The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the UK regulator for the private security industry. It was established under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 and is responsible for licensing individuals who carry out certain regulated security activities. [1]
An SIA licence is an individual licence. It belongs to the security operative, not to the security company employing or supplying them. This is different from the SIA's Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS), which is a voluntary quality-assurance scheme for security companies. [2]
What does an SIA licence mean?
An SIA licence means that the individual has been assessed against the SIA's licensing requirements for the relevant security activity. Depending on the licence type, this can involve identity checks, criminal-record checks and required licence-linked training. [3]
For most front-line licence types, the operative must have the appropriate licence-linked qualification before applying. Applicants must also be at least 18 and satisfy the SIA's other licensing requirements. [3]
An SIA licence is not a general qualification to work in security. The licence must match the activity being carried out.
Common SIA front-line licences
| Licence | What it generally covers |
|---|---|
| Security Guarding | Guarding premises or property against damage, theft, unauthorised access or disorderly behaviour. |
| Door Supervision | Security work at licensed premises, including guarding against damage, theft, unauthorised access or disorderly behaviour. |
| Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) | Certain CCTV activities involving the identification or monitoring of people for security purposes. |
| Close Protection | Protecting individuals against physical assault or injury. |
| Cash & Valuables in Transit | Guarding and transporting cash or valuables in secure vehicles. |
| Key Holding | Security work involving the keeping or control of keys or devices used to operate locks. |
The exact activities covered by each licence are defined by SIA guidance, and some licences also permit additional licensable activities. [1]
When is an SIA licence required?
Whether a licence is required depends on what the person is doing, how the work is arranged, and the circumstances of the role.
Generally, an SIA licence is required where someone performs a licensable security activity as part of a contract for services. There are important exceptions and special rules. For example, door supervision at licensed premises requires an SIA licence even when the person is employed directly by the venue. [1]
Not every person working in a security-related role requires an SIA licence. The activity being performed is what matters.
For event staff, the requirements can also depend on the duties being performed. Someone working as an event steward, for example, does not automatically need an SIA licence simply because they are working at an event. [4]
How can an SIA licence be checked?
The SIA maintains a public register of licence holders. Employers and other organisations can use it to check whether an individual holds the appropriate licence. [5]
A check can be made using the person's 16-digit SIA licence number, or by searching using identifying information such as their surname and date of birth.
For front-line licence holders, the physical licence card should normally be displayed where it can be seen while the individual is carrying out licensable activity, subject to limited exceptions such as certain covert activities. [6]
SIA licences are normally issued for three years, except vehicle immobiliser licences, which are issued for one year. A licence does not renew automatically. [7]
What happens if the licence is not valid?
Employers and organisations using security services should ensure that personnel carrying out licensable activities hold the appropriate licence.
GOV.UK states that paying someone to work in private security without the required SIA licence can result in a fine or imprisonment. [5]
Licence holders must also comply with the conditions attached to their licence. Breaching those conditions can result in warnings, suspension or revocation, and may constitute a criminal offence. [8]
SIA licences and Martyn's Law
Martyn's Law is the common name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. The legislation is intended to improve preparedness and protective security at certain public premises and events. [9]
The connection with SIA licensing is important, but the two are not the same thing.
- An SIA licence regulates certain individuals carrying out private security activities.
- Martyn's Law places duties on certain premises and event operators to improve preparedness for terrorist attacks.
- Holding an SIA licence does not, by itself, make a venue or organisation compliant with Martyn's Law.
- The SIA will become the regulator for Martyn's Law when the relevant provisions come into force. [10]
The government currently expects Martyn's Law to commence in spring 2027. The exact commencement date is to be confirmed. [10]
The SIA and Home Office have published guidance and consultation material ahead of implementation. The requirements will depend on whether a particular premises or event falls within the scope of the legislation. [9][10]
SIA licensing is only one part of effective security
An SIA licence provides an important regulatory baseline for individuals undertaking licensable security work. It does not, however, replace an organisation's responsibility for appropriate staffing, supervision, risk assessment, training, incident management or other applicable legal and operational requirements.
For organisations using security personnel, it is good practice to verify that the right person holds the right licence for the activity they are performing, and to keep appropriate records of checks and deployment.
Official resources
Official guidance covering licensable activities and the different types of SIA licence.
GOV.UK — Find out if you need an SIA licenceExplains the distinction between individual SIA licensing and approval of security companies.
GOV.UK — SIA Approved Contractor SchemeCurrent requirements for applications, qualifications, checks, fees and licence duration.
GOV.UK — Apply for an SIA licenceGuidance on when event staff require an SIA licence.
GOV.UK — SIA licensing at eventsOfficial public register and guidance for checking security workers.
GOV.UK — Check a private security licenceCurrent requirements for front-line licence holders, including displaying the licence.
GOV.UK — SIA licence conditionsCurrent renewal requirements and licence validity information.
GOV.UK — Renew your SIA licenceInformation on conditions, enforcement and possible consequences of breaches.
GOV.UK — SIA licence conditions and penaltiesOfficial statutory guidance and information about Martyn's Law.
GOV.UK — Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025Current information on the SIA's future regulatory role and expected spring 2027 commencement.
GOV.UK — Understanding Martyn's Law and the SIA's role