Defence, Security & Space

Defence Security Clearances

Understand SC and DV security clearance requirements for defence contractors.

UK-wide
Guide summary

If your business works on UK defence contracts, you may need security clearance. Your employer must sponsor your application. Check which clearance level you need based on the contract requirements and complete the vetting process.

  • Check contract requirements for clearance level
  • Employer must sponsor your application
  • SC clearance takes 6-18 weeks
  • DV clearance takes 6-12 months
  • SC costs £60-100 per person
  • DV costs £2,850 per person
  • SC requires UK residency for 3 of last 5 years
  • DV requires UK residency for 9 of last 10 years
  • Report changes to security officer during and after vetting
  • Non-UK nationals rarely get SC or DV clearance
On this page
UK-wide

Related guides in Export Licences

Working on classified defence contracts requires appropriate security clearance from United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV). Clearance levels depend on the sensitivity of information you'll access.

Clearance levels

  • BPSS (Baseline): Basic employment checks for unclassified government work
  • CTC (Counter-Terrorist Check): For roles with proximity to public figures or key infrastructure
  • SC (Security Check): For SECRET level access - most common for MOD contractors
  • DV (Developed Vetting): For TOP SECRET access - most stringent vetting

Obtaining Security Check (SC) clearance

SC clearance is the most common level required for MOD contractors working with SECRET information. Your employer must sponsor your application.

Obtaining Developed Vetting (DV) clearance

DV clearance is required for TOP SECRET access. The process is far more rigorous than SC and takes considerably longer.

Vetting body
United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) — Cabinet Office
BPSS processing time
1 to 2 weeks
SC processing time
Typically 4 to 6 weeks
DV processing time
Up to 9 months (UKSV targets 85% within 95 days)
SC cost to employer
Approximately £60 to £100 per person
DV cost to employer
Approximately £2,850 per person
SC validity
10 years (subject to aftercare reviews)
DV validity
7 years (subject to annual aftercare reviews)
SC residency requirement
UK resident for 3 of the last 5 years
DV residency requirement
UK resident for 9 of the last 10 years
  1. 1

    Determine which clearance level you need

    Check your contract requirements. BPSS is for unclassified government work, CTC for roles near public figures or critical infrastructure, SC for SECRET access, DV for TOP SECRET access.

  2. 2

    Confirm your employer will sponsor the application

    Only your employer can sponsor a clearance application. They must have a contract requiring that clearance level and submit the application via the National Security Vetting Solution (NSVS) portal.

  3. 3

    Check you meet the residency requirement

    SC requires UK residency for 3 of the last 5 years. DV requires 9 of the last 10 years. Non-UK nationals are rarely granted SC or DV clearance.

  4. 4

    Complete the security questionnaire

    Fill in the online questionnaire thoroughly and accurately. Omissions or inconsistencies cause delays. DV questionnaires cover 10 years of personal, financial, and employment history.

  5. 5

    Report changes during and after vetting

    Tell your security officer immediately about significant changes — foreign travel, new relationships with foreign nationals, financial difficulties, or any security incidents.

Security vetting resources

Use these resources to understand clearance requirements and the vetting process.