You have passed your course. The certificate is on its way. Now the licence is between you and the Security Industry Authority. The whole application is done through your own SIA online account, and it is straightforward if you set the account up properly and use exactly the same details as your ID and certificate. Follow the steps below in order.
- 1
Go to the SIA on gov.uk
Go to the SIA's apply for a licence page on gov.uk and follow its link to the SIA online account. Only use the official site: nobody else can apply for you, and third-party sites charge for nothing.
GOV.UKSecurity Industry AuthorityApply for an SIA licence → - 2
Create your account
Register with your own email address and choose a strong password. The SIA sends a verification link: open it to activate the account. Use an email you will still have access to in three years, because renewal reminders and messages go there.
Create accountEmail addressPasswordRegister → - 3
Enter your details exactly as on your ID
Full legal name including middle names, date of birth, contact details and your address history. The SIA matches your qualification to your account using your name and date of birth, so one spelling difference between your account and your certificate will stop it showing. Copy from your passport or driving licence, not from memory.
Your detailsFull name (as on ID)Date of birthAddress history - 4
Start the application and add your qualification
Choose the licence you trained for: Door Supervisor, Security Guard or CCTV Operator. Enter your qualification details from your certificate, including the awarding body (Highfield for our courses). If your certificate is not yet showing, give it a few working days and read what to do if it does not appear.
Licence typeDoor SupervisorSecurity GuardCCTV - 5
Prove your identity
The SIA tells you which documents it accepts and how to verify them for your application: this may be an online identity check or a check in person, depending on the SIA's current process. Use the same documents you brought to the course, an in-date passport or UK driving licence plus proof of address, and make sure every name and address matches.
Identity checkPassport ✓Proof of address ✓ - 6
Pay the licence fee
The fee is paid to the SIA by card at the end of the application. The current fee is published on the SIA's apply for a licence page and a licence lasts three years. Your course fee with us does not include it.
PaymentSIA licence feePay by card → - 7
Track it and answer any messages
The SIA runs identity and criminal record checks. Log in to check progress, and respond quickly if the SIA asks for anything, because the application waits until you do. When it is granted, your licence is posted to the address on your account.
Application statusChecks in progress
Five mistakes that delay licences
- Details that do not match. The number one cause of "my qualification is not showing". Your SIA account, your ID and your certificate must carry the same name and date of birth.
- Applying before the certificate has been issued. Wait until we confirm your certificate is issued by the awarding body, then apply. See when to call the SIA.
- Ignoring account messages. If the SIA asks for a document, the application stops until you send it. Check the account every few days.
- Letting someone else apply for you. Only you can hold the account and make the application. Agencies that offer to "do it for you" cannot speed anything up.
- Using an email you will lose. Work emails and old addresses cause problems at renewal time. Use a personal email you will keep.
After the licence arrives
Check every detail on the card against your ID. Keep a note of your licence number and expiry date, set a reminder for the month before expiry, and read our renewal guides for Door Supervisor and Security Guard when the time comes.
FAQ
Can I create my SIA account before my course?
You can, but there is no need. Set it up once you have passed, so your certificate details are to hand when you fill it in.
How long does the SIA take to issue a licence?
It depends on the identity and criminal record checks for your application. Applying with matching details, responding to messages promptly and applying as soon as your certificate is issued is the fastest route.
Is the licence fee included in my course?
No. The SIA's fee is paid directly to the SIA at the end of the application. Our course price covers your training, e-learning, exams, first aid where included and the Exam Warranty.
What if my application is refused?
The SIA writes to you with the reason and your options. If you think the decision is wrong, the letter explains how to challenge it. Message us if you want to talk it through.
Ready to book your course?
Current prices and dates are on our calendar. Everything about A Security Academy, the SIA-approved training centre in Hayes, West London, is on the home page.