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By London Security College

How to Apply for an SIA Licence

London Security College

May 19, 2025

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How to Apply for an SIA Licence: A Complete Guide

If you want to work in the UK private security industry, you’ll need a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Whether you’re applying on your own or through your employer, this guide will walk you through each step of the process.

Step 1: Prepare Before You Apply

Before you begin the application, ensure that:

You are at least 18 years old
You have the correct SIA-recognised qualification
You can provide identity documents and a 5-year address history
You have the legal right to work in the UK
You can pay the £184 licence fee (non-refundable)

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You’ll need to provide documents confirming your identity and address history. This is a crucial step, as missing or incorrect documents can delay your application.

SIA Group A Documents (Prove your identity)

You need to provide one document from Group A. These documents confirm your core identity, such as:

A valid, signed passport (UK or international)
A photocard driving licence issued by the DVLA (England, Scotland, Wales)
A photocard and paper counterpart driving licence issued by the DVA (Northern Ireland)
A UK original birth certificate (issued within 12 months of birth)
A UK adoption certificate
A UK biometric residence permit (BRP) card

These documents should be current and in good condition. Your name should match the name on your other documents. If not, you may need to provide proof of name change.

SIA Group B Documents (Prove your address)

You need to provide two documents from Group B to confirm your current residential address. Each must be from a different source, and your full name and address must be shown.

Acceptable SIA Group B documents include:

Bank or building society statements from the last 3 months (must be original – not printed online)
Credit card statements from the previous 3 months
Utility bills (gas, electricity, water, landline, or cable/satellite TV – not mobile phone bills) from the last 3 months
Council tax bill from the previous 12 months
Mortgage statement from the last 12 months
Letters from HMRC, Department of Work and Pensions, Jobcentre Plus, or your local authority (dated within the last 3 months)
UK P45 or P60 from the previous 12 months
UK paper driving licence (not the photocard counterpart)
A valid UK firearms licence with a photo
Pension, endowment or ISA statement (within the last 12 months)

Step 3: Understand the SIA Licence Fees

The current SIA licence fee is:

£184 for a single licence (valid for 3 years)
£92 for each additional licence in a different sector (if eligible for the discount)

You must pay the full fee at the time of application. The SIA does not accept instalments, and payments are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

Step 4: Apply for Your SIA Licence

Option 1: Apply Yourself

Create an online SIA account
Complete all nine sections of the application form
Pay the licence fee (if you are responsible for payment)
Visit a designated Post Office for identity verification and a photo
Upload any additional documents requested, such as overseas criminal record checks

Option 2: Apply Through Your Employer

If your employer is an SIA Approved Contractor, they may apply for the licence on your behalf.

In this case, you must:

Create an SIA online account
Link your account to your employer’s
Provide identity documents and attend any appointments requested
Follow the instructions provided in the ‘next steps’ message

Your employer will complete and apply and usually pay the licence fee.

If You’ve Lived Outside the UK

If you have spent more than 6 continuous months outside the UK in the past 5 years, you will need to:

Provide criminal record checks from the country/countries you lived in
Provide a signed passport-style photo certified by a UK passport holder
Submit identity documents as instructed

This applies whether you live outside the UK now or lived abroad at any time in the past 5 years.

Step 5: Application Processing Time

The SIA does not guarantee how long your application will take. Processing time depends on:

How quickly you provide correct and complete information
Whether you have lived abroad
Whether you have a criminal record
Whether your right to work needs to be checked
How many applications are being processed at the time

You can check your application status anytime by logging into your SIA online account.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once your checks are complete, the SIA will:

Make a decision
Send you a letter (by post and online)
Issue your licence card if approved

If your application is refused, the letter will explain why and outline your right to appeal.

Need SIA Help?

At London Security College, we can help you through the entire process—from SIA training to application support. Contact us if you need help preparing documents, applying online, or choosing the right course.