asked to provide details about a criminal record, arrest, or caution previously. Please ensure you provide accurate information; failing to do so may result in your SIA licence application being rejected.
Visit a post office
After submitting the application successfully, you will receive an application reference number. You need to bring your SIA application reference number and the original copies of the required documents to the nearest post office branch.
The post office will check your documentation, take photographs, and obtain an electronic signature and the payment. And then they will send it to SIA.
Processing time
Once the application has been submitted and identity checks completed, the Security Industry Authority will review the application. The Security Industry Authority will carry out criminality checks to determine whether the applicant is suitable to hold a licence and work in the private security industry.
Processing times may differ, but applicants are generally informed once a decision is reached.
Receiving the license
If the application is successful, the Security Industry Authority will issue the licence, allowing the individual to legally work in the private security industry in the United Kingdom. It is important that candidates carefully follow all instructions during the application process to avoid delays in receiving their licence.
If the application is being rejected, then SIA will let the candidate know, and you need to follow their instructions.
Cost of an SIA licence
The SIA licence application fee is £184, rising to £204 from April 2026. If you are applying for two licences, as you may complete two SIA qualifications, SIA will discount the second one by half price. Please confirm the price with SIA before you apply. Please follow the guidance on cost increase.
Duration of your SIA licence
You must apply for your SIA licence as soon as possible after completing your SIA qualification and receiving your certificate. If you do not apply for your licence within three years, you will need to retake the course.
Your licence will expire within three years. You need to renew your SIA licence with an SIA refresher training. To renew the door supervisor licence, you need to book an SIA door supervisor refresher training, and for the security guard licence, you need to complete a security guard refresher training before you apply for your SIA licence renewal.
You can also follow the guidelines to renew your SIA licence.
If you have any questions about your SIA application, please contact SIA directly by sending a message from your account.
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