If you want to work in the UK security industry, or you are hiring security staff, the SIA licence is the one qualification you cannot do without. This guide explains what it is, who needs one, the different licence types, what it costs in 2026, how long it takes and exactly how to apply. It is written by the team at Citi Guard Services, a licensed security company that vets and deploys SIA-licensed officers every day.
- An SIA licence is a legal requirement for most front-line security roles in the UK under the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
- The main licence types are Door Supervisor, Security Guard, CCTV (Public Space Surveillance), Close Protection and Cash and Valuables in Transit.
- A licence costs £184, lasts three years, and most applications are decided within about 25 working days.
- You must be 18 or over, complete an SIA-approved training course (with first aid for door supervisor and security guard roles) and pass identity and criminal record checks.
What is an SIA licence?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the regulator for the UK private security industry. An SIA licence is the authority’s confirmation that an individual is fit and proper to carry out a specific security role, has completed approved training, and has passed identity and criminal record checks. Carrying out licensable work without a licence is a criminal offence for the individual and for the company that deploys them, with penalties of up to six months in prison and an unlimited fine.
For clients, the licence is your assurance that the person guarding your premises has been trained in the law, conflict management and emergency procedures, and has been vetted by a government body. That is why every officer we deploy carries a valid SIA licence for the role they perform. You can read more about how we staff manned guarding and event security contracts.
Who needs an SIA licence?
You need a licence if you carry out “licensable conduct” under contract, meaning you are supplied to a client by a security company. The main activities are:
- Manned guarding: security guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, and public space surveillance (CCTV).
- Key holding: holding keys and responding to alarms on a client’s behalf, where it involves guarding.
- Vehicle immobilising: clamping and towing, which is now only licensable in Northern Ireland.
In-house staff employed directly by the business they protect are generally exempt in England and Wales, with two important exceptions: door supervisors working at licensed premises always need a licence, as do vehicle immobilisers. In Scotland and Northern Ireland the rules are broader. If you are unsure whether your role or your staff need a licence, the SIA’s own guidance is the definitive source, and we are happy to advise.
SIA licence types compared
| Licence | What it covers | Training required | Typical course cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door Supervisor | Pubs, clubs, events and any licensed premises. Also covers security guarding duties. | Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors (6 days) including Emergency First Aid at Work | £250 to £400 |
| Security Guard | Static guarding, patrols, reception and gatehouse duties at non-licensed premises. | Level 2 Award for Security Officers (4 days) including Emergency First Aid at Work | £180 to £300 |
| CCTV (Public Space Surveillance) | Operating CCTV that monitors public spaces or identifies individuals. | Level 2 Award for CCTV Operators (3 days) | £180 to £280 |
| Close Protection | Bodyguarding and protecting individuals from assault or harm. | Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives (up to 140 hours) plus first aid | £1,500 to £3,000 |
| Cash and Valuables in Transit | Secure transport of cash and valuables. | Level 2 Award for CVIT Operatives | £200 to £350 |
Because the Door Supervisor licence also allows you to work as a security guard, most new entrants choose it for flexibility. Since October 2021, both the Door Supervisor and Security Guard qualifications require a valid Emergency First Aid at Work certificate before you sit the course.
Requirements: what you need before you apply
- Be 18 or over.
- Prove your identity and address. The SIA uses a points-based system: for example, a passport or driving licence plus a recent bank statement or utility bill.
- Have the right to work in the UK.
- Pass a criminal record check. The SIA runs this itself. Some convictions bar you automatically; others are considered on their age and seriousness. If you have lived abroad for six months or more in the last five years you will need an overseas criminal record certificate.
- Complete the licence-linked qualification with an SIA-approved training provider, including first aid where required.
- Pay the fee of £184, or £92 for an additional licence if you already hold one.
How to get an SIA licence: step by step
- Choose the right licence type for the work you want to do (see the table above).
- Book an SIA-approved training course. Check the provider is listed on the SIA website and that the qualification is from a recognised awarding body such as Highfield, Pearson or SFJ Awards.
- Pass the course and receive your certificate. Results are usually sent to the SIA electronically within a few days.
- Create an SIA online account at GOV.UK and complete the application. You will enter your address history for the last five years and your training details.
- Verify your identity. You can use the SIA’s digital ID check or take your documents to a Post Office branch offering the service.
- Pay the £184 fee online.
- Wait for the decision. Track progress in your online account. Most applications complete within 25 working days.
- Receive your licence by post and register on the SIA’s public register so employers can check it.
How much does an SIA licence cost in total?
Budget for two things: the SIA fee of £184, and the training course. For a Door Supervisor route that puts the total at roughly £430 to £600 including first aid. Many security companies, including Citi Guard, sponsor training and licence fees for candidates who join our team, and some Jobcentre Plus offices fund security courses for jobseekers. If you are looking for a security career in London, get in touch and ask about sponsored training.
Renewing your licence
Your licence lasts three years. The SIA will email and write to you before it expires, and you can apply to renew from four months before the expiry date. Renewal costs the same £184 and requires updated identity checks and, for some licence types, a “top-up” training module covering changes to the syllabus. Do not let your licence lapse: an expired licence cannot be renewed, and you cannot work until a fresh application is granted.
What employers must check
If you buy security services, ask your provider how they verify licences. At Citi Guard we check every officer on the SIA register before deployment and again on renewal dates, screen to the BS 7858 vetting standard, and keep licence copies on file for audit. That is one of the reasons we hold ISO 9001 certification and are approved by SafeContractor. Read about our corporate security and retail security services, or request a free quote.
Need SIA-licensed officers, fast?
Citi Guard deploys vetted, licensed security officers across London and the UK, with a 24-hour control room behind every assignment.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an SIA licence valid for?
An SIA licence is valid for three years from the date it is issued. You can apply to renew it up to four months before it expires.
How much is an SIA licence?
The SIA application fee is £184 for a three-year licence. If you already hold a licence and apply for a second one, the fee is reduced by 50% to £92. Training is paid separately.
How long does it take to get an SIA licence?
Most applications are decided within 25 working days once the SIA has all your documents. Applications that need extra checks, such as overseas criminal record certificates, can take longer.
Can I get an SIA licence for free?
The SIA does not issue free licences, but many employers, including Citi Guard, sponsor training and licence fees for candidates they hire. Jobcentre Plus and some local skills programmes also fund security training.
Can I renew my SIA licence after it has expired?
No. Once a licence expires it cannot be renewed and you cannot legally carry out licensable work. You must submit a new application and wait for it to be granted before working again.
Do in-house security staff need an SIA licence?
In England and Wales, in-house security guards employed directly by the business they protect are generally exempt, except for door supervisors at licensed premises and vehicle immobilisers. Contract security staff always need a licence.
