UK Security (SIA) License Guide

If you want to work in security in the UK, you almost certainly need an SIA licence. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the government regulator for the private security industry across the UK. This guide explains the licence types, the training you must complete first, how to apply, what it costs, and the right-to-work rules.

What the SIA licence is

The SIA is the official body that regulates private security in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. An SIA licence is the legal permit that lets you work in a front-line security role. Working in most security jobs without the correct licence is a criminal offence — so for nearly every guarding, door or CCTV role, the licence comes first.

Licence types

You apply for the licence that matches the work you’ll do. The most common are:

• Door Supervisor — pubs, clubs, events and venues. The most versatile licence, as it also covers general guarding duties.
• Security Guard — guarding premises and property (static and patrol).
• Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) — operating CCTV control rooms.
• Close Protection — bodyguarding (a higher-level qualification).
• Cash and Valuables in Transit — secure transport of cash and valuables.

Each licence type requires its own training and qualification — a security guard course doesn’t qualify you for door supervision, and vice versa. Many people choose the Door Supervisor licence because it covers the widest range of jobs.

The training you need first

Before you can apply, you must complete the approved Level 2 qualification for your chosen role, delivered by an approved training provider. The course typically covers:

• The roles, responsibilities and law around private security
• Conflict management and communication
• Health and safety, and emergency procedures
• For door supervisors, physical intervention skills
• An emergency first-aid element

The training is where most of your cost and time go. Choose a provider that’s recognised for SIA qualifications.

The application process

1. Complete your Level 2 qualification for the licence type you want.
2. Gather your documents — proof of identity and proof of your right to work in the UK.
3. Apply online through GOV.UK, where you’ll pass an identity check and a criminal record (criminality) check.
4. Pay the licence fee to the SIA.
5. Once approved, your licence is issued (usually as a card you wear on shift), valid for three years.

What it costs

There are two separate costs: the SIA licence application fee (paid per licence to the SIA) and the training course fee (paid to your training provider). The training is usually the larger of the two. Because the official licence fee is updated from time to time, always confirm the current fee on GOV.UK before you apply.

Avoid “guaranteed licence” scams. No one can sell you an SIA licence without the real training and the SIA’s own checks. If a “trainer” promises a licence with no proper course, or asks for cash to skip the process, walk away — read how to spot and avoid job scams. A genuine licence always comes through approved training and the official SIA application.

After you’re licensed

With a valid licence you can apply for security work across the UK — venues, retail, corporate sites, events and logistics. Keep your licence in date (renew before the three years are up), and consider adding a second licence type to widen your options. If your longer-term plan is the Gulf, the equivalent there is the Dubai system — see our Dubai SIRA security licence guide.

Official resources

• Security Industry Authority (SIA) — GOV.UK

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