SIA licence types and requirements

Guide summary

Check which SIA licence you need for your security work. You must hold a valid licence before starting any licensable activity. Each type of security work except door supervision and security guarding needs its own licence. The fee is £184 after rebate.

Get an SIA licence before you start any security work
Door supervision and security guarding can share one licence
Close protection, CCTV, cash transit and key holding need separate licences
Working without a licence can mean up to 6 months in prison
Using someone without a licence can mean up to 5 years in prison
Licence fee is £204 (with £20 rebate, you pay £184)
Pay the full fee for each new application and each renewal
Approved Contractor Scheme fees: £400 to £2,400 plus £20 per person each year

Use this page to check which SIA licence you need and what each licence covers.

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 in Great Britain on 1 October 2012 when the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 made private wheel clamping a criminal offence in England and Wales. Vehicle immobilisation remains a licensable front-line activity in Northern Ireland, where it is still permitted.

SIA licensable activities under PSIA 2001

Activities that require an SIA licence under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, including statutory exemptions.

Under section 3 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, it is a criminal offence to carry out licensable conduct without a valid SIA licence. Licensable activities are defined in Schedule 2 to the Act and designated by statutory instrument.

Activities requiring an SIA licence

Manned guarding — guarding premises, property, or persons against unauthorised access, damage, injury, or disorder
Door supervision — controlling entry to licensed premises, maintaining order at venues and events
Close protection — personal protection of one or more individuals (bodyguarding)
CCTV (Public Space Surveillance) — monitoring CCTV systems used for the surveillance of members of the public
Cash and Valuables in Transit — transporting cash or valuables as part of a vehicle crew
Key holding — holding keys and responding to alarm activations on behalf of others

Exemptions

In-house security: Employees guarding only their employer's own premises do not need an SIA licence for manned guarding (but door supervisors at licensed premises always need a licence)
Crown servants: Persons acting in the service of the Crown are exempt
Military personnel: Members of His Majesty's forces are exempt when acting in the course of their duties
Aviation security: Certain aviation security personnel are exempt under SI 2006/428

Penalty for unlicensed activity (individual): Summary offence: up to 6 months' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine (section 3)
Penalty for supplying or using an unlicensed operative: Triable either way: up to 5 years' imprisonment on indictment, or 6 months on summary conviction, and/or an unlimited fine (section 5)
Penalty for false information in application: Summary offence: up to 6 months' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine (section 22)

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.

For step-by-step application instructions, see Apply for an SIA licence. To renew an existing licence, see Renew your SIA licence.

Legal basis

Primary legislation and key regulations

Private Security Industry Act 2001 Primary 2001 · UK-wide The Private Security Industry Act 2001 (Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 SI 2023 · UK-wide The Private Security Industry Act 2001 (Licences) Regulations 2007 SI 2007 · UK-wide The Private Security Industry Act 2001 (Approved Contractor Scheme) Regulations 2006 SI 2006 · UK-wide The Private Security Industry Act 2001 (Designated Activities) Order 2006 SI 2006 · UK-wide The Private Security Industry Act 2001 (Exemption) (Aviation Security) Regulations 2006 SI 2006 · UK-wide

Browse UK legislation legislation.gov.uk

Official guidance

GOV.UK: Apply for an SIA licence (opens in a new tab)

SIA

GOV.UK: How to get an SIA licence (opens in a new tab)

SIA

Private Security Industry Act 2001 (legislation.gov.uk) (opens in a new tab)

legislation

SIA licence types and requirements

Legal basis

Official guidance

Related guides in Licensing & Permits

Apply for an SIA licence

Understanding SIA regulation of the private security industry

Renew your SIA licence

Secure your business premises

Verify SIA licence validity for your employees