Renew your SIA licence

Your SIA licence lasts three years. You must renew it before it expires if you want to continue working in the private security industry. The SIA recommends starting your renewal at least 16 weeks before your licence expires to avoid any gap in your ability to work.

From 2025, some licence types require mandatory refresher training before you can renew. Check the new requirements below before starting your renewal application.

When to renew and what it costs

You can renew your licence up to 16 weeks before it expires. The renewal fee is the same as a new application. Processing typically takes around 6 weeks, so starting early gives you a buffer if there are delays.

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.

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.

New refresher training requirements

The SIA has introduced mandatory refresher training for certain licence types. You must complete the relevant refresher course and hold a valid first aid qualification before you can renew your licence. These requirements are being phased in:

SIA refresher qualification for door supervisors and security guards

Mandatory refresher qualification introduced from 1 April 2025 for door supervisors and security guards renewing their SIA licence. Includes details of the top-up route for holders of updated core qualifications.

Requirement: Mandatory refresher qualification at licence renewal
Effective from: 1 April 2025
Applies to: Door supervisors and security guards renewing their SIA licence
Refresher qualification (door supervisor): Level 2 Award for Renewing a Licence to Practise as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry
Refresher qualification (security guard): Level 2 Award for Renewing a Licence to Practise as a Security Officer within the Private Security Industry
Top-up route: Available for licence holders who already hold the updated core qualification (introduced in 2021). Shorter top-up training instead of the full refresher.
Prerequisite: Current first aid qualification (EFAW, FPOS, or FREC) must be held before starting refresher training

From 1 April 2025, door supervisors and security guards must complete a mandatory refresher qualification when renewing their SIA licence. This is a new requirement — previously, licence renewal did not require any additional training beyond the original qualification.

Licence holders who already hold the updated core qualification (introduced in 2021) may take a shorter top-up training course instead of the full refresher. Licence holders with the older pre-2021 qualification must complete the full refresher.

The refresher must be completed before submitting the licence renewal application. Licence holders who do not complete the refresher before their licence expires cannot work in a licensable role until a new licence is granted.

SIA refresher qualification for close protection operatives

Mandatory refresher qualification from 1 April 2026 for close protection operatives renewing their SIA licence. Includes details of the top-up route for holders of updated core qualifications.

Requirement: Mandatory refresher qualification at licence renewal
Effective from: 1 April 2026
Applies to: Close protection operatives renewing their SIA licence
Refresher qualification: Level 3 Award for Renewing a Licence to Practise as a Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry
Top-up route: Available for licence holders who already hold the updated core qualification (introduced in 2022). Shorter top-up training instead of the full refresher.
Prerequisite: Current Level 3 first aid qualification (FAW, FPOS, or FREC) must be held before starting refresher training

From 1 April 2026, close protection operatives must complete a mandatory refresher qualification when renewing their SIA licence. This requirement follows the same model introduced for door supervisors and security guards from April 2025.

Licence holders who already hold the updated close protection qualification (introduced in 2022) may take a shorter top-up training course instead of the full refresher. Those with the older pre-2022 qualification must complete the full refresher.

A current Level 3 first aid qualification is a prerequisite before starting the refresher training. The refresher must be completed before submitting the licence renewal application.

SIA first aid prerequisites for refresher training

First aid qualifications that must be held before starting SIA refresher training. Different requirements apply to door supervisors and security guards (EFAW level) compared to close protection operatives (Level 3).

Door supervisors and security guards — accepted first aid qualifications: Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW); First Person on Scene (FPOS); First Response Emergency Care (FREC)
Door supervisors and security guards — first aid level: Level 2 or equivalent
Close protection operatives — accepted first aid qualifications: Level 3 First Aid at Work (FAW); Level 3 First Person on Scene (FPOS); Level 3 First Response Emergency Care (FREC)
Close protection operatives — first aid level: Level 3
Currency requirement: The first aid qualification must be current (not expired) at the time of starting refresher training
EFAW validity: 3 years from date of issue
Level 3 FAW validity: 3 years from date of issue

Before starting SIA refresher training, licence holders must hold a current first aid qualification appropriate to their licence type. The first aid qualification is a prerequisite — training providers will not enrol candidates on the refresher course without evidence of a valid first aid certificate.

Door supervisors and security guards need an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification or equivalent. Close protection operatives need a Level 3 first aid qualification, reflecting the higher level of medical response expected in close protection roles.

First aid qualifications from First Person on Scene (FPOS) and First Response Emergency Care (FREC) are also accepted, provided they are at the correct level for the licence type. All accepted qualifications must comply with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on workplace first aid.

ℹ️ Plan your refresher training early

Refresher courses and first aid qualifications take time to book and complete. Start arranging your training well before the 16-week renewal window opens so you are ready to apply as soon as you can.

How to renew

Renew online through the SIA website using the same account you used for your original application. The process is similar to a new application but you will not need to resubmit identity documents if your details have not changed.

What happens next

After submitting your renewal, the SIA will carry out a fresh criminal record check. Your existing licence remains valid until it expires, even if your renewal is still being processed, provided you applied before the expiry date.

If your renewal is refused, the SIA will write to you with the reasons. You can request a review of the decision.

ℹ️ Do not let your licence lapse

If your licence expires before your renewal is approved and you did not apply before the expiry date, you must stop all licensable security work immediately. Working without a valid licence is a criminal offence.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Guvnor

Renew your SIA licence

When to renew and what it costs

New refresher training requirements

ℹ️ Plan your refresher training early

How to renew

What happens next

ℹ️ Do not let your licence lapse

Compliance Assistant

🚧 UNDER CONSTRUCTION

When to renew and what it costs

New refresher training requirements

ℹ️ Plan your refresher training early

How to renew

What happens next

ℹ️ Do not let your licence lapse

Related guides in Licensing & Permits

UNDER CONSTRUCTION