Defence, Security & Space Security and investigation

Apply for an SIA licence

Step-by-step guide to applying for a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. Covers which licence type you need, what documents to prepare, and how to complete the online application.

UK-wide Updated 5 Apr 2026

Guide summary

You must apply for an SIA licence to work in private security in England, Scotland, or Wales. Choose the right licence type, prepare your documents, and complete the online application. The licence costs £184 and lasts 3 years.

Apply for an SIA licence before working in private security
Choose the correct licence type for your role
Prepare identity documents and right to work proof
Pay £184 for a 3-year licence
Allow 6 weeks for processing
Renew your licence 16 weeks before expiry
Undergo an enhanced DBS check
Working without a licence is a criminal offence
Linked sectors (Door Supervision and Security Guarding) need one licence
Non-linked sectors need separate licences

On this page

UK-wide

You need a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to work in most roles in the private security industry in England, Scotland, and Wales. It is a criminal offence to carry out licensable activity without a valid SIA licence.

This guide walks you through the application process. Before you start, make sure you know which licence type you need and that you have the required qualifications and identity documents ready.

Which licence type do you need?

The SIA issues six licence types. The licence you need depends on the security activities you will carry out. Some roles require a front-line licence; businesses supplying security operatives may also need an Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) licence.

Official guidance

SIA licence types

All current SIA licence types with Schedule 2 references, covering both front-line and non-front-line licensable activities under the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

Door Supervision: Maintaining order at licensed premises, nightclubs, pubs, and events (Schedule 2, paragraphs 2 and 8)
Security Guard: Guarding premises, property, or persons against unauthorised access, damage, or disorder (Schedule 2, paragraph 2)
Close Protection: Personal protection of individuals (bodyguarding) (Schedule 2, paragraph 2(1)(c))
CCTV (Public Space Surveillance): Monitoring CCTV systems used for the surveillance of members of the public (Schedule 2, paragraph 2)
Cash and Valuables in Transit: Transporting cash or valuables as vehicle crew (Schedule 2, paragraph 2)
Key Holding: Custody of keys, responding to alarms, and securing premises on behalf of others (Schedule 2, paragraph 6)

SIA licences are divided into linked and non-linked sectors. Door Supervision and Security Guarding are linked sectors, meaning a single licence covers both activities. All other sectors (Close Protection, CCTV, Cash and Valuables in Transit, Key Holding) are non-linked and require a separate licence for each activity.

Vehicle Immobiliser licences were discontinued on 1 October 2012 when the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 made private wheel clamping a criminal offence in England and Wales.

Fees and licence duration

SIA licences are valid for three years. You should factor both the cost and the processing time into your planning, especially if you have a confirmed start date for a security role.

Official guidance

SIA licence fees

Current SIA individual licence fees and Approved Contractor Scheme registration fees.

Statutory licence fee: £204 (set by SI 2023/193, effective 6 April 2023)
Effective licence fee (after rebate): £184 (£20 rebate from SIA surpluses, approved by Treasury)
Fee applies to: First application and renewal (same fee)
Additional non-linked sector: Separate application and fee required per sector
ACS application fee: £400 to £2,400 (based on workforce size)
ACS annual fee: £20 per person annually

The same fee applies whether you are applying for the first time or renewing. Each non-linked sector requires its own licence application and fee. Door Supervision and Security Guarding are linked on a single licence, so one fee covers both.

Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) registration is voluntary but widely expected by buyers of security services. ACS fees are based on the number of licensed individuals employed.

Official guidance

SIA licence duration and renewal window

SIA licence validity period, renewal window, and typical processing times.

Licence validity: 3 years from date of issue
Renewal window opens: 16 weeks before expiry date
Standard processing time: Approximately 6 weeks
Working without a licence: Criminal offence under section 3 of PSIA 2001

You should apply to renew your licence as early as possible within the 16-week renewal window. If your licence expires before a new one is issued, you cannot carry out any licensable activity until the new licence arrives. There is no grace period.

Before you apply

You will need to provide identity documents and undergo a criminal record check as part of your application. Gather these before you start so your application is not delayed.

Official guidance

SIA licence identity verification requirements

Identity documents, right to work evidence, address verification, and digital photograph requirements for SIA licence applications.

