Yes, you can renew your SIA licence entirely online. There’s no postal alternative. The whole application, from submitting your details to paying your fee, runs through your SIA online account, up to 4 months before your current licence expires. However, before you start your application you’ll need to complete a refresher training course delivered in person (online training isn’t an option).
SIA licences don’t renew automatically. You’ll need to go through this process roughly every 3 years, and a renewal costs the same as a new application: £204. Apply as early as you can. It gives the SIA more time to process your application and reduces the risk of a gap where you’re not legally able to work.
Here’s what you need to know about the online renewal process. Check out our SIA licence guide to learn more about the different types of licences.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your SIA licence entirely online through your SIA account
- Apply up to 4 months before your licence expires.
- Renewal costs £204, the same as a new application.
- Your online application can’t be completed until your refresher training and first aid certificate are sorted.
- The SIA doesn’t guarantee a fixed processing time; plan for several weeks, not days.
- If your licence has already expired, you can’t renew it; you’ll need to apply as a new applicant instead.
Online SIA Licence Renewal Process
You can’t complete this online application until your refresher training is completed and you have a valid first aid certificate. Submit before then, and your application will stall or get rejected. See our SIA licence renewal checklist for exactly what’s required for your licence type and what the training includes, then come back here for the online steps.
Step 1: Log In To Your Account
Log in to the same SIA account you used for your original application. You’ll need the email and password you registered with; you don’t need to create a new one. If you’ve lost access to it, you can register a new account, but you’ll need to enter your existing licence number so the SIA can link it to your licence; if it doesn’t link automatically, contact the SIA directly.
If your employer is renewing on your behalf or paying your fee, link your account with theirs here first; otherwise, you’ll do this step yourself.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form Online
Once created, use your SIA login to access your online account to submit your renewal application. You will be asked for certain personal information, for example, where you have lived within the last 5 years. When you submit your application, you will be told what to do next.
You’ll need the same documents for your SIA licence renewal as a new application: ID, proof of address, and your 5-year address history.
Step 3: Pay the Fee & Submit
Follow the instructions on the renewal application screen, then pay your fee. The SIA may ask you to send documents or visit a Post Office to verify your identity.
Note: The SIA doesn’t guarantee a fixed processing time; it depends on your circumstances and how busy they are. As a general guide, renewals typically take 4-6 weeks, so apply as early as your 4-month window allows. You can get a personalised estimate using the SIA’s own decision timescale indicator.
What If My Licence Has Already Expired?
If your SIA licence expired before you applied, you can’t renew it; you’ll need to apply for a new licence instead, which means going through the full application process again.
Don’t work without a valid licence in the meantime; it’s a criminal offence and can mean a fine or up to 6 months in prison. Apply within your 4-month renewal window to avoid this altogether.
Ready to Renew?
Complete your refresher training with Get Licensed, then head to your SIA online account to submit your application. For the full step-by-step breakdown of every stage, from training to receiving your new licence, see our SIA licence renewal checklist.
Book your SIA refresher course today.
FAQs on SIA Licence Renewal
No. Log in with the account you used for your original application. If you’ve lost access to it, you can register a new one, but you’ll need to enter your existing licence number so the SIA can link it to your licence.
Yes, you can submit your application online through the official SIA website. However, before submitting your renewal application, you need to complete a refresher training course in person and ensure your first aid certificate is valid.
No. Once your licence expires, you can’t renew it; you’ll need to apply for a new licence instead. Apply within your 4-month window to avoid this.
Yes. The SIA runs the same identity and criminal record checks on renewals as on new applications, even though you already hold a licence.
The online process is the same across Door Supervisor, Security Guard, and Close Protection licences; only the refresher training and first aid requirements differ by licence type. For CCTV, no refresher training is required; check the official SIA website for the exact training requirements.
Online is the standard route, and the SIA’s own process is built around it; there isn’t a separate postal alternative to compare it to.
The SIA will email you about 4 months before your licence expires. You can also check your licence status by logging into your SIA online account. It’s recommended to start the SIA licence renewal process early to avoid any work interruptions.
