As we enter 2026, it’s crucial for all security professionals to be aware of the latest requirements for renewing their SIA licence. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has introduced mandatory changes to ensure all operatives are up-to-date with modern practices, and failing to meet these new standards can put your career on hold.
This essential SIA licence renewal checklist for 2026 covers exactly how to renew your SIA licence, from the new training requirements to the documents you’ll need. For a complete overview of SIA licensing, don’t forget to read our SIA licence guide.
Key Takeaways
- Refresher training is mandatory for all Door Supervisor, Security Guard, and Close Protection licence renewals.
- CCTV and Key Holding renewals don’t currently require refresher training.
- You must have a valid first aid certificate before you can take the refresher course (EFAW for DS/SG, Level 3 for CP).
- You also need ACT Awareness and ACT Security e-learning, completed within the last 12 months.
- The renewal fee is £204 per licence.
- Renewing two licences together gets 50% off the second (£102) if applied on the same day and same form.
- You can start the renewal process up to 4 months before your current licence expires.
- The entire process, from training to getting your new licence, can take 4-6 weeks.
The 2026 SIA Licence Renewal Checklist
Follow these steps to ensure your SIA licence renewal is smooth and successful.
Step 1: Check Your Licence Expiry Date
You can renew your licence up to 4 months before it expires. The expiry date is on the front of your licence card and in your SIA online account. Renewing early is smart—the SIA adds any remaining time to your new licence, so you lose nothing.
Step 2: Verify Your First Aid Certificate & ACT Learning
This is a critical new step. Before you can even book your refresher training, you must have a valid first aid certificate.
- For Door Supervisors and Security Guards: You need an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate, valid for at least 12 more months.
- For Close Protection Operatives: You need a Level 3 First Aid at Work (FAW) certificate or equivalent.
If your certificate has expired or is about to, you must complete a first aid course first.
You’ll also need proof of ACT Awareness and ACT Security e-learning, both completed within the last 12 months. Both are free via ProtectUK.
Step 3: Book and Complete Your Mandatory Refresher Training
Door Supervisor and Security Guard licence holders have needed refresher training since 1 April 2025. Close Protection licence holders now need it too, mandatory for renewals submitted on or after 1 April 2026.
- Security Guard Refresher: 1-day course
- Door Supervisor Refresher: 2-day course
- Close Protection Refresher: 3-5 days of training as per the new requirements shared by the SIA.
CCTV and Key Holding renewals don’t currently require refresher training, but always check current SIA guidance.
Learn more about the new SIA licence renewal training requirements.
Step 4: Gather Your Documents
Just like your first application, you’ll need to prove your identity and your right to work. Make sure you have:
- One Group A document (e.g., passport, UK driving licence)
- Two Group B documents (e.g., bank statement, utility bill dated within 3 months)
- Proof of your right to work in the UK
Step 5: Complete the Online Application
Once you have your SIA refresher training certificate, log in to your SIA online account to start your renewal application. You’ll need to:
- Fill out the form with your personal details.
- Provide your 5-year address history.
- Pay the £204 renewal fee. Learn more about how much an SIA security licence costs.
Recommended Reading: Can I Renew My SIA Security Licence Online?
Step 6: Visit the Post Office
You may be required to visit a Post Office to verify your documents and have a new photograph taken. The SIA will notify you if this step is necessary.
Step 7: Wait for Your New SIA Licence
The SIA takes around 4-6 weeks to process applications and conduct background checks. You can track the progress through your online account. Remember, you must not work if your old licence expires before your new one arrives.
To understand the full timeline, read our guide on how long it takes to get an SIA licence.
Ready to Renew for 2026?
The mandatory refresher training and first aid requirements mean you need to plan ahead. Start the process at the 4-month mark to avoid any risk of your licence expiring, leaving you unable to work.
Get ahead of the game by booking your mandatory refresher training with Get Licensed. We offer SIA courses in 85+ locations across the UK, making it simple to stay compliant and keep your security career on track. You can also brush up on your security knowledge beforehand with our SIA mock exams.
Book your SIA refresher course today and secure your licence for another three years.
FAQs
£204 per licence. If you’re renewing two licences together, you can get 50% off the second (£102), but only if you apply for both on the same day, on the same form, from 1 June 2026.
Yes, up to 4 months before expiry. The SIA adds any unused time onto your new licence.
Don’t work without a valid licence. If your renewal is still processing when your current one expires, wait for your new licence before returning to work.
Not currently. Unlike Door Supervisor, Security Guard, and Close Protection, CCTV and Key Holding renewals carry no mandatory refresher requirement. Always confirm current SIA guidance, as this can change.
Generally yes, but the specifics depend on your circumstances and current SIA rules. Confirm the process directly with the SIA before you apply.
The SIA can refuse a renewal if you don’t have the right to work in the UK, have a criminal record that suggests a risk to the public, or there’s another reason to doubt your suitability, for example, dishonesty, or the details on your application don’t match who you say you are.
Yes. Working without a valid SIA licence is a criminal offence. If convicted, you could face a fine or up to 6 months in prison.