All SIA licence applicants must verify their identity as part of the application process. The SIA uses an online identity verification service. You will need to provide documents proving your identity, address, and right to work in the United Kingdom.

Acceptable identity documents

Valid passport (UK or foreign)
Biometric residence permit (BRP)
UK full or provisional driving licence (photocard)
EEA national identity card (where applicable)
Full birth certificate (issued within 12 months of birth) with supporting documents

Right to work in the UK

You must have the right to work in the UK to hold an SIA licence. If your right to work is time-limited, your licence will be issued only for the period of your permission to work. Acceptable evidence includes a valid passport showing right of abode, a biometric residence permit, or a Home Office share code.

Address verification

You must provide proof of your current UK address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (issued within the last 3 months), a bank statement, or a council tax bill.

Digital photograph

Your application must include a digital photograph meeting SIA specifications. The photograph must be a recent, clear, front-facing image against a plain light background, similar to passport photo requirements. It will appear on your SIA licence card.

Official guidance

DBS check requirements for SIA licences

Enhanced DBS check requirements for SIA licence applications, including barred list checks, criminal record filtering rules, and SIA decision-making criteria under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order.

Every SIA licence application (first-time and renewal) requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with a check of both the children's and adults' barred lists. The SIA is a registered body under the Police Act 1997 and processes DBS checks directly as part of the licence application.

What the enhanced DBS check reveals

Spent and unspent convictions
Cautions, reprimands, and final warnings
Any information held by local police considered relevant (police intelligence)
Whether the applicant is on the children's or adults' barred lists

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order

SIA-licensed roles are listed as exceptions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. This means applicants must declare all convictions, including those that would normally be considered spent. The SIA may refuse or revoke a licence based on criminal record information.

SIA decision-making criteria

The SIA assesses criminal record information on a case-by-case basis. A criminal record does not automatically prevent someone from obtaining a licence. The SIA considers the nature and seriousness of the offence, how long ago it occurred, the relevance to the licensed activity, and any pattern of offending. Certain serious offences (such as those involving violence, sexual offences, or firearms) carry stronger presumption against granting a licence.

Type of DBS check: Enhanced DBS with barred list check (children's and adults' lists)
DBS check cost: Included in the SIA licence fee (no separate charge)
DBS check applies to: All first applications and all renewals
Criminal record disclosure: Full disclosure required — ROA 1974 (Exceptions) Order applies
Scotland equivalent: Disclosure Scotland PVG scheme check (equivalent process)
Northern Ireland equivalent: AccessNI enhanced check (equivalent process)

How to apply

Apply online through the SIA website. The process involves creating an account, completing the application form, paying the fee, and submitting your identity documents. The SIA will then carry out a criminal record check before issuing your licence.

What happens next

After submitting your application, the SIA will process your criminal record check and verify your qualifications. Processing typically takes around 6 weeks, though it can take longer if additional checks are needed.

You can track the status of your application through your SIA online account. Once approved, your licence card will be posted to your registered address.

If your application is refused, the SIA will write to you explaining the reasons. You have the right to request a review of the decision.

Do not start work before your licence arrives

Working in a licensable security role without a valid SIA licence is a criminal offence under section 3 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. You could face a fine of up to 5,000 pounds or up to six months in prison. Your employer also commits an offence if they deploy you without a licence.

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Renew your SIA licence

How to renew your SIA licence before it expires, including the new mandatory refresher training requirements for door supervisors (from April 2025) and close protection operatives (from April 2026).

SIA licence types and requirements

Quick reference for all SIA licence types, which security activities require a licence, and current fees.

Security staff onboarding checklist

Pre-deployment checklist for onboarding new private security employees. Covers SIA licence verification, DBS checks, right to work, site-specific induction, lone working briefing, conflict management, communication equipment, and emergency procedures.

Secure your business premises

Security requirements for business premises including CCTV compliance, SIA licensing, and physical security measures.

Understanding SIA regulation of the private security industry

What the Security Industry Authority does, why private security is regulated in the United Kingdom, how the licensing system works under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, and what happens to businesses and individuals who operate without a licence.

Which licence type do you need?

Fees and licence duration

Before you apply

How to apply

What happens next

Do not start work before your licence arrives

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