SIA Licence Renewal Guide

Are you planning to renew your SIA licence but unsure about the steps involved? Don’t worry – our comprehensive SIA Licence Renewal Guide is here to help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about maintaining your SIA licence and provide a clear, step-by-step process to make your renewal application as smooth as possible.

Who Are The SIA?

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security sector across the United Kingdom. Their role is pivotal in maintaining standards and ensuring public safety within the industry.

The SIA has two primary responsibilities:

1. Compulsory Licencing – Ensuring individuals performing designated roles in the private security industry are licensed and meet the necessary standards.
2. Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) – A voluntary program that assesses private security providers against rigorous, independently evaluated criteria.

The SIA was established to protect the public by preventing unqualified or unsuitable individuals from securing positions in the private security industry, thereby enhancing trust and safety.

What Checks Does The SIA Perform?

When you apply for or renew your SIA licence, the organisation carries out several checks to confirm your suitability for the role. These checks include:

• Basic Background Check – Verifying your identity and personal details.
• Mental Health Check – Assessing your mental fitness for the responsibilities involved.
• Criminal Record Check – Reviewing your criminal history to ensure compliance with industry standards.

These measures are in place to uphold professionalism and reliability within the private security sector.

How To Get An SIA Licence

To work as a security guard in the UK, holding an SIA Licence is mandatory. Working without one is a criminal offence and can result in up to six months in prison or a £5,000 fine. To avoid these penalties, it’s crucial to obtain your licence or renew it before it expires.

1. To Qualify For An SIA Licence, You Have To Meet The Following Criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Pass an ID check.
• Undergo a criminal records check.
• Be eligible to work in the UK.

Having a criminal record or uncertain right-to-work status doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Each application is reviewed individually, and decisions are made based on your unique circumstances.

When applying for your SIA licence, you will be required to complete specific training courses relevant to your role, including First Aid training.

The cost of an SIA licence is £184 and is non-refundable. To avoid losing your payment, ensure that all your documentation is accurate and complete before submitting your application. If you need more than one licence, the SIA offers a discounted rate of £92 for each additional licence purchased.

Proper preparation and careful attention to detail will help ensure a smooth application process.

2. There Are Different Licences Available Depending On The Security Role You Desire:

• Security Guarding
• Door Supervision
• Protection of Cash and Valuables in Transit
• Public Surveillance Using CCTV
• Key Holding
• Vehicle Immobilising

3. Your Training Depends On The Type Of Security Job You Wish To Pursue:

• Door Supervisor Training
• Security Guard Training
• CCTV Training
• Close Protection Training

SIA Licence Renewal After Expiry

SIA licences do not renew automatically, so it’s essential to monitor your licence’s expiry date. If you wish to continue working in your role after your licence expires, you must manually apply for a renewal.

You can submit your renewal application up to four months before your current licence expires. However, applying as early as possible helps reduce the risk of delays that could interrupt your ability to work.

Your new licence will become valid on the date the SIA grants it, and any remaining time on your current licence will be added to the new one.

Can I Still Renew My SIA Licence After It Expires?

You can only renew a licence if your current licence in that sector is still active. If your licence has already expired, you will need to submit a new application.

The cost of renewing a licence is the same as applying for a new one; however, no additional training or qualifications are required during the renewal process.

How Long Does An SIA Licence Last?

Your SIA licence is valid for three years, except for the Front Line Vehicle Immobiliser Licence, which must be renewed annually.

When your licence expires or is nearing expiration, you must reapply to continue working legally. Working without a valid SIA licence is against the law and can significantly impact your job prospects.

Maintaining an active and up-to-date licence is crucial for anyone pursuing a career in the security industry.

Renewing An SIA Licence Through Your Employer

The SIA provides services that allow employers to renew a licence on behalf of their employees. These services, known as Licence Assist and Licence Management, are exclusively available to SIA Approved Contractors.

All private security companies should ideally be SIA Approved Contractors, signifying that they are accredited by the SIA and meet the highest standards for providing security services.

To verify whether a security company is accredited, you can check their status by clicking here.

Source: Security Industry Authority

Renewing An SIA Licence Yourself

Follow these steps if you are renewing your licence yourself:

1. Register For A Personal Online Account

• Provide your personal details and email address.
• Choose a username and password.
• Activate your account via the confirmation email.

2. Log In To The Self-Service Website

• Access your account and submit the required information, ensuring it matches the details of your existing licence.

3. Start Your Renewal

• Navigate to the ‘Licences’ tab in your account.
• Select ‘Actions’ > ‘Renew’ to begin.
• Complete all sections (1-9) of the renewal form and carefully review your information before submitting.

4. Follow Next Steps

• After submitting your application, you will receive an email with instructions on the next steps.
• Pay the renewal fee online or at a Post Office.
• If your photo has expired (photos are valid for 8 years and 8 months), you will need to visit a Post Office to update it.

5. Checks In Progress

The SIA will carry out checks on:

• Your criminal record.
• Your right to work in the UK.
• The validity of your photo.

You may receive emails regarding these checks. Responding quickly to any requests will help avoid delays in processing your application.

6. Decision

If your renewal is approved, you will receive a confirmation letter and your new licence card within 14 days. Once confirmed, you can legally resume work.

7. If Your Application Is Refused

• The SIA will provide a detailed explanation for their decision.
• You have 21 days from the date on the decision letter to respond or appeal their decision.

SIA Licence Revocation

There is a possibility your SIA Licence could be revoked. Reasons for this include:

• Your licence has been used for fraudulent documents and/or fraudulent identity.
• The licence has been used by someone other than you to engage in licensable conduct.
• You do not have the training qualifications that you claimed to have on your application.
• You receive a conviction, caution, warning, absolute/conditional discharge, or admonishment for a relevant offence.
• You refuse or neglect to undertake the training you have been directed to undertake.
• The SIA hold information that indicates you are not a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

The SIA will send you a letter notifying you of their decision to revoke your licence and will invite you to provide additional information. You will have 21 days to respond to this letter.

In your response, you may address any errors you believe exist in their assessment. If you do not reply within 21 days, the revocation will take immediate effect.

Once the revocation is in effect, you will have an additional 21 days to appeal the decision to a Magistrates’ or Sheriffs’ Court.

If you submit a reply, the SIA will contact you with their final decision.

SIA Licence Suspension

SIA Licence suspension take immediate effect, meaning you cannot legally work in any licensable sector, even if employed by an approved contractor. The SIA typically only suspends a licence when they believe there is a clear threat to public safety that requires urgent action.

If the SIA decides to suspend your licence, they will send you a letter detailing the reason for the suspension. The suspension will take effect immediately, and you will have 21 days to either appeal the decision to a Magistrates’ Court or address any factual errors in the SIA’s assessment.

A suspended licence will remain inactive until the matter is resolved.

To stay informed about the latest SIA news, including changes to SIA First Aid training or whether you can become a security guard with a criminal record, be sure to visit our news page.