SIA Licence Application Process

You need an SIA licence to work in the private security industry. Learn how to apply for your SIA badge after you have completed your training.

SIA licence course booking

To apply for an SIA Licence, you must first complete the relevant training course and pass its assessment. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have satisfied all the training requirements before you apply, as you will not be granted as SIA Licence unless you do so.

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SIA Licence cost

The cost of applying for an SIA Licence is £220. If you already hold a valid SIA Licence you can apply for another at a discounted rate.

The costs of the SIA card is non-refundable, so ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and correct licences before applying.

Who can apply for an SIA Licence?

Anyone can apply for an SIA licence as long as you meet the following criteria:

18+

You are over 18 years old

You hold the valid SIA training qualification

You have documents to prove your identity

You have the right to work in the uk

If you haven’t passed your SIA training course yet find your course with Get Licensed to search for the best training courses all over the UK.

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SIA licensing process

  • 1

    Complete and pass your SIA training course

  • 2

    Close Protection Operative

  • 3

    Submit your licence application to the SIA

  • 4

    Complete the relevant check

  • 5

    As soon as your licence application is accepted you can start working

Do I need an SIA Licence?

If you are going to be working in the private security industry you will need an SIA licence. It is a legal requirement to have an SIA Licence.

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Working with an SIA licence

The roles that you can undertake will depend on which SIA licence you have. A holder of an SIA CCTV Licence can watch public images but can’t work as a security guard. In the same way a holder of an SIA Door Supervisor licence can’t work as a CCTV Operative. If you are going to be working in any of these roles.

  • Cash and Valuables in Transit

  • Close Protection Operative

  • Security Guarding

  • Door Supervision

  • Public Space Surveillance (CCTV)

How long does it take to get an SIA Licence?

There is no average length of time for getting your SIA licence but the SIA advise that this can take up to 25 working days. In rare cases where issues come up with identity checks or questions about criminal records, it could take up to 6 weeks or even more. During this time, a decision will be reached on whether a licence should be issued or not. The SIA will write explaining their decision and, if successfully granted, you will receive a licence that is valid for 3 years.

Factors that can affect how long the application process takes are:

  • Whether you have the right to work in the UK
  • An incomplete address history
  • Criminal record checks
  • If you have spent any time outside of the UK

WARNING:

It is a legal requirement for anyone working in the United Kingdom Security Industry to have the necessary training and qualifications, accredited by the Security Industry Authority. To practice in the industry without a valid SIA Licence is a criminal offence, which means you could be fined and arrested.

Renewing

Renewing your licence couldn’t be easier and as long as your licence is valid this can be done online through the security industry authority website.

You can’t renew a licence unless you currently hold an active licence in that sector. If your licence has expired, you will need to apply for a new licence.

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