5 Lightening Quick Steps To Getting Licensed

So, you’ve decided a career in security is for you. Having considered which sector and completed all your training, you’re eager to get started with the licensing process. Where do you begin?

Don’t worry; here are five easy steps to get you on your way:

Register online

If you haven’t done so already, visit the SIA website and create a personal online account with them. There, you’ll be asked to set up a new username and password.

Online application

Fill in the online form and provide all the necessary information that the SIA will ask for, including personal information, such as, ‘where have you lived in the last 5 years.’

Visit your local Post Office

The SIA will ask you to go to your local Post Office to complete your application. You’ll need to bring certain documents (the SIA will inform you of which items to bring during your application). It’s also worth mentioning that not all Post Offices offer this service, so please ensure that you check with your local branch. You can do this by visiting the Post Office branch website for more details.

Payment fee

Once the Post Office has checked and returned your documents and taken a digital photo of you, they will then take payment of the application fee. It’s £220 for a three-year licence, except for Front-Line Vehicle licences which are valid for one year at the same price.

Sending documents to the SIA

There’s a chance you may have to send your documents to the SIA as well as the Post Office. Either way, the SIA will let you know when you submit your application.

Great, all done! Now all that’s left to do is to play the waiting game.

It’s worth mentioning that if the SIA refuse your decision, they will write you a letter explaining why. You will then have 21 days (from the date of the letter) to form a response to their decision.

Best of luck!

How to work in the security sector

If you are interested in working in the security sector, whether it be as a Door Supervisor, Security Guard or CCTV Operative, you will need to obtain an SIA Licence.

To obtain an SIA Licence, you will need to complete a course. Once you have completed the course, will you then be able to apply for an SIA Licence and work in the security sector.

Looking for jobs? 

To find the latest security jobs, check out our Jobs Board, which has 1,000+ jobs from the UK’s best security companies. 

If you’re on the hunt for a security job on the go, download the GuardPass app for all the latest jobs and more. The GuardPass App is available for download on the Apple App Store or on the Google Play Store.