Who needs an SIA licence?
Any person working in a licensable security role — including door supervision, security guarding, close protection, vehicle immobilisation, public space surveillance (CCTV), and key holding — must hold a valid SIA licence for that role. Working without a licence, or being deployed without one, is a criminal offence under the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
When do SIA licences expire?
SIA licences are valid for 3 years from the date of issue. The expiry date is printed on the front of the licence. After expiry, the licence is invalid and the operative cannot legally work in a licensable security role. Renewals must be applied for and approved before the current licence expires — there is no grace period.
The employer's responsibility
An employer who deploys an unlicensed operative faces prosecution under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, regardless of whether they knew the licence had expired. It is the employer's responsibility to verify that every operative holds a valid, current licence before deployment, and to monitor expiry dates proactively.
How to renew an SIA licence
Renewals must be applied for through the SIA's online portal at least 4-6 weeks before the current licence expires (the SIA recommends applying up to 8 weeks before). The renewal requires a first aid certificate, a relevant qualification, a DBS check, and a fee. Processing times vary. If the renewal is not completed before the licence expires, the operative cannot work until the new licence is issued.
Tracking SIA licences across your security workforce
For a security company with 10 operatives, each with a 3-year licence staggered across different issue dates, tracking every expiry date manually is a constant administrative burden. A single missed renewal means criminal exposure. Automated tracking ensures every renewal is flagged with enough lead time to complete the application process before expiry.