How To Get Licensed

Once you have successfully passing your SIA Training course you can apply for the SIA Licence, however it is your responsibility to ensure that you have satisfied the necessary training requirement. If not you will not be granted a licence.

The license application process normally takes about six weeks for each application to be processed. This is from when the SIA receives a correctly completed application form with the required documentation.

The longest part of the process is the criminal background check, especially those requiring overseas criminality checks may take longer than six weeks to process. Once this is complete the SIA will make a decision whether to issue a licence. They will write to you explaining their decision. The licence issued to be valid for a period of three years.

Important, it is a legal requirement for any person working in the United Kingdom security industry to have the necessary training, qualification and relevant license accredited by the Security Industry Authority. If you work in the industry without a valid SIA Licence is a criminal offence, which means you could be fined and even put in prison. 
SIA can withdraw or suspend your licence at any time if you fail to meet the licensing requirements, or are found to be involved in any malpractice.

For a Step-by-Step guide to applying for a license click here:

Door supervision:

http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/Step-By-Step.aspx?page=Pages/licensing-door-supervision.aspx

Security guarding:

http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/Step-By-Step.aspx?page=Pages/licensing-security-guarding.aspx

License application pack:
To request an SIA Application Pack click here:
https://portal.the-sia.org.uk/Web/start.swe?SWECmd=GotoView&_sn=S39l6e.PHXnQPU-wx0sEw7LVPEIFumtRsvhQ44N3Hok_&SWEView=LDL+eService+Send+Application+View&SWEHo=portal.the-sia.org.uk&SWETS=1303302233
You can request this pack before you have completed your training course to save time.

Documentation required
Along with your completed license application you will need to supply certain documentation. You will also need to send several passport size photographs.
Click here to check what documentation is required:
Documentation

The cost of applying for SIA licence is currently £245. If you get work with a larger security company you may find they will pay for the cost of the license application for you. Please check with the companies concerned for terms and conditions
If you have made your application to the SIA and want to check the status of your application click here:
 Application Status

Past Criminal Convictions?
It is a common misconception that if you have any criminal convictions you cannot work in the private security industry.

This is not true
The SIA will always carry out a criminal record check on anyone who applies for a licence. If you have a criminal record, it does not necessarily mean that you will not get a licence.
However, if you do have any convictions, warnings, cautions, absolute/conditional discharges, admonishments or charges awaiting trial for offences they will make a decision according to certain criteria.

SIA criminality criteria
http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/Step-By-Step.aspx?page=Pages/licensing-criminality-criteria.aspx

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