A front-line SIA licence is obtained via a licence-linked, Ofqual-regulated qualification (a Level 2 award for door supervisors, security guards and CCTV operators; Level 3 for close protection), an identity check, and a DBS criminal-record check (the SIA runs a DBS check on every applicant; a record does not automatically bar). Licences are valid for 3 years. Door-supervisor and security-guard renewals now require mandatory refresher training (with an up-to-date Emergency First Aid at Work qualification). From 1 December 2025 updated licensing criteria apply — an expanded list of relevant offences and an overseas criminal-record check extended from five to ten years. Non-front-line licences cover supervisory/management roles.
What it costs to qualify
- Additional licence in same application (discount rule changed 1 June 2026)
- First licence £204; each other licence £102 (50% discount); no discount for vehicle immobiliser[3]
Sources & verification
- A front-line SIA licence requires a licence-linked Level 2/3 qualification + identity + a DBS check, and is valid for 3 years, source, Last verified 2026-10-15
- From 1 December 2025 the SIA applies updated licensing criteria (expanded relevant offences; overseas criminal-record check extended from 5 to 10 years), plus mandatory refresher training for door supervisor/security guard renewals, source, Last verified 2026-09-11 🔶
- Additional licence in same application (discount rule changed 1 June 2026): First licence £204; each other licence £102 (50% discount); no discount for vehicle immobiliser, source, Last verified 2026-10-15 🔶
Verified reference information, not professional, medical, legal or careers advice. Regulations change; always check the cited primary source before relying on it.