FAQ

The five most frequently asked questions are shown below.  

How do I apply for a licence?

You can request an application pack by filling in our online form or calling 0844 892 1025 (lines open 8am until 8pm Mon-Fri).

Please note: clicking the link below will transfer you to our secure server, which will open in a new window. You must be using Internet Explorer 6 (service pack 1) or above, or Netscape 7.02 for the new site to display properly. You can return to this site by closing the new window.
 

How do I renew my licence?

Licence renewals cost the same as a new application and use the same application form - just enter an 'X' in the 'Renewal' box in Section B of the form.

Don't wait until after your existing licence expires: you need a valid licence to work legally and there's no grace period between licences.

We will accept licence renewals up to four months in advance of when your current licence expires. If your application for renewal is successful and is processed before your existing licence expires, you will not be disadvantaged as the new licence will expire three years after your current licence expires.

If you submit your application earlier than this it will be treated as a new application. If the application is successful your new licence will expire three years from when we grant it. It will not be extended by the time remaining on your current licence.

No additional training or qualification is required for this round of renewals.

When you send us your application form you will also need to send your supporting documents. However, you won't need to provide these if you have previously sent any of the following for a successful licence application and you have not changed your name or address since then:

Signed valid passport of any nationality
Signed UK photo driving licence (both parts of the full or provisional licence are required)
Valid UK firearms licence with photo
HM Forces ID card (UK)
If your name has changed you will need to submit a fresh, complete set of identity documents. If your address has changed you will need to send one group B document showing your new address.

If I have moved house, do I need to inform the SIA of my new address?

Yes, it is a condition of your licence that you should inform us as soon as practical of any change of address. You should send us notification of the change together with a Group B document containing your new address to:

Security Industry Authority
PO Box 1293
Liverpool
L69 1AX.

How much does an SIA licence cost?

The cost of an SIA licence is £245. Only payments made in UK pounds sterling can be accepted. Available payment methods are Cheque from a UK bank account, a valid UK debit or credit card, a UK banker's draft or a Uk postal order. Cheques should be made payable to Security Industry Authority. The fee for an SIA licence application should be submitted with your application.

Does the SIA take into account warning, cautions or convictions committed by juveniles?

If offences which you committed as a juvenile remain on your record then we will take them into account as we do any other offence. We will see how relevant, how serious, and how recent they were, but we will also consider your age at the time of the offence.

We will not consider criminal records gained between the ages of 10 and 12 unless they relate to extremely serious offences as originally described in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. We will, however, look at any serious offences committed between the ages of 12 and 15 and all relevant offences if committed between the ages of 16 and 17.